SPOKANE - The Othello Huskies came oh so close to being crowned champions at the GNL/CWAC Regional Tournament Saturday. But the team came up just a bit short, losing to the Deer Park Stags at West Valley High School in Spokane.

"I am very pleased with how we started the Regional Tournament on Friday evening and how we finished Saturday,' coach Ruben Martinez said. "We've been wrestling our best these past two weekends and that will help us as we prepare for next weekend in Tacoma."

Othello will take nine wrestlers and one alternate to the Mat Classic this weekend.

Those making the trip are Anthony Barrera and  Isaiah Barrera (106), AJ Garza (113), Lucas Garza (126), Eric Garza (152),Mathew Melo (160), Stephen Villarreal (182), Joey Gomez, Othello (220) and Bubba Ruiz (285). George Rodrigue (220) is the lone alternate.

"We knew we had some tough draws going into the semis this past weekend at regionals, but we also knew that if we fell into the consolation rounds that we would be wrestling kids that we had previously competed against successfully in the district tournament," Martinez said. "We were able to get eight into the semis and then squeeze three into the finals. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish."

Othello also has six wrestlers and one alternate from their girls team going to the big show in Tacoma.

"I looked at draws for state and we plan on winning nine matches in the first round," Martinez said. "That will put us right in there with the top teams. Deer Park also qualified nine, Centralia qualified 10, and MT. Baker qualified 12 wrestlers. Those are teams we need to beat, so it will be very important for us to get those wins in the first round if we want to be in the hunt."

Individual regional results

(106)-Anthony Barrera, Othello, defeated Isaiah Barrera, Othello on a disqualification.

(113) - AJ Garza, Othello lost to Carlos Hernandez from Toppenish, 5-3 to finish fourth.

(126)-  Lucas Garza, Othello, lost to Cole Harris from Deer Park, 5-2 to finish second.

(152)- Eric Garza, Othello, beat Carter Bushman, Quincy by injury default to claim third place.

(160)- Mathew Melo, Othello, beat Nick Gonzalez, East Valley, 5-1 to take third.

(182)- Stephen Villarreal, Othello, beat Spenser Rassier, Cheney, 8-7 to claim third place.

(220)- Joey Gomez, Othello, pinned Raul Pech from Toppenish to claim the regional championship match. The Huskies George Rodriguez beat Zac Corean from Cheney, 3-2 for fifth place.

(285)- Othello's Bubba Ruiz lost by pin to Martin Torres from Grandview to finish second.