Wrestling Preview: State champ Tanner Craig wants to be the wrestler others fear
The Columbian
Published: December 27, 2018, 3:16pm
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Camas’ Tanner Craig, left, and asst. coach Zane Freschette after Craig won the 132-pound state championship. Patrick Hagerty/for The Columbian
Tanner Craig embraces the target on him.
As a defending state champion, Craig knows he’s a guy other wrestlers are gunning for.
Bring it, the Camas senior says.
“I think there’s definitely a target on my back this year, but I’m ready,” said Craig. “I want to be someone on the mat who nobody wants to wrestle.”
Craig undergoes a transformation when he steps on the mat. The mild-mannered math whiz becomes a beacon of intensity, stalking around and belting out an occasional yell.
That’s before the match even starts.
“When I’m on the mat, I feel unbeatable,” Craig said.
Craig was unbeatable at last year’s Mat Classic state championships despite losing in the district and regional tournaments.
In the 132-pound state championship match, Craig scored a two-point reversal with 28 seconds left to win 2-1 over CJ Richmond of Sumner. That came after he won his semifinal match in overtime.
This season, Craig will move up one weight class to 138 pounds. He has increased the time spent in the weight room to become a physically stronger wrestler. He has also doubled the mileage he runs each week.
Craig also has big plans beyond his goal of winning a second state title. He is currently going through the application process to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.
“I fell in love with it,” Craig said about visiting the New York campus. “Everyone there is an athlete too. There are a lot of things that suit me. I’m a disciplined person.”
Along with Craig, Camas has other wrestlers who have hopes of winning state titles. Senior Jack Latimer placed third at 126 pounds and junior Gideon Malychewski placed fourth at 160 pounds.
“I want to see them win a state title just as much as I want to win,” Craig said.
Camas placed fifth the 4A team race at Mat Classic, the highest among local teams. The Papermakers hope to offer a tough challenge to Union, which has won nine district titles the past 10 years and returns a state champion in Danny Snediker.
Wrestlers to Watch
Alison Blaine, Hudson’s Bay: State champion at 135 pounds last season as a sophomore.
Ashlyn Daugherty, Woodland: Placed third in state at 100 pounds last year as a junior.
Krista Warren, Union: The state’s top-ranked 140-pounder after placing second last year.
Jack Latimer, Camas: The senior is the top-ranked 4A wrestler at 132 pounds. Third in state at 126 last year.
Gideon Malychewski, Camas: The junior is the top-ranked 170 pounder in 4A. Placed fourth in state last year.
Noah Messman, Mountain View: The sophomore placed fifth in state at 106 pounds last year.
Sanry Nguyen, Heritage: A Clark County and district champ, the senior is ranked No. 2 at 106 pounds in 4A.
Danny Snediker, Union: Last year’s state champion at 152 pounds, the senior is the top-ranked 160-pounder in the state for all classifications.
Noah Talavera, Union: Pac Coast, Clark County and district champion last year, the senior placed sixth in state at 138 pounds.
Key Dates
Dec. 28-29, Pacific Coast Championships: Many of the best teams from across the Northwest gather at Mountain View.
Jan. 11-12, Clark County Championships: Battle Ground hosts the tournament that pits wrestlers from all classifications.
Feb. 1-2, District Championships: Various sites around the area will host the 4A and 3A tournaments
Feb. 15-16, Mat Classic: State titles are on the line in the 31st edition of Mat Classic at the Tacoma Dome.
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