Photos Courtesy of Washington Matbackers

Five Washington wrestlers moved one step closer to Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, as they cracked the top two in their weight class at a class 2A sectional in Fairfield.

Justin Simmering took care of business at 138 lbs by winning a pair of matches by fall in a combined 6:17 to capture first place. The other sectional champ for Washington came at 285 lbs, as Brayden Hartman pinned his only opponent in 2:27. Wrestlers that nabbed second place and also advance include Jack Kleese at 106 lbs, Brandon Dickel at 126 lbs, and Ayden Frazer at 160 lbs. Matt Collett capped off his career with a third place finish at 120 lbs to make for a 24-15 senior season. Jacob Hill was fourth at 170 lbs and Curtis Stender was fourth at 182 lbs.

Washington finished 20 points shy of qualifying as a team for regionals, as they placed third with 131 points. Mount Pleasant was second with 151 and Solon had top honors with 222.

The five Demon individuals advance to Saturday’s district at home for the right to go to state.