Washington high school wrestling at Mat Classic semifinals recap 2024: Returning state champions meet

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TACOMA, Wash. – Of the seven Mat Classic XXXV tournaments going on this weekend, only one bracket featured the possibility of two returning state champions meeting.

And they did – in the WIAA semifinals Saturday morning.

Two-time state champion Jacob Chapa, of Southridge, erased a deficit with a frantic third-period rally to upend Andrew Flores, of Lincoln of Tacoma, 5-2, in the Class 3A 120-pound semifinals.

“I feel like all my matches … I do something to turn them around at the end,” Chapa said.

Flores, who won the state title in this weight class in 2023, controlled the action early, registering a takedown at the end of the first period – and threatening multiple times to add to his lead.

“We wrestle very similar. so it was hard to wrestle him,” Chapa said. “He was lower than me – I am super tall and lanky – so my head was always above his, and it was easy for him to get those shots in.”

Chapa – who was just cleared to wrestle three weeks ago after sitting out much of the season academically ineligible – trailed 2-1 entering the final period, but got the decisive take down at teh 1:25 mark. Suddenly, the Suns’ standout found a second wind, and turned his opponent on his back with 45 seconds to for a two-point takedown.

After that, Chapa rode him for much of the remaining time – and celebrated on his feet by throwing his hands in the air after a comeback 5-2 win.

Now, he is in position to leave Washington wrestling as a three-time champion. He will face Hermiston’s Aidan Larson in the 120 finals Saturday night.

“That is my main goal, to make my family happy, make my coaches proud,” Chapa said.