Coupeville Sports

Coupeville senior Jaje Drake is off to the state tourney. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

Coupeville High School is sending a wrestler to state, despite not having a program of its own.

Wolf senior Jaje Drake, who trained and traveled with South Whidbey this season, went his own way for the postseason.

Accompanied by CHS football coach Bennett Richter, he claimed 3rd place in the 215-pound weight class at regionals Saturday at Adna High School, propelling him to the big dance.

Drake will participate at Mat Classic XXXV at the Tacoma Dome Feb. 16-17, and CHS will give him a state tourney send-off Thursday said CHS Athletic Director Willie Smith.

On the mats at Adna, Drake, who was also an All-League football player for Coupeville this fall, won three of four matches.

The Wolf ace pinned Alejandro Cruz of Raymond, fell just short against Matthew Kenney of Rainier, then rebounded with two more wins.

Drake closed regionals by pinning Marcus Lynch of Ilwaco and Blake Roberts of Rainier to clinch his trip to Tacoma.

He’s the first Wolf wrestler since current CHS assistant football coach Alex Turner also qualified for state as a senior, back in 2019.

Adin Wollum of North Beach won the 215-pound title at regionals, pinning Kenney in the final bout.

Forks won the 2B team title, holding off Rainier 182.5-121, while Darrington finished third.

Drake dominates on the mat.