His lucky orange T-shirt paid big dividends.

But Jake Swartz hardly needed the worn-out top.

Auburn High’s supremely-talented 189-pound senior proved as much Saturday night during Mat Classic XXI at the Tacoma Dome, carving up opponent after opponent en route to winning his third straight state title.

Swartz, who became Auburn High’s first-ever three-time state champion, worked over Decatur’s Darren Faber, 7-0, for the crown. He controlled the match from start to finish with the precision of only the state’s elite mat technicians.

Afterward, the low-key 18 year old offered a smile to the Auburn crowd, but that was all. Anything more simply would be out of Swartz’s character.

“I’m happy, but I don’t really need to tell other people I’m happy,” said Swartz, who has been wearing the T-shirt during competition days since he was 9 years old. “This (title) is probably more important to me because it’s my last one. Other than that, it feels about the same.”

With the win, Swartz finished the year at 36-1. A lanky 135 pounder as a freshmen in 2006, Swartz finished his prep career with a 148-12 overall record, the most wins ever by a Trojan wrestler.

No doubt, that lucky shirt has seen plenty and now has to be stretched to its ripping point simply to fit over Swartz’s chiseled physique.

“It’s something I’ve always warn,” said the Boise State-bound star. “I’ve had it since I was 9. I think I’m done with the lucky T-shirt and sweatshirt.”

But it certainly served its purpose.

Because during the two-day tournament, there likely wasn’t a more impressive wrestler in the Dome than Swartz. In fact, the Auburn senior pinned three opponents before blanking Faber for the crown. Swartz didn’t allow a single point during the state tournament, a feat older brother Kurt also accomplished in 2005, during his junior season.

“That was one of my goals because my brother did it,” Swartz said.

But Swartz’s win also helped Auburn bring home a third-place trophy with 88 points. The Trojans entered Swartz’s championship match tied with Tahoma for third place.

The top four teams bring home trophies. Lake Stevens ran away with the team title, scoring 169 points followed by Snohomish (102.5) and Auburn. It’s the fourth straight year the Trojans have finished among the state’s top four.

And much of that success the Trojans can credit to their low-key superstar.

“When the job is done, he just wants to make sure he’s not showing anybody up,” said Auburn coach John Aiken. “It says a lot about his character and how he was raised.”

But Auburn’s third-place finish wasn’t entirely due to Swartz. Matter of fact, if Saturday’s performance proves anything, it shows the Trojans have a plenty-bright future as well.

Because along with Swartz on the podium was Graham Davis (fourth at 152), Michael Karpstein (sixth at 160), Dylan Rutledge (third at 171), Chris Young (fifth at 215) and Nick Conlan (6th at 285).

Auburn brought eight wrestlers to the show and placed six among the state’s top eight. In addition, of the six who placed, three — Rutledge, Young and Conlan — all will be back next year. Meanwhile, Kelly Maughan (125), who also advanced to the state tournament, will be back next year.

“We’re going to go to work on the freestyle, the camps and the weight training,” Aiken said. “But if you look at it … we’ve got some strong guys coming back.”

Indeed.

One guy who won’t be making a return trip to state, but came away plenty pleased was Auburn Riverside senior Michael Turner.

A state veteran, who had been to the tournament three straight years but hadn’t placed, finally left his mark Saturday.

The 119-pound senior guaranteed himself of a place on Friday, winning a pair of matches. He finished with a strong fourth-place finish.

“I feel really good,” said Turner. “All year I’ve had that goal to place, and top four isn’t that bad.”