Molina recovers after first match loss, Unity junior still in the hunt for top 3 finish

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON - Unity's Phoenix Molina pulls Lockport's Rebekah Ramirez arm while looking for a takedown in their 235-pound match at the IHSA Girls' Individual Wrestling State Finals at Grossinger Motors Arena on Friday. Molina advanced to the division's consolation quarterfinal after pinning Ramirez in the first period at 1:04. She will face DeKalb's Aarianna Bloyd tomorrow for spot in the semifinals.

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Hunter Wahtola earns All-State Honors with bronze medal finish at 285 pounds

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

DePaul's Hunter Wahtola celebrates his 2-1 decision over Bloomington's David Williams. The sophomore continued his run through the blood rounds in his second state appearance to finish third at this year's state wrestling tournament.

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CHAMPAIGN - Representing DePaul College Prep this weekend on Illinois wrestling's biggest stage, Hunter Wahtola battled his way through the consolation bracket for a third-place finish at the IHSA Boys Individual Wrestling State Finals on Saturday. Staying determined and tenacious, he overcame the physically demanding battles from equally motivated opponents in the heavyweight division.

Wahtola entered the State Farm Center with a solid 31-10 record, eager to surpass his freshman year performance where he wrestled at 215 pounds and faced a tough draw in the bracket. This season, with improved technical finesse and increased strength, he left no doubt about his prowess on the mat, finishing the season with 36-11.

Wahtola's season-long journey culminated in a series of victories at state that also earned him All-State honors.

His path to the podium was marked by resilience and smart wrestling. Wahtola's campaign at state saw him triumph in five out of six matches. His pivotal matches included decisive victories over formidable opponents, including an 11-6 victory over Cary-Groves' Lucas Burton (30-5) and a 6-1 decision over St. Rita's Pat Conneely (18-13). Demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure, his attention to detail and strong work ethic in the off-season paid dividends.

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Going nose-to-nose, Hunter Wahtola didn't back down from Bloomington's David Williams in thrilling match that ended 2-1 in his favor.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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In his bronze medal match against Anthony Sebastian of Elmhurst (IC Catholic), Wahtola used his head and his brawn. Utilizing the first period to assess his opponent, Wahtola scored on an escape in the second period, followed by a pivotal takedown that solidified his lead. With a scoreless third period, he clinched the victory with a 4-0 decision, securing the third-place spot on the podium.

Wahtola did not travel downstate to Champaign alone. Also competing for DePaul College Prep against the top wrestlers in the state were teammates Nabiel Rosario and Max Rosen. Rosario, competing at 132 pounds, concluded his season with a commendable 33-13 record. He dropped his preliminary round match and bounced back to win his first-round wrestleback, getting a tech fall on Waterloo's Konnor Stephens. The senior was then majored in his next match against Deerfield's Jackson Palzet (50-3).

Meanwhile Rosen, wrestling at 144 pounds, finished at 32-11 after going 2-2 at state. His first victory over Matton's Ben Capitosti (45-7) was settled via a 5-2 decision. He picked up a second win after his quarterfinal loss, pinning Civic Memorial's Nathen Herrin (34-17) at 4:36.

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More stories ~

• Brazelton advances to quarterfinals at state for the Rockets
• Oakwood's Steven Unden advances to semifinal round at state wrestling
• More IHSA State Wrestling articles
• Aidan Kenney's strong performance at IHSA state finals earns a fourth place finish
• Providence Catholic's Jasper Harper wins in sudden victory at state meet

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