Kendrick cruises to a 4A KingCo title in the 170-pound weight division

It didn’t take long for North Creek Jaguars senior wrestler Matt Kendrick to take care of business in the 4A KingCo 170-pound championship match.

Kendrick pinned Mount Si’s Sage Phelps in just 33 seconds, earning first place in his respective weight class for the second consecutive season at the KingCo tournament on Feb. 2 at North Creek High School.

“Winning it back to back years, it is great. This match went so fast,” Kendrick said before being congratulated by a member of the North Creek coaching staff. “My goal is to win regionals (next tournament) because last year I got second place.”

During November practice sessions Kendrick said he weighed 184 pounds. He transformed his body with a diligent disciplined approach which has paid dividends.

“I’m going all in. It isn’t easy. I’m in the best shape of my life,” Kendrick said.

Last February, Kendrick said he earned ninth place in his weight class at the Mat Classic Class 4A state tournament.

“I want to finish in the top eight this year. Anything after that is house money. I’m just going to go after it,” he said.