Hoquiam,  WA - The Men's and Women's wrestling teams both won the NW Conference title on Saturday. This was the men's 7th consecutive team title and the women's teams 2nd title in the  three seasons there has been the women's event. Elijah Gandert was voted the Outstanding Wrestler. Coach Phil Burnett of Washington State University was selected as the Conference Men's Coach of the Year and GHC's Kevin Pine was voted as Conference Women's Coach of the Year.

On the men's side of the bracket the Chokers had a tough first round with a number of their top seeded wrestlers getting upset in close matches. Washington State University looked to have a comfortable lead by putting nine in the finals compared to GHC's five.

The Chokers then got to work and essentially dominated the back side of the bracket and widdled away at WSU's lead. Seven Chokers eventually came back to take third place and put GHC up by 5 points prior the Championship final matches.

In order for the team to hold on, GHC would need help from the other teams as well as win themselves. It turned out to be a great and exciting finals for nearly every match came down to the final seconds to determine the winner. GHC won 4 of 5 and WSU dropped 7 of 9 to extend the lead and win 190.5 to 175.5.

Individual champions for the men were Elijah Gandert  at 141, Austin Cleland 149, Elijah Fisher 174 and Alexander Perez at 285.  

In the women's event the Lady Chokers came out strong and took the early lead and dominated for the most part in the tournament.   The women had 10 finalists and finished with five champions.  Two of the finals at 191 and 235 pitted GHC wrestlers against each other.

Individual GHC champions were Aleyda Rodriguez at 116, Georgia Ustaszewski 155, Katie Gakin 170, Reneah Ureste 191 and Kali Hood at 235. 

Both teams now prepare for the National Championships next week in San Juan,  Puerto Rico where the men qualified 15 and the women qualified 11.

Men Team Scores:
1. Grays Harbor 190.5
2. Washington State University 175.5
3. Western Washington University 96.5
4. University of Oregon 88
5. Big Bend CC 47.5
6. University of British Columbia 26
7. University of Washington 21.5
8.Treasure Valley CC 14
9. Pacific Lutheran University 13.5

Women Team Scores:
1. Grays Harbor 153
2. Washington State University 88
3. University of Washington  46
4. Western Washington University 40
4. Big Bend CC 40
6.University of British Columbia 24
7. University of Oregon 22
8. Pacific Lutheran University 15