Hudson’s Bay junior Allison Blaine captured her second state wrestling title in February at Mat Classic. (Alisha Jucevic/The Columbian) Photo Gallery
In a 15-minute conversation, there was only one moment when Allison Blaine didn’t smile.
It was after a question about her last loss in a high-school wrestling match. That happened more than two years ago, in the semifinals of the Mat Classic state championships during her freshman year.
For a brief moment, Blaine’s competitive fire burned hotter than her sunny disposition.
Simply put, Blaine hates to lose. It’s that drive the led the Hudson’s Bay junior to a second consecutive undefeated season, culminating in another state title at Mat Classic last month.
For her accomplishments, Blaine is The Columbian’s All-Region girls wrestler of the year for a second time.
Blaine doesn’t plan on losing again. A club wrestler since childhood, she entered high school wrestling with a goal of winning four state championships.
Now she’s dead-set on winning three. It’s a drive that can be a double-edged sword.
“It’s always so much pressure,” she said. “It eats away at me, honestly. But you just take it one match at a time. It gets better every time. Throughout the season you gain more confidence.”
Blaine said her first match was the most nervous she felt this season. It was the first time she stepped on the mat as a defending state champion.
“It’s pretty nerve-wracking when everybody is coming for you when you’re at the top,” she said. “It was just nice to be able to keep my name there.”
But by the time she took the mat for the 135-pound championship match Feb. 16 at the Tacoma Dome, Blaine was cool under pressure. She wrestled in control and mistake-free in a 5-1 win over Viktorya Torres of Granger.
“Before my finals match, I was pretty calm,” Blaine said. “I knew that I deserved it and that I could do it, so I let myself relax a little bit.”
That win came one match after a bruising semifinal against Ivy Kraght of Kentwood. Blaine won 3-2 in a match that left her nose and mouth bloodied.
Though she wins many matches by pin, Blaine enjoys the tense, competitive matches.
“During a close match, it’s just the little things you have to remember through the whole match,” she said. “It’s really rewarding at the end.”
Blaine plans to compete and national-level Greco-Roman and Freestyle tournaments over the summer. Then it’s on to her quest to never lose another high school match.
“My senior year is going to be an emotional crazy ride,” she said “I’m excited for it.”
The rest of the All-Region team
Riley Aamold, Union
Sophomore placed third at 125 pounds. Collected five pins at Mat Classic to help Titans win state title.
Nevaeh Cassidy, Union
Junior placed third at 155 pounds. Clark County champion. Key member of state champion team.
Ashlyn Daugherty, Woodland
Senior was state champion at 105 pounds. Lost just twice this season. Rose City and Hammerhead champ.
Annabelle Helm, Union
Senior won 170-pound state championship. Four-time Clark County champ. Placed at state all four years.
Mariana Juarez-Trejo, Skyview
Unranked ahead of Mat Classic, the senior put together a fine tournament to place fifth at 155 pounds.
Krista Warren, Union
Senior was 140-pound state champ, reaching title match for second straight year. Clark County champ.
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