It was a grueling weekend for the Homer mat men who took their game to Wasilla to see who among all the region's wrestlers would get a shot at the state championships this weekend in Chugiak.

It took 15 hours in the Wasilla gym to do it, but qualifying seven out of 11wrestlers was something Homer hasn't done since 2002.

Mitch Wyatt continued to impress at 152 pounds and, according to Coach Chris Perk, only allowed two escapes in three matches. And, those escapes were intentional, so Wyatt would have another shot at a takedown and lengthening his lead.

Wyatt managed to make short work of the No. 4 wrestler in his weight class in the state, Jared Thomas of Skyview, defeating him in the championship round 11-1.

Wyatt has showed continued improvement throughout the season and is showing more of the finesse that he will come to rely on at higher levels of competition, said Perk.

"His wrestling is very focused, he is a man on a mission," said Perk.

Senior Eli Garvey who has won 31 matches so far this season and the Good Sport Award in Wasilla will be headed to state wrestling at 103 pounds.

Each of the top six wrestlers in every weight class gain a berth at the state competition, and Garvey managed to take a fifth place overall, losing to Hope Stephenson of Kenai in a battle that lasted into double overtime.

"He is getting as close as you can get to winning this match, I think one more attempt this weekend and we could score a big win. I would much rather be in his shoes this week than hers," said Perk.

Following Garvey was Josh Brandt at 215 pounds. Though Brandt lost by a reversal from Skyview's Mike Eyre in his final match, he was still able to cling onto the sixth place finish after three wins on Friday.

Larry Croft has won 24 matches this season and seems to improve every time he steps onto the mat. Croft finished out his weekend with a win and a technical fall over Tommy Class of Colony for fifth-place honors.

Ben Harville will be going to state at 285 pounds after an 11-5 win over Sean Maranville of Palmer.

Sophomores DJ Marsengill at 119 pounds and Shlomo Gherman at 145 pounds both made the state roster with wins in the quarterfinals. Marsengill took a sixth place spot and Gherman took fifth.

Each wrestler has a shot at the state championship at Chugiak High School, and, according to Perk, both Wyatt and Garvey, who are state competition veterans, stand as good a chance as any.

"Realistically both of them could take top six honors. It would be an honor if one of them makes the finals and gets to dance under the lights Saturday night," said Perk.