TACOMA — The common refrain when it comes to the state tournament is, “anything can happen.”

This year, the 1A field is wide open.

Deer Park is the favorite entering the weekend with the likes of Forks, Colville, Granger and Freeman right behind. And then there sits Warden.

Only a year removed from consecutive 1B/2B state championships, the Cougars bring six regional finalists, three regional champions and nine total wrestlers to Mat Classic XXX.

“Nine’s a good number, but I’m a wrestling coach,” head coach Brent Cox said. “So, if I get nine I want 10. If I get 10, I want 11.”

Headlining the Cougars’ contingent are regional champions Rodrigo Ozuna, Elijah Gonsalez and Martin Dominguez. Gonsalez fought through the flu at districts to finish third before rebounding the next weekend.

“He’s definitely one of those guys that’s flown under the radar all season,” Cox said.

Ozuna is a guy that has counted the days until this year’s state tournament.

Warden’s scrappy 138-pounder lost to eventual champion TJ Baun of Colville in the 132-pound semifinals at last year’s state tournament. Ozuna rebounded to finish third at state a year ago and is now ranked second at 138 pounds.

“He’s a fun guy to watch because he does some crazy things out there,” Cox said. “Man, he can make a lot of things happen real quick.”

Dominguez was a state participant a year ago and is ranked No. 2 at 220 pounds. Dominguez has battled through shoulder surgeries throughout his high school career and is now a serious contender at his weight.

“Martin’s had a great season,” Cox said. “He’s got a great four-year story.”

Warden also sends regional runners-up Tony Martinez (106), Anthony Martinez (132) and Tyrone Mendez (182). Roly Martinez (106), Edgar Hernandez (126) and Holden Haworth (145) round out the Cougar qualifiers.

“I think our kids are peaking at the right time,” Cox said.