Rochester wrestler plans to add to his family's legacy

The school’s wrestlers with top-four finishes at Mat Classic are etched there. There’s Justin Eastman, a four-time top-four placer at state – including state championships at 145 and 152 pounds. Zach Eastman, a 2010 state champ at 130 pounds, has his name on the wall.

Lucas Eastman is constantly reminded of what his older brothers have accomplished when he runs his warm-up laps during first-period weight training.

“Every day, it’s a little bit of a reminder,” Eastman said. “I feel that this is the year.”

An exclamation point on Eastman’s sensational sophomore season can come by winning his first state title Saturday at the Tacoma Dome at Mat Classic XXV. He has been ranked No. 1 in Class 1A at 145 pounds all season, even though he has

often competed in matches at 152 pounds.

He has a 38-0 record following last weekend’s 1A Region I tournament in Hoquiam, and already has surpassed the school record for takedowns with 152. The previous record of 117 was held by brother Zach, and he’s two pins away from tying oldest-brother Justin for pins in a season (26). Justin, a 2007 Rochester graduate, is now in his first season as the Warriors’ coach after taking the reins from their father, Les.

Not many wrestlers have had much luck against Lucas Eastman this winter. One of his toughest – and closest – matches came in an early-season dual meet at home against Castle Rock, where he defeated Pacer Said, the 2012 state champion at 152 pounds. Eastman won, 6-4.

Eastman’s goal during each match isn’t a pin, but rather racking up takedowns to show opponents he’s in control. He aims for five takedowns a match.

“All of those takedowns just means I am that much more confident that I can take down anybody,” he said. “Even if I’m in a sticky situation, it’s not very hard to get out of.”

As a youngster, Eastman attended all the Mat Classics in which his brothers participated, and watched them compete – and win – state titles. His dream of winning a state championship has been there since he was 5.

After a 24-7 record and a trip to state last year as a freshman, Eastman wanted more. He studied film of his matches and critiqued himself on his seven losses. He needed to be more aggressive, he thought.

“I saw a lot of opportunities that I didn’t take,” he said.

He didn’t compete in football this past fall – he played defensive back and wide receiver in 2011 – so he could concentrate on wrestling and conditioning. Extra running, eating healthy and extra practice sessions with brother and coach Justin has paid off.

“It’s been one of those lifelong dreams,” he said. “You have to put in a lot of extra work if you want to be on top.”

Mat Classic XXV

When: Today and Saturday

Where: Tacoma Dome

Admission: Single-day pass, $15 for adults, $11 for students and seniors; tournament pass, $23 for adults, $17 for students and seniors.

South Sound entrants

Class 4A

113: Darren Harris, Yelm

120: Victor Munoz, Yelm

126: Brian Rochester, Yelm

132: Logan Pine, Olympia

138: Dillon Harris, Yelm

152: Brandon Rochester, Yelm; James Rodeman, Yelm

160: Anthony Allred, Yelm

182: Josh Newbill, Olympia

195: Jeffrey Leuth, Yelm; Tanner Hartsoch, Olympia

285: Tristan Glaser, Yelm

Class 3A

106: Riley Riffe, Shelton

113: Nico Laiuppa, Timberline

120: Justin Savard, North Thurston; Gage George, Timberline

132: Josh Beam, Timberline

145: Bernardo Olivas, Shelton

152: Marcus Ulloth, North Thurston

182: Ethan Metzger, Timberline

195: Jake Grantham, North Thurston; Tanner Risk, Timberline

220: Stone Hart, Timberline

285: Ben Anderson, Shelton

Class 2A

106: Jackson Mills, Tumwater; Bryce Bock, Centralia

113: Mason Adams, Black Hills; Austin Chase, Tumwater

120: Denver Parker, W.F. West

132: Riley Wolf, Tumwater; Cameron Nolan, Tumwater

145: Michael Stuart, Centralia

152: Kellen Pelzel, Centralia

160: Elijah Camacho, River Ridge; Spencer Gurrad, Black Hills; Cole Riccardo, Centralia

170: Billy Tufts, W.F. West

182: Kyzer Bailey, Centralia

195: Sam Richards, Tumwater; Nick Lund, W.F. West

220: Jose Jimenez, Tumwater; Tyler Rosenkranz, Centralia; Gage Rife, W.F. West

285: Alex Daarud, Centralia

Class 1A

106: Ryan Wilson, Elma

113: Matt Gamino, Elma

120: Bobby Brien, Rochester

132: Tanner Sample, Elma; Riley Fisher, Tenino

138: Tyson Dick, Elma

145: Austin Cristelli, Elma; Lucas Eastman, Rochester

152: Alex Carbal, Rochester

160: Zack Chamberlain, Tenino

170: William McGinnis, Rochester; Layne Sutten, Elma

195: Austin Carrell, Elma

220: Matt Shields, Rochester

Girls

100: Isabella Silva-Pires, Centralia

106: Hailey Meyers, Yelm; Isis Wadleigh, Timberline

118: Hailey Huerta, Centralia

124: Megan Johnson, Tumwater

137: Jenna Gillaspie, Centralia

145: Mara Briggs, Olympia; Kyla Campbell, Yelm

155: Alyx Marsh, Elma; Charliana McCall, Centralia

170: Kaitlyn Whalen, Centralia; Keanna Vermillion, Rainier

190: Ryan Gibbons, Centralia; Tonie Edwards, Yelm

235: Joslyn Gillaspie, Centralia; Hailee Llewellyn, Yelm; Shanelle Berry, Yelm