2026 State Wrestling | A view from the mat

CHAMPAIGN - Over 250 high school wrestling athletes are in Champaign-Urbana for the IHSA Boys' Individual Wrestling State Finals. The Sentinel is inside the State Farm Center on the University of Illinois campus, hunting for defining moments and eye-opening action to share with our readers with our first state final live feed. Check back regularly to get a glimps of the once in a lifetime moments by Illinois' elite prep wrestlers.

Whenever we get a great photo today, you will see here with our live updates.

Live Feed Closed

Added Friday, 1:05 AM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Oakwood's Steven Uden gives his all while wrestling Mercer County's Boston Morford during their 113-pound Class 1A quarterfinal match. Uden lost the bout in a heartbreaking 7-4 decision for the Comet junior. Later today, he will wrestle the winner between St. Joseph-Ogden's Ben Wells and McNamara's Evan Johnson en route a possible third place finish.

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Added Friday, 12:50 AM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Bentley Fields celebrates while acknowledging Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley family members and fans after his quarterfinal victory over Dixon's Riley Paredes. Fields moves on in the championship side of the Class 1A 106-pound bracket to face undefeated Farmington freshman Isaac Showalter in Friday evening's semifinals.

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Added Friday, 12:35 AM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Barrington's Ryan Dorn stuffs the head of Montini's Mikey Malizzio down during the 132-pound Class 3A semifinal match on Thursday. Confident and in control, Dorn won the match 4-2, earning semifinal match Friday evening against Joliet Catholic's Jason Hampton.

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Added Friday, 12:20 AM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Charles East's Matt Medina suffers a leg injury while trying to avoid a takedown by Montini's Gavin Ericson. Ericson, a junior with a 33-11 record, defeated Medina in fast-paced 5-0 decision. The Fighting Saints' 285-pounder moved into the consolation bracket and wrestles Normal Community's Mason Caraway on Friday for his next match.

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Added at 11:59 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Sandburg junior Brady Ritter resists an attempt from Hampshire's Michael Brannigan to roll him on his back during a brief shift in the match's momentum. Ritter (left) went on to win the match via tech fall 20-3 at 3:40 in their Class 3A 157-pound match Thursday evening.

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Added at 11:44 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Wheaton Academy's Tyler Jones tries roll out of a takedown attempt by Paris' Joshua Lamour during their preliminary 165-pound Class 1A match. Jones went on to win the bout via technical fall, 17-2.

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Added at 10:31 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Lena-Winslow's Arrison Bauer (45-5) lifts Vandalia's Eli Mabry (35-8) for a takedown during their first-round 144-pound match in the Class 1A division. Bauer went on to win the match, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 15-2 major decision. Mabry moved to Friday's wrestlebacks, where he will face 26-11 junior Johnny Conseugra-Lopez from Lisle.

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Added at 10:09 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden’s Cam Wagner prepares for his Class 1A 285-pound match against Murphysboro’s Julien Tanner. Trailing 1-0 after the first two periods, Wagner tied the match at 1-1 with an escape before surrendering a takedown, losing 4-1. The Spartan junior moves into the wrestlebacks, where he will face Clifton Central’s Josh McCurry on Friday morning.

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Added at 9:55 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Knoxville freshman James Long lets out a scream while wrestling against Byron's Will Juilian in their Class 1A 190-pound match Thursday morning. Long would later lose the match at 4:44 by fall after suffering two more injury episodes to his shoulder. The Bullets' rising star moves to the consolation bracket where he will face Westville's Ethan Miller on Friday morning.

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Added at 8:51 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Heyworth's Tristan Stamp (right) looks for a shot in on Pinckneyville's Jonathan Ramaker during their Class 1A 175-pound match. Stamp went on to win the match, advancing in the winner's bracket after earning a 13-3 major decision over Ramaker.

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Added at 8:37 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Canton's Jacob Hardesty shoots in for a takedown on Althoff's Dawson Hawthorne. Hardesty (33-7) fell in a close 5-4 decision to Hawthorne in their Class 1A 132-pound match.

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Added at 7:36 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Murphysboro's Sergio Garcia is overwhelmed while trying to keep his emotions in check as he removes headgear after his Class 1A 126-pound match against Newman Cathoic's Zhyler Hansen. Now with a shot for a third place finish, Garcia (43-11) moves into the consolation bracket to face Peotone's Jonah Young (22-11) Friday morning.

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Added at 7:19 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Clinton's Briley Carter tries to escape on a restart during his 120-pound match against Chicago Hope Academy's Nolan Callahan. Carter, who was 13-4 heading into the preliminary match, fell by major decision, 10-1. The Maroon junior moved to the consolation bracket with the loss and will face Vandalia's Riley Hinton in the next round.

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Added at 3:58 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden head wrestling coach Bill Gallo checks the time left on the match clock during Spartan 113-pound wrestler Ben Wells' match against Murphysboro's Drevean Bramlett (40-7). Wells lost the match by technical fall at 5:19 by a score of 19-4. Gallo and Wells will have another shot at state medal on Friday in the consolation bracket.

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Added at 3:40 PM

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Robinson's Landon Comwell tries to get away from Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley's Ian Rotramel during the 113-pound match. Comwell, a senior with a 35-14 record, fought hard but could not gain an advantage at any point to go on the attack, losing by major decision, 14-5. Comwell wrestles again Friday morning when he will face York Christian's Phoenix Senodenos in the consolation bracket.

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TAGS: Wrestling photo gallery, area high school wrestlers at State Farm Center, local wrestlers competing at IHSA state tournament, Robinson Maroons' wrestling, SJO Wrestling, Clinton wrestler competes at state, Heyworth wrestler wins preliminary match

Throwback Thursday | Keeping it close, Minooka finishes second at state

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Normal, IL - Minooka's Sammi Hermann and Alli Papesh block an attack by Mother McAuley's MaryKate Boland during the IHSA State Volleyball Finals at Redbird Arena on Saturday, November 12, 2016. The Indians pushed the Mighty Macs to three sets in the Class 4A title game, losing 19-25, 25-19, 19-25.

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LEFT: Minooka's Isabella Dailey celebrates with members of her team after the championship volleyball match. MIDDLE: Sammi Hermann waves to fans from the podium after receiving her state medal. RIGHT: Minooka's Alli Papesh hammers a shot for a kill between Mother McAuley's MaryKate Boland and Nancy Kane. Papesh finished the match with 20 kills and 10 digs. BELOW: Minooka team members celebrate the moment with their Class 4A second-place trophy.

All photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Guest Commentary | The Super Bowl halftime show was a hare too much for Glenn Mollette

Bugs Bunny, Blue Bunny, Big Bunny... The Super Bowl halftime show didn't work for Glenn.

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by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Glenn Mollette

The Super Bowl is now in the history books and already forgotten by most Americans. I don’t know if there was more talk about the Seahawks and the Patriots or the Super Bowl halftime show.

I admit that I had never heard of Bad Bunny until he was announced a few months back as this year’s halftime entertainment. Later, I heard him talk at the Grammy awards but I couldn’t understand anything he said. Actually, I don’t understand Spanish or any other languages. I often go to Mexican restaurants but don’t understand what the waiters and cooks are saying to each other. I hope they are saying how glad they are to see me or something nice like that.

Whenever I am in an Asian restaurant and the workers are talking I don’t understand them either. I’ve been to a few foreign countries and I never understand what they are saying. It really is helpful when people in France or Germany are able to communicate in English. Seems like the people in cities like Berlin or Paris speak better English than the people further away from the cities.

I guess I am growing more and more disadvantaged. I work with a number of people from Myanmar. They are extremely nice but most of them struggle with English. They have been in America for years and seem to be managing. They are managing better here than I would in Myanmar.

Years ago, I spent a couple of weeks in South Africa. That country has twelve official languages. English is their predominant language. Thus, it was easier for us to navigate in the country. Yet, I don’t know how a country functions with so many official languages.

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I thought it was Bugs Bunny and then I thought it was Blue Bunny and then Big Bunny.

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I’ve heard people say they loved the Superbowl show and some say they hated the show. I’ve heard others say they watched alternate shows. Then there a handful of people like me who wishes they would cancel the halftime show or just have the marching band from the local university entertain us. That won’t happen because the Super Bowl is about Super money. Big money. Advertising spots went from $8 to $10 million each with total advertising revenue for NBC estimated at $700 million.

Still, I didn’t understand a word Bad Bunny had to say. By the way it’s taken me forever to get his name straight. I thought it was Bugs Bunny and then I thought it was Blue Bunny and then Big Bunny. I apologize for being slow to understand that his name is Bad Bunny. He doesn’t act bad. He looks like a nice fellow. He is from Puerto Rico and he seems to carry a tune well. Yet, I don’t know what he is saying. Although I wasn’t raised Hispanic, I love Hispanic people. At this stage of my life, I just don’t have time to learn another language. Maybe I will have to.

I hope that next year’s Superbowl halftime show will be in English. Oh yea, I couldn’t understand Lady Gaga. Until she sang, I thought there was something wrong with my television. I have read Bad Bunny is fluent in English. This is America. Most Americans only speak English.

I guess it must have worked for the National Football League. However, it didn’t work for me.

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About the author ~

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.

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The Sentinel On This Day | February 18

Editor's Choice ~

How origami influences science

Have you ever imagined the power of a piece of paper? Paper was said to be documented during the Eastern Han period (25 – 220 CE), when paper was primarily used for artwork, writing and for packaging staffs.

In 105 CE, Chai Lun, a Chinese court official has brought up the idea of paper. His paper making skills mainly involved fishnet, old rags, hemp waste and bark of trees.

Read the story ...

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Sentinel Archive Photos ~

Rockets wins shootout by 11

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Unity's Nate Cain fights for a rebound with Cissna Park-Crescent-Iroquois' Quinn Steffen (right) at ...

Read more ...

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Sentinel Article Archive for February 18

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TAGS: Unity basketball beats CPCI, SJO - Unity basketball game, who is in control of your school, warm up after hard day's work with pork chili, elite wrestlers from the area head to IHSA state meet

Letter to the Editor | Small towns don’t forget who shows up

As the primary approaches, a Homer resident urges voters to choose responsive leadership.

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Dear Editor,

In the village of Homer, our "downtown" features more false fronts and vacant lots than businesses. Like many communities in the 15th Illinois Congressional District, we are hardworking people who feel more like "flyover country" to the Washington elite than a priority.

As the March 17th primary approached, I invited all seven congressional candidates to sit down for coffee with my neighbors. Six candidates accepted. Representative Mary Miller didn't even acknowledge the invitation.

Living just 35 miles away, her silence is deafening. While she makes headlines speaking to national influencers, she couldn't find an hour for the people of Homer. To make matters worse, after years of calling earmarks corrupt, she has suddenly reversed course now that she’s facing a primary challenge. It’s hard to trust a "foundation" that shifts as soon as an election gets close.

The 15th District is conservative, but we shouldn’t be a rubber stamp for an absentee representative. Republican candidates Judy Bowlby and Ryan Tebrugge actually showed up to listen. In the 15th, we know the difference between a politician seeking a platform and a leader seeking to serve.

This March, let’s choose someone who knows we exist.

Patrick Boylan
Homer

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Letter to the Editor 15th Congressional District Illinois, Homer Illinois political opinion primary election, community concerns about congressional representation, Illinois 15th District voter perspective letter, local engagement issues in congressional primary race

State wrestling preview: Local athletes chase quarterfinal spots in Champaign

The road to a state medal starts now. Twenty-one area wrestlers will be competing at the IHSA Individual State Finals on Thursday. Here are the athletes in the medal hunt.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Cameron Wagner wrestles South Vermillion's Baylen Curry in a 285-match in January. Wagner, who won by tech Fall 18-3, is making his first trip to the state wrestling tournament.

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Area wrestlers from both Class 1A and Class 2A will take the mats Thursday at the State Farm Center, where twenty-one qualifiers aim to push through the opening round and secure spots in the quarterfinals at the Illinois High School Association Individual Wrestling State Finals.

Oakwood leads the local contingent with six state qualifiers emerging from the Olympia Sectional. Steven Uden enters the 113-pound bracket at 39-6, while Weston Frazier (35-4) competes at 120, Pedro Alberto Rangel (27-14) at 126, Mason Swartz (39-6) at 132, Devin Ehler (42-1) at 138, and Tyler Huchel (36-6) at 144. Uden and Ehler, both consistent performers throughout the postseason, arrive with momentum and are viewed as strong medal contenders.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

ABOVE: Oakwood-Salt Fork's Steven Uden wraps up Canton's Jaxsun Owens in their Class 1A 106-pound first-round match a year ago in February. Unden, who won the bout by pin at 4:53, returns to state for another shot at a state title, this time in the 113-pound weight class.

BELOW: Unity's Abram Davidson tries to score on a takedown in his second-round consolation match against Princeton's Casey Etheridge. Davidson lost in a heartbreaking 19-17 decision and was eliminated from the tournament. Stronger and smarter Davidson is a medal contender in the 2026 installment of the state tournament.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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St. Joseph-Ogden advanced two wrestlers to Champaign. Ben Wells carries a 42-7 record into the 113-pound division, and Cam Wagner brings a 31-8 mark into the heavyweight bracket. Unity qualified three athletes, with freshman AJ Daly (38-13) at 138, Abram Davidson (44-7) at 165, and Josh Heath (39-13) at 175 all advancing out of Olympia. Davidson is a two-time qualifier for the Rockets.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

SJO's Ben Wells, a sophomore, makes his first appearance tomorrow as a state qualifier at the State Farm Center.

In Class 2A, Champaign Central will be represented by three wrestlers who advanced from the Granite City Sectional: Rylan Poeta (32-7) at 126, Talin Baker (32-4) at 138, and Trae Griffiths (25-5) at 157. Champaign Centennial sends Sergio Baity (34-6) at 190.

Mahomet-Seymour qualified five wrestlers from Granite City, led by Gideon Hayter (33-12) at 126, Justus Vrona (42-9) at 144, Garrett Waisath (40-13) at 150, Talon Decker (37-7) at 165, and Marco Casillas (45-3) at 190. The group brings a blend of experience and postseason success into a deep Class 2A field.

First-round action begins at 11 a.m. with Class 1A matches. General admission is $13 plus fees per session, and all-session passes start at $60. The state finals will be streamed live on the NFHS Network.

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TAGS: IHSA Individual State Finals wrestling preview, area high school wrestlers at State Farm Center, Class 1A and 2A Champaign Counte wrestling qualifiers, Oakwood and Mahomet-Seymour state wrestling competitors, local wrestlers competing at IHSA state tournament, two SJO wrestlers qualify for state

Recipes | Warm up with this flavorful BBQ pork chili during seasonal cooldowns

Mild weather can shift quickly, bringing colder air back into the forecast. This BBQ pork chili dish delivers bold flavor and lasting warmth, perfect for reheating after a long day's work or spring sports practice.

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Photo provided

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Are you are enjoying our first taste of spring with this week's promise of a return to warmer temperatures? Don’t let this week's mild weather and sunshine fool you; a dramatic cooldown is on the horizon, with wind chills set to dive into the sub-teens next week. When that bone-chilling air arrives, you’ll be grateful for a meal that offers deep, lasting warmth.

This BBQ Pork Chili recipe is the perfect solution - a robust and flavorful dish you can prepare ahead of time for an effortless dinner after a grueling day, or a quick, satisfying reheat for hungry families coming in from a cold spring sports practice.

Barbecue Chili

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
Servings: 8-10

1 pork loin (2-3 pounds)
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies
2 cups barbecue sauce, divided
1 cup water
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cans (27 ounces each) chili beans
1 package chili seasoning
1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
    salt, to taste
    pepper, to taste
    sour cream, for serving
    shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
    corn chips, for serving

Place pork loin in slow cooker. Cover with diced tomatoes and green chilies, 1 cup barbecue sauce and water; cook on low 4-6 hours.

Cut up cooked meat and place in Dutch oven along with juices from slow cooker. Add remaining barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, chili beans, chili seasoning, barbecue seasoning, onion powder and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Cook over medium heat 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and corn chips.

Tip: Add can of beans if serving bigger crowd.

Watch how to make this dish step-by-step in the video below.

Looking for more dinner ideas? Visit Culinary.net or OurSentinel.com recipe section to find more family-friendly dinner inspiration and step-by-step recipe videos.

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TAGS: BBQ pork chili recipe for cold weather, easy make ahead chili for busy families, comfort food chili for spring temperature drops, smoky barbecue pork chili dinner idea, reheatable chili recipe for weeknight meals

A beginner’s guide to grilling: Tips and tricks for success

The good news is that grilling is a skill built on a few core principles. Great grilling starts before the food ever hits the heat.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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by Casey Cartwright
Contributing Writer

Grilling has a way of turning simple ingredients into memorable meals. The crackle of heat, the smoky aroma, and the satisfaction of cooking outdoors make it a favorite for many, yet it can feel intimidating if you’re just starting out. Between choosing the right grill, managing heat, and knowing when food is actually done, beginners often worry about getting it wrong.

The good news is that grilling is a skill built on a few core principles; once you understand those basics, everything else becomes easier and far more enjoyable. Having a beginner’s guide to grilling and knowing some tips and tricks for success will give you the foundation you need to cook up some unique, delicious, and filling.

Understanding Your Grill

Before you cook anything, it’s important to understand the type of grill you’re using. Gas grills offer convenience and control, allowing you to adjust heat quickly and easily. Charcoal grills require a bit more patience but reward you with a deeper smoky flavor that many grill enthusiasts love. Pellet grills combine elements of both, using wood pellets to provide consistent heat and rich flavor.

No matter the type, every grill has hot spots and cooler zones. Taking a few minutes to preheat and observe how heat distributes across the surface will help you avoid uneven cooking. For beginners, mastering temperature control is far more important than fancy techniques. Knowing where the heat is strongest gives you the flexibility to sear food or cook it more gently when needed.

The Importance of Preheating

One of the most common beginner mistakes is rushing food onto the grill before it’s ready. Preheating ensures the grates are hot enough to sear food properly, which helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor. A properly heated grill also cooks food more evenly, reducing the risk of burning the outside while the inside remains undercooked.

Preheating times vary depending on the grill, but the goal is consistent heat. When the grill reaches the right temperature, you’ll notice food begins to sizzle as soon as it touches the grates. That sound is your signal that the grill is ready to work its magic.

Choosing the Right Tools

Grilling doesn’t require a long list of gadgets, but a few reliable tools make a big difference. Long-handled tongs help you turn food safely without piercing it, which keeps juices locked inside. A sturdy spatula is essential for burgers, fish, and delicate items. A grill brush helps keep grates clean, improving both flavor and food safety.

For beginners, a meat thermometer is one of the most valuable tools you can own. It takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures food reaches safe internal temperatures without overcooking. Confidence at the grill often comes from knowing, not guessing.

Preparing Your Food for the Grill

Great grilling starts before the food ever hits the heat. Bringing meat to room temperature helps it cook more evenly. Patting ingredients dry allows for better browning, while lightly oiling food instead of the grates can reduce sticking.

Seasoning doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple combinations of salt, pepper, herbs, and spices often work best, especially when you’re starting out. Marinades can add flavor and tenderness, but they should be used thoughtfully, as sugary ingredients can burn quickly over high heat.

Mastering Heat Control

Understanding direct and indirect heat is a major milestone for beginner grillers. Direct heat is when food cooks directly over the flame or coals, making it ideal for quick-cooking items like burgers and steaks. Indirect heat involves placing food away from the main heat source, allowing it to cook more slowly and evenly. This method works well for thicker cuts of meat and foods that need more time.

Learning when to move food between these zones helps prevent burning and promotes better texture. Many grilling mishaps can be avoided simply by adjusting heat instead of constantly flipping or pressing food.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

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What You Can Cook on Your Grill

One of the most exciting parts of grilling is its versatility. While many beginners think of grills as tools only for burgers and hot dogs, they can handle far more. Steaks, chicken, and seafood are natural choices, each benefiting from the grill’s ability to add char and depth of flavor; if meat is your food of choice, know what cuts taste best on a grill. With proper heat control, even delicate fish can turn out beautifully.

Vegetables shine on the grill as well. Bell peppers, zucchini, corn, mushrooms, and onions develop sweetness and complexity when exposed to high heat. Fruits like pineapple, peaches, and watermelon caramelize quickly, making them perfect for desserts or unexpected side dishes. Even items like pizza, flatbreads, and sandwiches can be grilled, turning your grill into a versatile outdoor kitchen.

Timing and Patience Matter

Grilling rewards patience. Constant flipping or pressing food can lead to dryness and uneven cooking. Allowing food to cook undisturbed helps it develop a flavorful crust and release naturally from the grates. When it’s ready to flip, it will lift easily.

Resting food after grilling is another step beginners often skip. Allowing meat to rest for a few minutes helps redistribute juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. This small pause can make a noticeable difference in the final result.

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Photo: ArtHouse Studio/PEXELS

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Keeping Safety in Mind

Safety is an essential part of grilling success. Always grill in a well-ventilated outdoor area and keep flammable items away from open flames. Using separate plates for raw and cooked foods helps prevent cross-contamination. Paying attention to internal temperatures ensures food is both safe and enjoyable to eat.

Cleaning your grill regularly not only extends its lifespan but also prevents flare-ups caused by grease buildup. A clean grill is easier to cook on and produces better-tasting food.

Building Confidence Through Practice

Like any cooking method, grilling improves with practice. Each session teaches you something new about heat, timing, and flavor. Mistakes are part of the process, and even imperfect meals can be delicious. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for when food is ready and how your grill behaves under different conditions.

Grilling is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Enjoy the process, experiment with new ingredients, and don’t be afraid to keep things simple. With these beginner-friendly tips and tricks for grilling, success is well within reach, and every meal becomes an opportunity to improve and have fun.

Casey Cartwright is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.

Trippin' Tuesdays | Whip Purs win first state cheer title

BLOOMINGTON - Members of the Hampshire cheerleading squad take a group selfie after winning the program's first state competitive cheerleading title. The Whip Purs won this Medium School title at the IHSA State Competitive Cheerleading finals by .07 of a point with a score of 88.50 on Saturday, February 7, 2015.

ABOVE - Left: Teagan Gara displays championship cheer spirit while performing with the Hampshire cheerleading squad on Saturday. Center: After several nervous seconds, Shayla Sarros erupts with disbelief, celebrating her team's championship win. Right: Teagan Gara kisses her championship medal after celebrating with teammate Kaliegh Fitzgerald (behind her).

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TAGS: Hampshire cheerleading team wins state, Sentinel archive photos, Whip Purrs finish first atstate cheerleading, IHSA Competitive Cheerleading Finals, IHSA state cheer

Commentary | A moment of community, and a final glimpse of a familiar figure

Photo by Alan Look Photography

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by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine

Some images take on new resonance with time, and this quiet community gathering—people standing together under the Rainbow PUSH Coalition banner, calling for justice for Jelani Day—now carries a deeper emotional weight in light of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing. What was once a simple documentary moment has become a subtle reflection on aging, legacy, and the realities of public life.

In the photograph, Reverend Jackson is not the polished, commanding figure many remember from his earlier decades. For much of his public career, he was known for an immaculate presence—tailored suits, crisp lines, a look that matched the precision of his oratory. Here, though, he appears more vulnerable. His hair is neatly combed, but his clothing sits differently than it once did, looser in some places, tighter in others, as if the careful attention that once shaped his public image had softened over time. It’s not disheveled, not careless—just unmistakably human.

What stands out is not decline, but honesty. There is no attempt to hide the effects of age or illness, no effort to recreate the immaculate presentation of his younger years. Instead, he is simply present, surrounded by community members who seem focused less on how he looks and more on the fact that he showed up at all. In that sense, the image becomes a quiet testament to a lifetime of engagement: even as the polish faded, the commitment remained.

His presence at this gathering wasn’t about leading a march or delivering a headline-making speech. It was about solidarity—about lending his name, his history, and his physical presence to a cause that mattered to others. And perhaps that is why this moment resonates now. It shows a man who continued to participate even when the spotlight no longer demanded perfection, even when the expectations of presentation had eased.

As people reflect on his legacy, this photograph offers a gentle reminder that public figures age just like everyone else. Their final years are often less curated, less controlled, and more revealing. Here, Reverend Jackson appears not as an icon, but as an elder—still engaged, still present, still willing to stand with a community seeking justice.

It is a candid, unvarnished glimpse of a man near the end of a long public journey. And in its simplicity, it may be one of the most honest.

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Area girls wrestling qualifiers

Champaign Central, Oakwood, St. Joseph-Ogden, Unity and Urbana will all be represented at the state meet. Several wrestlers captured titles or placed high to secure advancement.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana's Lily Disanto pins Lockport's Rebekah Ramirez during their first-round 235-pound match on Friday, February 28, 2025, on her way to a fourth-place finish at state her junior year. The senior returns to Grossinger Motors Arena for another shot at a state title.

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VIRDEN - Nine area wrestlers are headed to the state stage after qualifying at sectional competition, earning berths in the Illinois High School Association Girls Individual Wrestling State Finals set for Feb. 27-28 in Bloomington at Grossinger Motors Arena.

The group represents programs from Champaign Central High School, Oakwood High School, St. Joseph-Ogden High School, Unity High School and Urbana High School, with each wrestler navigating a deep postseason bracket to extend her season.

At Champaign Central, sophomore Iy'Jah Grant advanced at 170 pounds after battling through the consolation side of the bracket. Grant rebounded from a loss to Granite City’s Demi Barnes, pinning Mahomet-Seymour’s Weitekamp at 4:37 to secure her state berth. She later defaulted due to injury during her bid for third place, but her earlier win guaranteed a spot in Bloomington.

Oakwood will be represented by two qualifiers. Freshman Kate Wochner earned a state bid at 115 pounds, while senior Taylor Owens captured the 155-pound sectional title. Owens, the No. 3 seed, defeated Addison Mabry of Benton and Nahima Mateo of Murphysboro before her opponent could not continue in the championship match’s second period.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Spartans' Maddie Wells, wrestles Mother Mcauley's Maggie Zuber at last year's state championships. Wells is another area grappler hoping to medal at this year's state tournament.

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St. Joseph-Ogden senior Maddie Wells advanced at 155 pounds with a resilient run through the bracket. After a quick first-round win, Wells dropped into the consolation side following a loss to Freeburg’s Grace Stratton. She responded with three consecutive pins — against Champaign Central’s Onisty Murphy, Civic Memorial’s Izabella Darr and Murphysboro’s Mateo — to clinch a state berth before finishing fourth.

Unity will send two wrestlers to Bloomington, led by junior Ava Beldo at 130 pounds. Beldo went 3-1 at sectionals, advancing to the title match with wins by technical fall, major decision and sudden victory before finishing second to Mt. Zion’s Sidney Cannon. Senior Phoenix Molina remained unbeaten at 235 pounds, going 4-0 to claim the sectional championship and secure her fourth trip to the state finals.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Urbana's Rickasia Ivy wrestles Lincoln-Way Central's Ella Giertuga in their state first-round consolation match 2025. Ivy, who recently earned her 100th win, qualified for her third trip to state after earning the 155 pound title at the North Mac sectional tournament on Saturday. Stronger and better technically, Ivy is heavily favored to finish in the top three.

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Urbana, which placed third in the team standings, qualified three wrestlers. Senior Tamya Terry earned a fourth-place finish at 135 pounds, while junior Rickasia Ivy dominated the 140-pound bracket with three falls, including a first-period win over Granite City’s Audrey Barnes. Ivy, now a three-time state qualifier, also surpassed the 100-win mark for her career. She is the first female Tiger to surpass the milestone. At 235 pounds, senior Lilly Disanto finished second after a finals loss to Molina.

Team results underscored the depth of the sectional field. Edwardsville captured the North Mac sectional title with 132 points, followed by Collinsville and Urbana. The state finals later this month mark the fifth installment of the IHSA girls wrestling championship, with the Illinois High School Association continuing to see participation and competitive depth grow across the state. Lincoln-Way Central will send the largest contingent to Bloomington with seven finalists.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Phoenix Molina is declared winner after pinning Moline's Kirsten Kpoto in their 235 pound match in 2025. Molina qualified for her fourth state appearance on Saturday, celebrating the win with the sectional champion title.

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TAGS: IHSA girls wrestling state qualifiers Bloomington Illinois, Champaign Central Oakwood Unity Urbana girls wrestling state, area high school girls wrestling sectional results Illinois, Bloomington Grossinger Motors Arena girls wrestling finals, local girls wrestling state tournament qualifiers Illinois

The Sentinel On This Day | February 16

Editor's Choice ~

Immke, Wagner advance to state wrestling championships

ST. JOSEPH - A pair of St. Joseph-Ogden wrestlers advanced to this weekend’s Illinois High School Association Individual Wrestling State Finals, which begin Thursday.

Isaiah Immke, who had a first-round bye and lost his opening sectional match to Dwight’s Daniel Gutierrez (45-5) by fall, punched his ticket to the division finals after defeating Tremont’s Levi Leitner with a pin at 1:54. Immke picked up his 20th win of the season with a third-place finish in the 145-pound division Saturday.

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Sentinel Archive Photos ~

State Wrestling: Coal City's Keigher slips by Kewanee's Lasenby

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Champaign - Coal City's James Keigher ties up Kewanee's Jamal Lasenby during their 175-pound Class 1A first-round wrestleback match in 2024.

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Sentinel Article Archive for February 16

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TAGS: SJO's Isaiah Immke and AJ Wagner, Wagner qualifies for state, Oakwood's Steven Uden, how to plan a budget wedding, three American holidays in one