Jay Covington can't think of a better reason to get up early during Christmas break.

The Pasco wrestling coach will pit his Bulldogs against neighborhood rival Chiawana in the opening round of the annual Best of the West tournament.

Day 1 of the two-day event at Pasco High features a team tournament, while Day 2 is a traditional invitational.

The action on both days starts at 9 a.m.

"It's Christmas vacation," Covington proclaimed. "Get out of bed and come watch some wrestling."

The Pasco-Chiawana matchup is just one of many reasons BOW is a hit.

Thirty-four teams will take part in the team tournament, a field that includes some of the best in Idaho and Oregon as well as Washington.

The Hermiston Bulldogs, the five-time defending Oregon 5A state champs, are one of the headliners and face varsity and JV wrestlers from Moses Lake in their opener.

Hermiston is one of three returning semifinalists from last year's tournament, joining Centralia (ranked No. 2 in 2A) and La Grande, Ore.

Also in the mix this season is Evergreen of Vancouver, ranked No. 5 in the Class 4A, and Idaho powerhouse Lewiston.

"It will be a good matchup tomorrow," Covington said.

Semifinals on Day 1 are estimated to start around 4 p.m., with championship and the third-four dual at 6.

Day 2 finals are slated to start at 3:30 p.m., but it is advisable to show up early as the second day often finishes ahead of schedule.

Notes: A quick follow-up on Hermiston's performance at last week's Tri-State Tournament in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Two-time champ Joey Delgado was named the tournament's outstanding wrestler for his performance in the 138-pound bracket.

Teammate Tyler Berger also was a repeat winner with a title at 132, but it didn't come easy for the sophomore.

Berger beat Tahoma's Joey Palmer 7-6 in triple overtime. According to the Spokesman Review, Berger trailed 5-1 to start the third period but tied the score with 3 seconds left in regulation.