Connell High School tops at state wrestling

Feb 24
5 min read

Updated: Feb 24

February 24, 2026

By: Miurlin Escalante

Eagles Wrestling topped the state wrestling chart with their first Lady Eagle State Champion - Sophomore Madison Magana (105) made history with her state win. As a team, the Lady Eagles stood 9th out of the 72 schools attending the state wrestling tournament at the Tacoma Dome, February 20 and 21. The Boys Wrestling Team also attended the state championship. The Eagles had many girls and boys taking to the podium. Magana is pictured with head coach Jackiie Ramos (above) in a celebratory hug. The Eagles Wrestling Teams (below).

The Connell High School wrestling teams delivered a strong performance at the state tournament inside the Tacoma Dome on Feb. 20 and 21.

The girls team finished 9th out of 72 schools while the boys placed 19th out of 39 teams in a highly competitive field and continued to build momentum for the future of the program.

Eleven boys and seven girls qualified for the state tournament, showcasing the depth and growth of the Eagles’ line up with four placing in the top six.

Madison Magana took the state championship making history as the first lady Eagle to hold this title. Magana was also named Co-Wrestler of the Year in the SCAC and her coach, Jackiie Ramos was named SCAC Coach of the Year.

Coaches shared in the accomplishments of their teams expressing the following statements with the Graphic.

"This season marked a major step forward for our wrestling program, as 11 athletes qualified for the state tournament - an achievement that speaks to the depth, dedication, and grit for this team," shared Luis Ramos Assistant Coach, "With only three of those qualifiers being seniors who will not return, the future is incredibly bright. Our young lineup has proven they belong on the big stage and will come back next season hungy, motivated, and ready to build on this success."

"Our goal was to wrestle tough in District 5 and prove we belong, and this team did exactly that. We earned respect across the district and at every tournament we entered I'm incredibly proud of this young group's work ethic and grit with six underclassmen that participated in state coming back next year, I'm excited to see the growth in this young team as we move forward," said Head Coach Brad Shaeffer.

He added, "I'm especially proud of our upperclassmen. They set the standard, led by example, and showed our younger wrestlers what it takes to succeed in this program."

Jay Ramos, Assistant Coach, added that young wrestlers stepping up was one of the season's biggest highlights. He shared, "Their hard work and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, and they've set a positive tone for the future of our program."

"From the first practice to the final whistle, this team proved that hard work, discipline, and belief in themselves can take you further than you ever imagined," said Head Coach Jackiie Ramos, "This season was built on grit, growth, and girls who refused to quit."

"What makes this season special isn’t just that we qualified seven girls for the state tournament or that we crowned a state champion. It’s how they did it. They showed up every day, pushed through adversity, and refused to give up. They’ve helped raise the expectations for our entire program and proved that dedication and hard work pays off. I’m extremely proud of the standard they’ve set, not just in wins but in work ethic and character,” Assistant Coach Johnathan Magana.

“This is just the beginning, the standard has been raised, and we’re building a program that will compete as one of the top contenders in our division,” Magana stated.

State Champion - Madison Magana takes to the podium.

State Champion and CHS Sophomore, Madison Magana held up her families wrestling legacy and went from a third pace finish as freshman to top in the state.

Magana expressed, "Ever since I can remember, wrestling has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching my older brothers compete at the highest level. learning early on that the podium doesn't give anything away; it has to be earned in the dark when no one is watching. I watched them fight for every point under the bright lights of the Tacoma Dome. Watching them fall short of a dream they worked so hard for made me want to follow their footsteps to finish what they started. Their dream turned into mine. Without knowing the hard work that was needed to become the best, I took it upon myself to train like a champion. In our house, wrestling isn't just a sport, it's a part of who we are as a family."

"Last year, as a freshman, I stood on that podium with a bronze medal around my neck and a feeling I never wanted to feel again. Since a young age my parents always taught me to turn my losses into lessons. This made me understand the difference between being good and being the best. Since that day, every drop of sweat, every weight cut, and the tears shed in the practice room have been directed at one singular goal, 'Becoming a State Champion.' I've paid my dues in blood and scrifice. I've carried the weight of a legacy on my shoulders and the hunger of that 3rd-place finish in my heart. I didn't just follow the family legacy, I added my own chapter to it," Magana said..

She added, "From a freshman contender to a sophomore State Champion, the first ever girls wrestling State Champion in Connell High School history. I am far from finished. My story has just begun."

Magana went on to thank her family and coaches "For always believing in me and pushing me to be the best version of myself, day in and day out." She also expressed, "I want to give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This would not have been possible without him."

Magana added, "GO Eagles!"

With a historic individual championship, 18 state qualifiers, and six returning underclassmen who competed at state, Connell wrestling leaves the season not only with accomplishments, but with momentum. The Eagles have established themselves as a rising force - and the foundation for continued success is firmly in place.

Individual results are as follows:

Girls:

Madison Magana State Champion

Leah Steele 4th Place

Belinda Castillo 5th Place

Joanna Magana 3-2

Miranda Chavez 0-2

Yareli Martinez 3-2

Damaris Zurita 0-2

Boys:

Juan Diego Gomez 1-2

Victor Cortez 1-2