Enumclaw High judo team prepares for another state title run | Preview

The Enumclaw High judo team is back on the mats preparing for another top-notch season.

The Enumclaw High judo team is back on the mats preparing for another top-notch season.

Mike Nepper has been coaching the sport for more than two decades. He began with judo when he was 11 and had been involved with the sport since.

This year’s squad currently has 16 members.

Nepper said the team is rebuilding after losing a group of seniors, but those coming up are solid athletes.

The team has three state champions returning – Adin Hanrahan, Jonathan Ayala and Joseph Fe’a.

The team captains are Caitlin Williams, who took second last season at state and Joseph Ginez, third place at state.

Nepper said the first Puget Sound Judo League competition begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Enumclaw High.

The coach said many of the league contests are against Kent schools.

The state championship is in May.