The Tahoma wrestling team has devoted a season to working to become the best wrestlers they can be. As the season comes to a close, after a triumphant state tournament for both the boys and the girls, the Tahoma bears’ hard work has paid off. This year the boys came home with the 4A state title and set an all time state record with 12 total places. The girls placed in the top 10 as a school out of almost 90 schools competing, and had three Tahoma bears place in their weight class: Katie Peterson in the 235 class, Liz Kovacs in the 145 class, and Za’Lane Hulitt in the 140 class. A Feat that has never been done by the Tahoma girls wrestling team. 

This year, the state wrestling tournament was held at the Tacoma dome where families, friends, teams, athletes, and supporters filled the dome surrounding the 24 wrestling mats that were run simultaneously to one another. Through the short weekend, starting on friday and going to saturday, the top eight wrestlers from each weight class competed for the number one position and places that followed. 

Liz Kovacs, a senior at Tahoma high school, and one of three girls that placed this year at state, has been wrestling for four years and describes wrestling as a place to meet people, grow in your own skill, and develop self confidence. Kovacs is an accomplished member of the Tahoma team and has been working hard the last four years to become the wrestler she is today. 

“I love that wrestling is like an improv where you have to read pressure and use what is given to you. I love that there is never ending possibility to learn and improve. It is a close contact sport, so you get really mentally and emotionally close to your training partners as well as physically.” 

Kovacs explains what she is proud of in this season in particular. This is her fourth and last year as an athlete for Tahoma after years of dedication and being a student of the sport. 

“I am proud of how much I was able to improve this season despite the disruptions of my two injuries. The team’s performance was incredible as well. This year, each of the girls saw improvements in their wrestling by the end of the season, and they worked hard throughout the season.” 

Through the years, wrestling has become a huge aspect to Kovacs’ life. Without the dedication she had towards the sport, she explains, “I would never have half the friends and connections to the people that I know today without wrestling. Wrestling has let me meet so many amazing people from all over, and have special travel experiences. Wrestling is honestly a really big part of who I am. It has taught me so much from persistence, to grit, integrity, accountability, positive body image, self-confidence, and so much more.” 

Not only for Kovacs, but for all of the Tahoma athletes, this year has become one for the books, filled with a hard working team ready for the challenges and ready to perform. 

Remember to take a minute and congratulate both the girls and the boys teams this year. With a first time ever top 10 as a school for the girls, and five girls competing in the state tournament, and a state title for the boy, the 2024 season has ended with victory. All thanks for talented athletes and a dedicated coach: Chris Feist who won the 4A coach of the year. This relatively new program is continuing to grow and expand in their drive, numbers, and accomplishments as a team. Go bears!