Ilwaco wrestler Wade Smith, right, receives some tips during a break from IHS assistant coach Alec Bell. He is a 2017 Ilwaco graduate, who placed twice at state then won the 2B championship title at 220 pounds in his senior year.

TACOMA — Ilwaco has two representatives heading to the second day of the WIAA 2B state wrestling tournament Saturday.

Senior Xavier Smith, who placed fourth last year, is again in medal contention after winning his first two matches with pins Friday. Sophomore Jace Linthakhan has potential for success, although a loss robs him of the chance of a state championship.

Three other Ilwaco wrestlers ended their seasons at the Tacoma Dome Friday. Junior Wade Smith had one win and two losses, while senior Luis Mendez and freshman Zech Taylor both were eliminated after two losses.

Friday began with good news. Taylor and Marcus Lynch both traveled as alternates after placing sixth, below the automatic qualification cut at Regionals. Taylor was selected in the 144-pound division and had the opportunity to wrestle at state in his freshman season. However, he lost by pins to Ocosta senior Andrew Martin and eighth-grader Hudson Somes of Northwest Christian.

Ilwaco Head Coach Larry Kemmer commended his effort. “It was good to have him and he was excited to be in,” he said. “As he freshmen he didn’t get a lot of wins, but he got them when it mattered.”

Mendez was an alternate to state last year — in his first year as a wrestler. Kemmer commended his approach. “He is a state-talented kid, one of the top 12 in the state,” the coach said. “He is a hard worker. Practice is awesome with him, because no matter who it is he is going to wrestle him hard.

Mendez, wrestling at 132, brought another quality to the competitive mat that Kemmer much admires — he doesn’t second-guess his opponents. “He never worries who he is wrestling or where they come from,” the coach said. “There is a guy standing there in front of him and he’s going to wrestle him. … I wish they all did that!”

Wade Smith, a junior, wrestled at 150 pounds. He also had qualified to state last year but lost both his matches. He began the day pinning Rainier junior Connor Power in the second period then had two losses on points decisions, 16-7 to Lake Roosevelt senior Francis Louie and a 4-2 loss to Kittitas sophomore Ronan Stewart.

Kemmer commended his contribution. “He is a hard-working kid. We hoped for more obviously, but you never know who you are going to draw.” Smith’s zeal to improve impresses his coach. “He wants to go to camp. It will make him better,” he said. “I am hoping we can get him on to the podium next year.”

For the wrestlers remaining, Xavier Smith, wrestling at 113 pounds, earned pins against Lind-Ritzville senior Octavio Parades Martinez in the first period and then faced sophomore Landon Batton from Cle Elum, pinning him in the second.

Linthakhan qualified for state last year but lost both his matches in the smallest weight division. Still at 106, this year his loss by a pin in his first match against Tonasket junior Miguel Depaz forced him into the consolation bracket where he beat Rainier freshman Jacob Scott with a pin to keep his medal hopes alive.