Published February 15, 2013
Rochester wrestler plans to add to his family's legacy
MEG WOCHNICKROCHESTER – The Eastman family’s name is all over the wall in the Rochester High School gymnasium. 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 Meg Wochnick: 360-754-5473 mwochnick@theolympian.com theolympian.com/southsoundsports @MegWochnick