Enumclaw High School graduate Tyson Russell made a March trip to Allen, Texas, where he joined a prestigious field for the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Championships.

Russell, who competes at 125 pounds, is a member of the wrestling program at Washington State University. Wrestling holds “club” status at WSU, though efforts continue to restore the sport to full varsity status.

Russell, a Cougar freshman, had earned his Texas trip as a fifth-place qualifier during the Northwest Conference finals staged two weeks earlier.

At nationals, Russell opened against Bruno Alves of The Apprentice School of Virginia, who eventually advanced to the tournament finals. His second match resulted in a tough 10-9 decision to Tyler Kelly from Wayne State (Nebraska).

At the Northwest Conference finals, Russell opened by pinning Diego Flores-Perdaris from Grays Harbor College. He then dropped decisions to Donnie Krissak, also of Grays Harbor, and Diego Contreras of Big Bend College, before finishing on a high note, pinning Hayden Narruhn from the University of Oregon.

In other significant developments from the WSU wrestling program:

Josiah Johnson (Toppenish, Washington) placed eighth at nationals and became the sixth WSU wrestler to earn All-America honors. That list also includes Hunter Haney, a former Enumclaw High standout.

The men’s team will be bolstered next year by the addition of current Enumclaw High senior Cade Carter, according to WSU coach Phil Burnett. Carter capped his senior season by advancing to the finals at Mat Classic, the state championship meet.