Washougal’s Nicacio repeats as wrestling champ

TACOMA — Victoria Nicacio’s second state wrestling title came about differently than her first.

Unlike last year’s Mat Classic, when she was a darkhorse No. 4 seed, Nicacio didn’t sneak up on anybody.

But the reigning champ still wrestled with an underdog’s swagger on Saturday. The Washougal senior rallied from an early deficit in the 120-pound title match to beat Ramona Reinitz of Centralia.

“Last year, I was the underdog and upset a lot of people,” Nicacio said. “So this year someone could upset me.”

Reinitz entered the Class 2A tournament as a No. 1 seed after beating Nicacio in the District 4 title match. Saturday, Reinitz led 5-1 midway through the second period.

“She had me the first half, I ain’t gonna lie,” Nicacio said.

The second half was pure domination. Nicacio scored nine points on two nearfalls in the second period. Two more takedowns and a nearfall followed in the third period as Nicacio won 18-6.

“I had to think about all the times I’ve envisioned this match because I knew I was going to see her in the finals,” Nicacio said.

Family tradition

Garrett Lees became the third member of his family to bring a state wrestling championship to Washougal.

The senior ended his high school career with a victory in the Class 2A 190-pound championship match.

Lees joins sister Abby Lees, who won titles in 2015 and 2017, and brother Tanner Lees, who won in 2018.

Of eight children in the Lees family, all but the two youngest have wrestled. Now Garrett Lees, who is sixth-oldest, hopes his title inspires the two youngest, who are still several years from reaching high school.

“It’s been a tradition that if your last name is Lees you’re a wrestler,” he said. “I’m hoping it will change the tides of their lives. Putting hard work in is something that’s admirable.”

Lees beat James Amadeo of Franklin Pierce 5-3, staving off a late takedown attempt in the final seconds. He took a 5-2 lead with a takedown with 56 seconds remaining.

“I was trying to stay in good position, but I realized I needed to get my points in so I went in for the takedown,” Lees said.