The fourth-ranked Toppenish Wildcats are poised to make another strong run at the regional and state wrestling tournaments, after placing seventh last year.
Led by three District champions, Toppenish will send 13 wrestlers to regional action this weekend in Spokane. The Wildcat champions include Armando Hernandez (103), Jose Barrera (112) and Julian Romero (125). Outstanding Top-Hi freshman Carlos Hernandez joined his older brother Armando in the 103-weight class and placed second. Aaron Arredondo (119) and Luis Rodriguez (275) also finished second for the Cats, who finished third in team scoring with 235.5 points.  CWAC champ Othello won the District tournament, scoring 300 points while and Selah grabbed second with 242 and-a-half points.
Other Wildcat advancers include Raphael Osorio (140) who placed third and 4th place finisher Nick Alverado (171) who claimed the fourth place spot. Adam Chavez (135) placed fifth. Andres Chavez (135) and freshman Raul Pech (189) both placed sixth.  Rounding out the Wildcat contingent at the regional competition will be George Pech (140) and Caesar Chavez (189), both or whom finished seventh.
“We’re pretty pleased with this group,” said Top Hi head coach John L Cerna. “Everyone we thought could advance made it through.  Our league is strong this year and getting out of Districts with 13 guys is good. “
Regionals figure be a stern test for local wrestlers with Deere Park and Riverside leading the Spokane area teams. Regional action begins on their home turf at Central Valley High School with the champion matches at Saturday.
“We always tell our kids that just getting to state is the hardest part because of the outstanding teams on the eastside of the state,” said Cerna.  “ A lot of the kids we wrestle at state would not make it through our regionals.” 
SCAC West
Powerhouse Zillah had six District champions and will advance to regionals with 10. Zillah amassed 317.5 points to take the District title Granger finished second with 265.5 points and Goldendale placed third with 145.
The Leopards District champions include returning titlists Chris Castillo (152) and Kane Koerner along with teammates Cortes Hernandez (119), Skylor Davis (125), Rodney Treece (145) and Nathaniel Deardorff (215).
Granger had five District champions – Joshua Salcedo (103), Jonathan Salcedo (112) Carlos DeLeon (130), Matthew Macias (160) and Pete Almaguer (285).
Zillah will host the regional wrestling tournament on Friday and Saturday.