Chief Leschi senior Cheyenne Kudrin-Mello is an experienced Mat Classic participant. The Warriors’ grappler has advanced to the Class 2B state tournament in each of the past three years, but now he wants to reach the mountaintop — by winning the state title in the 113-pound weight division in February.

Kudrin-Mello is 1-6 at state but won his only match last year. And he’s off to a sensational start, compiling an 8-0 overall record with six pins.

“I want to be a state champion,” he said. “I’m not going to feel like a failure if I don’t become a state champ, but I want to win it all. Last year, I was the regional champion, and my goal is to defend that title and win a state title.”

Kudrin-Mello lost just three matches in the 112-pound class all season last year, he said.

“This year, I don’t plan on losing in the 113-pound division,” he added.

Kudrin-Mello is not only confident he will make his fourth consecutive Mat Classic appearance, he thinks he’ll come away with something to show for it.

“I know for sure I will medal this year (finish in the top eight),” he said. “I don’t see any way I can’t medal.”

Chief Leschi head coach Bart Brewer said Kudrin-Mello has an edge on the mat.

“This year, he has got more confidence in his wrestling,” Brewer said. “He’s in a good shape to where he is not getting tired in his matches. He went to a couple of camps and wrestled in a few freestyle tournaments this summer.

“Cheyenne watches a lot of videos and films of wrestling,” his coach said. “He always wants to learn from his mistakes and learn new moves. He wants to take it all (win the state title). He has improved a lot over the last four years.”

Kudrin-Mello’s toughness has been evident in his early season matches. Brewer said an opponent has yet to take him down.

“He has been great at getting takedowns, and when he is on the bottom, he has been getting his reversals,” Brewer said. “Right now, he likes the arm-bar tilt and the cradle. That’s where Cheyenne has been getting his pins this year.”

Brewer said Kudrin-Mello wants to wrestle for Highline Community College next year.

HCC is one of the few college wrestling programs in Washington.

“Cheyenne is a good kid and is an ideal kid to coach,” he said. “He works hard in everything he does and is a great teammate. He works with our youngest wrestlers and practice, and that just gives them so much confidence.”