MATTAWA - Wahluke High School wrestling coach Russell Kovalenko is expecting a better year than last year, when one boy  qualified for state.

Among the 50 boys and 13 girls turning out, there are at least five boys and one girl Kovalenko believes will battle for state tournament berths.

"We (7) went to the Pasco team camp and combined with Royal (6), Granger (4) and Davis (3) and out-wrestled the other programs," Kovalenko said.

Topping the list of state hopefuls is senior 145-pounder Mario Herrera. He was first at districts, second at regionals and wrestled at state. His final record was 17-8.

Senior Alberto Cruz, a 215-pounder, just missed state last year. His 15-11 record included an alternate's position for state.

Senior Tyler Yorgesen, who is slated for 182 pounds, made it to regionals last year. He had a record of 17-10.

Senior Ricky Silverio was 13-6 last year at 170 pounds. He finished second at districts and wrestled at regionals.

Francisco Cuevas, another senior, had a 14-11 record at 160 pounds last year. He wrestled at regionals.

On the girls side, Evelyn Barrera returns at 120 pounds. She wrestled at regionals.

"These six will be contenders for state, but we have others who could make it," Kovalenko said.

One of the others is 132-pounder Victor Sandoval. He is a senior who wrestled at regionals.

"Our 106-pounder Antonio Gomez (a junior) is one to watch," Kovalenko said. "He wrestled hard last year and went to summer camp. He has really improved his skills."

Other girls whom Kovalenko likes for state are 106-pound junior Paula Cruz and sophomore heavyweight Jennifer Aznaran.