At the Class 4A district wrestling championships held Saturday, February 12, at Prairie High School, Camas High School’s wrestlers delivered a memorable performance, securing seven individual district titles and the team championship with a total of 332 points. Their run not only highlights remarkable athletic achievement, but also underscores the power of family and shared passion on the mat. Read more
The standout moment came in the 175‑pound final, where senior Simon Jarrell faced his younger brother Arthur, a sophomore—a rare and heartwarming sibling showdown. Simon edged out Arthur in a high-scoring 30‑27 decision, turning the match into less of a rivalry and more of a celebration of shared dedication and experience. “We’ll never get a moment like this again,” Simon reflected, and Arthur echoed the sentiment, saying the only rule entering the final was to “make sure you have fun.” Source
Beyond the Jarrells, a range of Papermaker wrestlers clinched titles across various weight classes, helping Camas dominate the district standings. Champions included Micah Bennett (106 lbs), Elijah Governor (113 lbs), Owen Yonge (126 lbs), Alec Fraser (144 lbs), Ben Johansen (165 lbs), and Kannon Freschette (190 lbs). Their combined efforts secured both the team title and qualification for the state Mat Classic tournament at the Tacoma Dome. Source
The district also showcased other local accomplishments: Avery Vega‑Padilla, a girls wrestling star who was a state finalist in 2025, seized the 190‑lb girls title by pinning Skyview’s Maribelle Cardens, earning her third consecutive berth at Mat Classic. Her brother Adriel Vega‑Padilla also punched his ticket to state, reaching the 157‑lb boys final. “It’s a big thing for us when we see each other winning,” Avery said, noting how their sibling bond strengthens their performance. Source
Why This Matters to Cowlitz County
This is not just a sports story—it’s a snapshot of community identity writ small. Camas, long recognized for its culture of wrestling excellence, continues to invest in youth athletic development that yields multi-generational and sibling success stories. The Jarrell and Vega‑Padilla families’ twin triumphs reflect more than talent—they represent tradition, leadership, and the deeply personal stakes of high school sport.
Looking ahead, Camas now turns toward Mat Classic XXXVII, scheduled for February 19–21 at the Tacoma Dome. With multiple qualifiers across both boys and girls divisions, including several returning state contenders, the school’s wrestling program is poised to make an impact on one of Washington high school sports’ biggest stages. District performance not only cements local bragging rights, but sets the stage for statewide representation and potential team momentum.
The degree of camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed—particularly in a final contested between siblings—serves as a reminder: high school athletics, especially here in Cowlitz County, remain rooted in personal growth, community pride, and family support.

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