Senior grappler is striving for the state tournament

Interlake senior Jonathan Palagashvili is focused on advancing to the Mat Classic this February

By Shaun Scott • February 3, 2016 8:47 pm

Interlake Saints senior 195-pound grappler Jonathan Palagashvili won’t be satisfied with the 2015-16 wrestling season unless he fulfills a goal he set during his freshman year in the winter of 2012.

The goal is simple — to compete and place at the Mat Classic Class 3A state wrestling tournament in late February at the Tacoma Dome.

Palagashvili wants to follow in the footsteps of former Interlake grappler Daniel Montoya on and off the mat. Montoya was a dominant wrestler and thrived in the classroom.

“It has literally been my dream since freshman year to wrestle at state and place at state. My freshman year our captain Daniel Montoya was my inspiration. He had a 4.0 (grade point average) and went to state. That is what I’m trying to live up to,” Palagashvili said.

Palagashvili, who currently boasts a GPA of 3.7, said this year’s team is stronger than in past seasons.

“We are really solid this year. I think we can win KingCo. We have a full roster and have someone in every weight class,” Palagashvili said.

The Saints clinched the league title with a 36-32 victory against Mercer Island on Jan. 28.

Longtime Interlake head coach Dave Unwin is encouraged by his program’s performances in early season action.

“Our guys are coming together and we are filling the lineup, which is super important. I have high expectations and they(his team) should have high expectations too,” Unwin said.