A newcomer to the sport at the beginning of the season, Sequim High junior Isaiah Cowan picked up a win and plenty of experience at the MatClassic prep wrestling finals in Tacoma last week.

Cowan went 1-2 in his 182-pound weight class on Feb. 21, coming up short of the medal stand.

The Sequim grappler opened the tourney with a tough draw in West Valley (Spokane) senior Gake Caro, who pinned Cowan with four seconds left in the first period.

“I didn’t really know he was that good,” Cowan said. “I was definitely nervous; it was also my first state match.”

Caro went on win the state 2A 182-pound weight class title.

Cowan rebounded with a hard-fought, 8-6 win over Sedro Wolley senior Sebastian Hanna.

“I went into it pretty confident,” Cowan said. I thought we’d be pretty even.”

Henry Rinehart of Ellensburg ended Cowan’s MatClassic appearance with a pin 4:25 into the consolation bracket match.

“I’m definitely sad I couldn’t place (but) next year should be great. I’ll come into it with a lot more experience,” Cowan said. “My goal is also to go as far as I can (and) hopefully get to state.”