McNary brought home the first state wrestling trophy in about 50 years as the girls team took third place at the state tournament in Portland that finished Saturday.
The team was led by the state title won on Saturday, Feb. 28, by Marlina Martinez, a McNary junior who wrestled at 115 pounds. She was a state champion last year as well.
“She executed her game plan perfectly,” said Coach Sam Martin. Her final match was “one of the best matches I’ve seen her wrestle.”
Martinez defeated Paisley Conway of Newberg 9-0. Conway had beaten Martinez in January at a tournament in Dallas.
McKenna Unger, wrestling at 155, made it to the championship round, losing to Khadija Tabib of Dallas to finish second. It was the third time Unger has placed in state competition.
Jenna Friesen, a freshman, finished fifth at 145 pounds, and senior Chaya Palomo was sixth at 105.
Three other Lady Celts competed at the state tournament – Jacelynn Friesen at 130 who went 2-2, Josalyn Netzel at 190- (1-2), and Kailyn Bollman-Lechner at 110 (0-2).
“As a coaching staff, we’re super proud of this girls team,” Martin said. “They were just in a groove.”
In boys competition, junior Luis Martinez had the best finish, taking fourth place at 113, losing to the eventual state champion. Martinez was the first wrestler to place for McNary boys since 2023.
Other Celts who competed at state were Harley Sowers (113), Dillon Shepherd (144), Jordan Gesik (157), Cody Kudna (190), Izaak Hendrix (215), and Darius Sakil (215).
RELATED COVERAGE:
McNary’s Marlina Martinez avenges earlier loss, wins state title months after family tragedy
Assistant coaches for the Celts included Alberni Ruiz, Alex Herrera, Ali Martinez, Chris Stahl, Joey Barros, Jordan Orr, Jose Hernandez, Mac Martin, Mike Unger and Toby Martinez.
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