Ilwaco wrestler Xavier Smith wasn’t distracted by his second opponent’s purple hair and orange shoelaces. He defeated Carter Katz of Columbia Burbank Friday to advance to the medal round.

TACOMA — Ilwaco wrestler Xavier Smith is on contention for a medal and a podium place at the 2B WIAA state wrestling tournament.

He defeated two opponents in the 113-pound division Friday to move swiftly through the bracket.

In his first matchup against Forks sophomore Bryan Lucas, Smith began earning points and was leading 4-0 when he bent himself over backwards to position himself to successfully pin his opponent.

In his second, he wasn’t at all distracted by his opponent’s purple hair and orange shoelaces. In the first period, after sizing each other up cautiously, he and Carter Katz of Columbia Burbank were tangled on the mat for most of the three minutes with Smith leading 4-2.

Smith pushed his points tally to 9-2 in the second, and two insurance moves meant the scoreboard read 14-2 when time ran out for the Coyote.

Two other Ilwaco wrestlers also qualified for state. Freshman Jace Linthakhan wrestled two bouts Friday at 106 pounds and sophomore Wade Smith (no relation) wrestled at 138, but they did not advance.

The Tacoma Dome is hosting seven simultaneous tournaments in the various WIAA school classifications with 1,900 boys and girls from all over Washington converging on the city for the two-day event. Ilwaco is in the 2B division.

Willapa Valley and Wahkiakum high schools are also represented.