SPOKANE - The Quincy Jacks are sending five state qualifiers and three alternates to the Mat Classic in Tacoma this weekend.

The boys will be represented by Gabe Martinez (106) and fellow teammate Christian Alejandrez, whom he defeated Saturday 7-1 to claim the regional champion title.

Carter Bushman (152), who lost a third place battle by injury default to Othello's Eric Garza, will also be making the trip to the big stage.

"Carter has been battling injuries all season long," coach Greg Martinez said. "He missed the first six weeks because of a foot injury he suffered playing football and has been nursing a sprained ankle. But he showed a lot of heart this weekend and has the ability to make people pay when they get out of position."

Three alternates; Blas Magana (132), who defeated Wyatt Scott of West Valley, 16-15 to place fifth at regionals,  Isias Jimenez (145), who beat Chance Blackburn from East Valley, 12-6 for fifth place, and Antonio Melendez (160), who defeated Ephrata's Dalton Balentine 8-1 to take fifth as well, will also be making the trip to Tacoma.

"All of those guys finished strong to end the tournament on a positive note," Martinez said. "Blas probably had the toughest matches of the three. He lost his first match to Eric Benton from Clarkston, and his second to the kid from East Valley who was state ranked. But he came fought off his back a couple of times and came back with little time on the clock in the third round to take fifth place."

The Lady Jacks will be represented by Cynthia Ramirez (106) and Vivian Bazan (155).

"This is the first year the girls have had a full team of wrestlers," Martinez said. "We started with 15, but ended up with nine. Eight girls went to districts, four advanced to regionals and two qualified for state."