Senior Salute Winter warrior Nathan Daly

Senior Nathan Daly finished the season with 31 wins against 12 losses. In his Spartan Senior Salute, the Illini Prairie Conference Second-Team nominee shared a little more about himself.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Wrestling at 150 and 157, Nathan Daly's 31-12 record was key to a successful 2025-26 campaign on the mats for St. Joseph-Ogden. He finished his final season for SJO, placing third at the Ridgeview regionals.

The senior competes in wrestling and golf with the same mental toughness that fuels his goal of one day joining MARSOC during an exciting military career. He keeps things simple when it comes to motivation, saying the reward of a good meal after the work is done is just one thing that pushes him to compete at his best. Before a match, he's blasting “Pocket Full of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield to lighten the mood and locked in. Here is a closer look at Nathan Daly.

Sentinel: What is your dream job or career?

Daly: MARSOC

Sentinel: Where is your favorite place to eat?

Daly: Chili's

Sentinel: Where do you see yourself living in 20 years?

Daly: A small hut in Dagestan herding sheep.

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where are you going and why?

Daly: Canada for hockey games.

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Daly: Couldn’t tell ya.

Sentinel: What was the last movie you watched three or more friends?

Daly: Marty Supreme.

Sentinel: Which is better? Dr. Pepper, Coke or Pepsi

Daly: Coke.

Sentinel: What motivates you to be the best at what you do?

Daly: Eating food when I’m done.

Sentinel: What song gets you hyped before a game or match? Tell us the song title and artist, please.

Daly: Pocket Full of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield

Sentinel: What advice would you give yourself if you were a freshman again?

Daly: Don’t take Spanish.

Sentinel: What sports have you played in high school?

Daly: Wrestling and golf

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you have ever received?

Daly: Run through that mfer.

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Season photo gallery

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Season Highlights

150, Defeated Connor Mahaffey (Westville), Fall 01:39
150, Defeated Dukeman, Jaxson (Toledo (Cumberland)), Maj Dec 14-1
150, Defeated Dunner, Nick (Rantoul), Fall 00:53
150, Defeated Forfeit, (EPG), FORFEIT
150, Defeated Forfeit, (Hoopeston), FORFEIT
150, Defeated Forfeit, (Prairie Central), FORFEIT
150, Defeated Hilligoss, Alec (Champaign (St. Thomas More)), Fall 01:43
150, Defeated Martin, G (South Vermillion), Fall 02:53
150, Defeated McLaughin, C (LeRoy), Decision 4-2
150, Defeated Moore, Tyler (Chillicothe (Illinois Valley Central)), Fall 03:36
150, Defeated Opperman, Brayden (Pontiac), Fall 01:26
150, Defeated Ramirez, Isreal (Clinton), Tech Fall 16-0
150, Defeated Weeks, Drake (Monticello), Fall 08:008
157, Defeated Pamozzo (Clifton central), Fall 1:38
157, Defeated Simpson (Oakwood 2), Fall 00:10
157, Defeated Soto (Peoria), Fall 01:48
157, Defeated Zander, Lazzerick (Centennial), Fall 04:12

Postseason Highlights

Champ. Round 1 - Nathan Daly first-round bye
Quarterfinal - Won by major decision over Connor McLaughlin (LeRoy)(MD 10-1)
Semifinal - Lost by decision to Devin Glik (Unity) (Dec 5-0)
Cons. Semi - Pinned over Nate Godfery (Heyworth) 29-14 (Fall 5:27)
3rd Place Match - Pinned Isreal Ramirez (Clinton) 20-15 (Fall 3:51)

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Season photo gallery

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More SJO Sports Articles

Spartan Senior Salute |12 and out with Coy Hayes

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Coy Hayes said the best advice he's received from a coach was, "After wrestling, everything is easy." As one of the seniors leading St. Joseph-Ogden through a tough 2025 conference schedule, Hayes embodies the spirit of tenacity, grit and determination.

Leading the team through hard work, dedication, and tradition that comes with being a proud Spartan, he is an intimidating figure on the field. We asked him and his fellow seniors a dozen questions to get to know them better. Here's what he told us:

Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?

Hayes: Co-op

Sentinel: What is your go-to pregame meal?

Hayes: Subway sandwich

Sentinel: What is your dream car?

Hayes: Bugatti

Sentinel: Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?

Hayes: My grandpa, grandma, and mom

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you ever had?

Hayes: "After wrestling, everything is easy."

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Hayes: Idk

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?

Hayes: Jamaica

Sentinel: What is your hype-song?

Hayes: Cricket on a line - Mud Digger, Colt Ford, The Lacs

Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?

Hayes: Blues Clues. I would be able to fly and shoot money out of my hands.

Sentinel: Favorite place to eat with you friends?

Hayes: Culver’s

Sentinel: If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?

Hayes: Synchronized swimming

Sentinel: What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?

Hayes: Wrestling four years and football four years.

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Spartan Senior Salute |12 and out with Wyatt Wertz

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Few players run harder — or think faster — than Spartan Wyatt Wertz. At a solid 5'11", 180 pounds, the senior back has combined quick reads with relentless determination after returning back to action from an injury suffered earlier in the season. Despite scoring three touchdowns in road losses for the Spartans against Central Catholic and Seneca, Wertz is back to help SJO take a deep stab into the postseason. Averaging 8.7 yards/carry in those two games, upcoming opponents will St. Joseph-Ogden hard to defeat.

As St. Joseph-Ogden heads into Friday’s regular-season finale, here's a few tidbits about Wyatt that he shared earlier this week.

Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?

Wertz: Forensic Science

Sentinel: What is your go-to pregame meal?

Wertz: Chicken and rice

Sentinel: What is your dream car?

Wertz: Porsche 911 gt3 rs

Sentinel: Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?

Wertz: I wouldn’t tell anyone, so no one

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you ever had?

Wertz: Don’t think, just do

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Wertz: brycecrawford

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?

Wertz: Japan

Sentinel: What is your hype-song?

Wertz: I listen to rain noises

Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?

Wertz: I would be called The Dude and I would have super speed and time travel

Sentinel: Favorite place to eat with you friends?

Wertz: Cookout in backyard

Sentinel: If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?

Wertz: UFC

Sentinel: What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?

Wertz: Track, past 3 years

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Spartan Senior Salute |12 and out with Landon Smith

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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For Landon Smith, physical play in the trenches define what football is all about — toughness, teamwork, and trust. The senior lineman has anchored SJO’s front with in his third year of varsity football, collecting 15 tackles so far across six games. Before the Spartans close out their regular season, #67 shares the best coach advice he's received over the years and more.

Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?

Smith: History of American Rock

Sentinel: What is your go-to pregame meal?

Smith: An energy drink

Sentinel: What is your dream car?

Smith: SRT Hellcat

Sentinel: Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?

Smith: Cam Skattebo, Jay Cutler, Brian Dawkins

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you ever had?

Smith: “Don’t be a jag” - Coach Sweeney

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Smith: @nflhatememes

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?

Smith: Greece

Sentinel: What is your hype-song?

Smith: Walkin by Denzel Curry

Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?

Smith: Landon Smith - invisibility and time freezing

Sentinel: Favorite place to eat with you friends?

Smith: Chipotle

Sentinel: If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?

Smith: Football (as a kicker)

Sentinel: What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?

Smith: Track freshmen Year

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Spartan Senior Salute |12 and out with Hunter Van Meenen

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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With one regular-season game left, Hunter Van Meenan is still locked in. Having seen action in five contests this season, his ability to make plays when his number is called is consistent and dependable. The senior rusher has recorded ten tackles, an interception, and one sack. In his Spartan Senior Salute: 12 and Out, learn a little more about Hunter and his favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?

Van Meenen: Strength Training

Sentinel: What is your go-to pregame meal?

Van Meenen: A sandwich.

Sentinel: What is your dream car?

Van Meenen: Porsche 911 GT3RS

Sentinel: Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?

Van Meenen: Drake, Faze Adapt, and Lil Uzi Vert

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you ever had?

Van Meenen: "Don’t blink"

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Van Meenen: @hunter.vanmeenen.34

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?

Van Meenen: Japan

Sentinel: What is your hype-song?

Van Meenen: Survival by Drake

Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would be your alias?

Van Meenen: Batman

Sentinel: Favorite place to eat with you friends?

Van Meenen: Chipotle

Sentinel: If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?

Van Meenen: Hockey

Sentinel: What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?

Van Meenen: Baseball my freshman and sophomore year.

Spartan Senior Salute |12 and out with Logan Rosenthal

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Strong, smart and dependable - that’s how you would have to describe senior linebacker Logan Rosenthal. Whether he’s plugging a hole or trying to rip the ball, the senior brings relentless effort and leadership to every down. As St. Joseph-Ogden prepares for its final regular-season game, we asked about a few of his favorite things for his Spartan Senior Salute.

Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?

Rosenthal: Strength

Sentinel: What is your go-to pregame meal?

Rosenthal: Uncrustables / PB & J

Sentinel: What is your dream car?

Rosenthal: 2018 Camaro ZL1

Sentinel: Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?

Rosenthal: Johnny Manziel, Kevin Hart, and Tim Tebow

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you ever had?

Rosenthal: "If you’re only here for yourself and not the name on the front of the jersey, then you shouldn’t be here at all."

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Rosenthal: @lrosenthal_1701

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?

Rosenthal: Jamaica

Sentinel: What is your hype-song?

Rosenthal: No Role Modelz - J Cole

Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would be your two main super powers?

Rosenthal: Able to fly and strength

Sentinel: Favorite place to eat with you friends?

Rosenthal: Buffalo Wild Wings

Sentinel: If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?

Rosenthal: Baseball

Sentinel: What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?

Rosenthal: Baseball since freshman year.

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Spartan Senior Salute |12 and out with Ryker Lockhart

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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As one of the seniors leading St. Joseph-Ogden through another hard-fought season, Riker Lockhart embodies the spirit of dedication, teamwork and tradition.

Fierce and tenacious, Lockhart delivered four solo and was in on six more tackles in a career night against Seneca. On offense, his best night at receiver came against Bloomington Central Catholic, making seven catches for 106 yards.

In his Spartan Senior Salute: 12 and Out, he shared with us some of his favorite things, his dream car and more.

Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?

Lockhart: Math with Coach Duval

Sentinel: What is your go-to pregame meal?

Lockhart: String cheese with trail mix

Sentinel: What is your dream car?

Lockhart: Matte black Ferrari LaFerrari

Sentinel: Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?

Lockhart: Bryce Crawford, Baylen Levine, Sharife Cooper

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you ever had?

Lockhart: “You’re a beast, so play like one.” - Tucker Barron

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Lockhart: @ryker_lockhart.13

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?

Lockhart: Jamaica

Sentinel: What is your hype-song?

Lockhart: 3 Headed Goat by Lil Durk, Polo G, and Lil Baby

Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?

Lockhart: Shadow Blaze. Teleportation and Invisibility.

Sentinel: Favorite place to eat with you friends?

Lockhart: Raising Cane’s

Sentinel: If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?

Lockhart: Basketball "

Sentinel: What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?

Lockhart: Soccer - 1 year Basketball - 3 years "

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Spartan Senior Salute |12 and out with Jackson Mohr

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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Before Jackson Mohr trades his SJO jersey for a cap and gown next May, the senior shared a few insights into his life, his alter-ego superhero identity and well, more about Mohr.

Sentinel: What is your favorite class at St. Joseph-Ogden High School?

Mohr : 504 Study Hall with Mr Wolf.

Sentinel: What is your go-to pregame meal?

Mohr : Mac Snack from RibCage

Sentinel: What is your dream car?

Mohr : 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Sport 4x4 long bed Club cab with Bright White Exterior and Camel Brown interior

Sentinel: Name theree people you would invite to dinner if you won the lottery?

Mohr : Jeff Wendling, my dad, and my brother Cole

Sentinel: What is the best coaching advice you ever had?

Mohr : Don't be sorry, be better

Sentinel: Name an Instagram handle everyone should follow.

Mohr : @Curdisthecurd

Sentinel: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you booking a flight?

Mohr : Gulf Shores, Alabama

Sentinel: What is your hype-song?

Mohr : Stricken by Disturbed

Sentinel: If you were a superhero, what would your alias be and your two main super powers?

Mohr : I'd be like Iron Man but with a car/mech thingy

Sentinel: Favorite place to eat with you friends?

Mohr : China King.

Sentinel: If you could become a professional athlete, what sport would you be playing?

Mohr : Nascar.

Sentinel: What other sports have you played at St. Joseph-Ogden and for how long?

Mohr : Scholastic Bowl and manage Baseball

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