COULEE CITY — In a display of skill and tenacity, Noah Butler, a sophomore wrestler from Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School, captured the state championship title in Tacoma last weekend. With a season record of 39 wins and two losses Butler triumphed in the 215-pound weight class at the Mat Classic tournament.  

"It feels really, really good. It's like my dreams come true. I did wish I had it last year, but winning as a sophomore is a huge accomplishment,” Butler said. 

Last year, as a freshman, Butler finished second in the state tournament, falling just short of the championship. That initial taste of defeat fueled his determination not only to return to the mat but to dominate it, he said.  

Butler's journey this season has been anything but easy. Under the guidance of head coach Brandon Walsh, he focused on improving his skills, particularly after experiencing a setback early in the season.  

“I felt like I got a bit cocky,” Butler said. “My second loss to a kid from Okanogan really helped me realize that. It taught me not to be overconfident, and from then on, I focused more on technique and the fundamentals.”   

Walsh emphasized the importance of Butler's losses as turning points.  

"The loss at 190 pounds early in the season was a motivator for him,” Walsh said. “We made the decision to move up to 215 pounds, which was a key factor for his success. His loss at a tournament in mid-January re-focused him. It kick-started the end of the season for him, and it was exciting to witness his growth.” 

Butler’s state championship journey showcased not only his technical prowess but also his mental resilience. During the tournament, Butler’s matches demonstrated an ability to read his opponents and adapt, according to Walsh.  

“It is very impressive to win the state championship as a sophomore,” Walsh said. “It doesn't happen very often, and especially at a heavier weight, like 215, lots of those kids are big, strong, 18-year-old seniors. For Noah to be in the finals as a freshman at that weight class and then go win it as a sophomore, I think, says a lot about the kind of athlete he is. He is unique in that regard, to be able to wrestle with those size and strength of guys at that young of an age, but it says also says a lot about just the quality of wrestler than he is to be in the finals twice as a freshman and sophomore, says just a lot about his ability as a wrestler.” 

He achieved his first win by a pin in 58 seconds against Jax Martinez of Friday Harbor. He continued his dominating performance against Treven Houston of Wilbur-Creston, sealing a victory in the second round by fall in 1:08. He won his quarterfinal round against Angel Huizar of Granger by decision, then in his semifinal round he won by a technical fall over Oakley Bonewell of Okanogan.  

He ended the weekend with a dramatic sudden victory by one point in the championship match against Damien Spears of Liberty Bell.   

"I really focused on his weaknesses," Butler said. "My strategy was to weather the storm and defend against his blast doubles effectively." 

ACH had one other placer Mat Classic. Kayle Casimir, 285 placed eighth and scored 12 team points. The ACH boys placed 24th in the boys 1B/2B bracket. 

Butler’s triumph is rooted not only in his hard work but also in the unwavering support of his family, he said, a family with a rich wrestling heritage.  

"My family is one of the biggest factors," he said. "My dad, who is also my coach, helped me develop my technique and style of wrestling."  

This familial support network underscored his efforts, making victory even sweeter when he sprinted off the mat to embrace his parents after winning.

Looking forward, Butler’s ambition remains undeterred.  

“Next year, I want to really focus on technique and aim for another state championship,” Butler said.  

Walsh is equally optimistic. 

"We’re excited to have him back. He’s motivated to make history by becoming our school’s first two-time state champion,” Walsh said. 

The prospect of Butler dominating the wrestling scene for another year is promising, given his work ethic and skills, said Walsh.  

“He's a great kid. I'm happy for him,” Walsh said. “It's fun when good kids have a lot of success. He's got a love for the sport that's infectious and infects his teammates and makes our practice room better. He's a pleasure to coach in that regard, and so I'm really happy for him to have accomplished that goal of winning a state title. I am excited to see if we can run it back next year and even hopefully the year after. It's going to be a fun, fun next couple of years with him.” 

    Noah Butler of Almira/Coulee-Hartline returned to the state for a second year after placing second his freshman year. This year he wanted to take home the gold, and he did. Butler won his 215-pound championship round.
  

    Noah Butler, 215 said he will be returning to Mat Classic next year with the goal of taking home another championship title. If Butler pulls it off, he will be the first wrestler from Almira/Coulee-Hartline to have a dual championship win, according to his coach Brandon Walsh.