Issaquah Eagles junior grappler Carson Tanner lets his actions do the talking on the wrestling mat.

Tanner, who earned sixth place in the 113-pound weight class at the Mat Classic Class 4A state wrestling tournament last season, is completely focused on consistent improvement in all facets of his favorite sport, which was introduced to him by his older brothers.

“Carson is so dedicated. He wrestles all year around. He will leave our practice and go to another hour and a half practice. He does freestyle and wrestles for clubs. His goal is to be state champ,” Issaquah Eagles wrestling head coach Kirk Hyatt said.

Tanner has compiled an overall record of 16-1 during the 2018-19 season thus far. Tanner has adjusted well to the 126-pound weight class.

“126 is a tough bracket. He knows it,” Hyatt said of Tanner jumping up two weight divisions this season. “He is just going to keep being confident and will keep learning. He knows he has a lot more matches to go before he gets close (state tourney).”

Tanner’s signature move on the mat is the arm bar.

“Once you get them in it, they just can’t go anywhere,” Tanner explained. “I like to do the arm bar and then go to the half (nelson). I want to go to state (tournament) and just do my best. That is what I want to do. I love it (wrestling).”

Hyatt, who has been the head coach of the Eagles wrestling program since the 1997-98 season, believes wholeheartedly in Tanner’s abilities.

“He is the youngest state placer I have had in 23 years of coaching. When its all said and done, he could very well be the first three-time state placer that I’ve coached,” Hyatt said.