SPSL NORTH WRESTLING

• WHAT: Sub-regional wrestling tournament.

• WHEN: Today and Saturday. Matches begin this evening at 4 p.m. and tomorrow at 10 a.m. The championship round is slated for 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

• WHERE: Kent-Meridian High.

• ADMISSION: Students with ASB, $4 for half day (Friday), $6 for full day, $8 for tournament pass; Adults $7 for half day (Friday), $11 for full day, $14 for tournament pass; Elementary school students $2 for half day (Friday), $3 for full day (Saturday), $4 for tournament pass; Senior citizens $2 for half day (Friday), $3 for full day (Saturday), $4 for tournament pass.

• AT STAKE: Regional berths. The top five wrestlers in each weight class advance to the regional tournament, slated for next Saturday at Auburn High.

• FAVORITES: Tahoma, Kentwood, Auburn.

• NOTABLE: Contrary to past years, the top five wrestlers in each weight class advance to the regional tournament. During the past several years, only the top four moved on. … There are several deep weight classes, but 103 could be the key bracket to watch. Five wrestlers from the North are ranked among the state’s top 15 in Class 4A. Expect a showdown between Kentwood’s Ruben Navejas and Kent-Meridian’s Jesus Valdez for the title. … Don’t expect a re-match between Tahoma’s John Buban and Kentwood’s Cody Quinn at 145. Buban upset Quinn on Jan. 14, 9-7 in overtime. During the postseason, Buban will stick at 145 while Quinn will drop down to his customary 140. … At 171, Tahoma’s Nick Bayer and Auburn super sophomore Garret Rutledge appear to be on a collision course. Bayer has beaten Rutledge in 2 of 3 matches this year, including last Friday’s 5-4 decision. … The top wrestler of the tournament is undoubtedly Auburn’s Jake Swartz, who recently established the school’s all-time win mark. Swartz, a two-time state champion, enters the tournament with 137 career wins.