Coming up short, four Spartan seasons end at sectionals

CLINTON - On Sunday morning, three St. Joseph-Ogden wrestlers who qualified for sectionals are grappling with season-ending losses, just one victory away from competing at the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals this coming Thursday through Saturday. After two days and 18 matches among the four Spartans, their chance for individual glory will have to wait, at least for two of them.

Freshman Ben Wells rebounded from his quarterfinal loss on Friday, winning his next two matches at the Clinton sectional on Saturday. Facing Olympia's Brandon Gaither (40-9) in the 106-pound consolation semifinal, he struggled and fell 17-1 in the second period, concluding his first season with a 38-13 record. Gaither went on to finish third in the division.

Sophomore Cam Wagner also experienced a tough loss in his consolation semifinal to Peoria Notre Dame's Brady Mullen, who defeated him in just 42 seconds. Wagner, in his debut varsity wrestling season, achieved 37 wins against 15 losses.

Senior Jackson Walsh, finishing his final season with over 40 wins, lost his consolation semifinal to PORTA's Kainin Fillbright, who finished fourth in the 113-pound division. Walsh's prep career ended via pin just 57 seconds into the match.

The fourth SJO wrestler at sectionals, senior Landen Butts, faced a challenging draw and concluded the tournament with a 0-2 record. He wraps up the season with a 35-15 record.

Below is the summary of how all four wrestlers performed at the Clinton sectional tournament:

SJO Sectional Summary

144 - Landen Butts (35-15)

Champ. Round 1 - Hayden Washum, Normal University won by decision over Landen Butts - Dec 10-8

Cons. Round 1 - Landen Butts received a bye

Cons. Round 2 - Austin Kisner, Olympia won by tech fall over Landen Butts TF-1.5 5:05 (17-1)

113 - Jackson Walsh (41-10)

Champ. Round 1 - Jackson Walsh received a bye

Quarterfinal - Briley Carter, Clinton won by decision over Jackson Walsh Dec 13-8

Cons. Round 2 - Jackson Walsh won by fall over Jackson Buehler, Camp Point Central - Fall 3:53

Cons. Round 3 - Jackson Walsh won by fall over Bryan Islas, Beardstown - Fall 4:28

Cons. Semi - Kainin Fillbright, PORTA won by fall over Jackson Walsh - Fall 0:57

285 - Cam Wagner (37-15)

Champ. Round 1 - Cam Wagner won by fall over Liam Dodsworth, Williamsville - Fall 2:33

Quarterfinal - Darian Holloway, Olympia won by fall over Cam Wagner - Fall 0:53

Cons. Round 2 - Cam Wagner won by tech fall over Dawson Thayer, Clinton - TF-1.5 1:44 (15-0)

Cons. Round 3 - Cam Wagner won by fall over Joey Humphries, Dee-Mac - Fall 4:56

Cons. Semi - Brady Mullens, Peoria Notre Dame won by fall over Cam Wagner - Fall 0:42

106 - Ben Wells (38-13)

Champ. Round 1 - Ben Wells won by fall over Cayden Bostic, Clinton - Fall 2:53

Quarterfinal - Jaxsun Owens, Canton won by fall over Ben Wells - Fall 1:43

Cons. Round 2 - Ben Wells won by fall over Jayden Schmider, Farmington -Fall 0:50

Cons. Round 3 - Ben Wells won by fall over Kole Petta, El Paso-Gridley - Fall 3:37

Cons. Semi - Brandon Gaither, Olympia won by tech fall over Ben Wells - TF-1.5 2:37 (17-1)

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Unity, St. Joseph-Ogden send 11 wrestlers to Class 1A sectionals

Eleven area qualifiers emerged from Saturday’s regional meet at Ridgeview High School in Colfax. Five Spartans and six Rockets will compete Friday, February 13, at Olympia High School in the hunt for a berth to state.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Ben Wells defends himself against a shot from Prairie Central's Andrew Patino during their bout at the Illini Prairie Conference duals last month. Wells won the regional title for his weight class, advancing to sectionals this weekend.

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COLFAX - The mat narrowed and the margins tightened Saturday at Ridgeview High School, where every takedown carried postseason weight and every whistle pushed area wrestlers closer to Olympia. By the end of the Class 1A regional, 11 wrestlers from Unity and St. Joseph-Ogden had done enough to keep their seasons alive, earning advancement to next Friday’s IHSA Individual Sectional at Olympia High School.

St. Joseph-Ogden sent five wrestlers through, highlighted by two regional champions who controlled their brackets. Sophomore Ben Wells (40-6) delivered a composed performance at 113 pounds, defeating Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley’s Ian Rotramel (30-13) by a 10-4 decision to claim the title. At 285, junior Cam Wagner (28-6) imposed his pace early and often, earning a major decision over GCMS’ Carson Sexton (32-12) to secure another championship for the Spartans.

Unity matched that top-end success with a dominant run from Abram Davidson. The senior capped his day as the Rockets’ lone regional titlist, scoring a technical fall at 3:58 against GCMS junior Cooper Miller (37-10) at 165 pounds, finishing with a 22-7 advantage that underscored his control from start to finish.

Depth carried Unity through the rest of the bracket, with five Rockets finishing as regional runners-up. AJ Daly (35-12) placed second at 138, Hayden Smith (36-12) followed at 144, Devin Glik (24-17) earned a runner-up finish at 150, Ben Mullins (33-14) placed second at 157, and senior Josh Heath (36-11) closed the group with a second-place showing at 175.

St. Joseph-Ogden added critical points and sectional qualifiers through grit in the placement rounds. Senior Vance McComas was the Spartans’ lone runner-up finisher, while Nathan Daly at 150 pounds and Coy Hayes at 165 battled back to secure third-place finishes, each doing enough to extend their postseason run.

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley captured the team championship with 309.5 points. Unity finished second with 158 points, and St. Joseph-Ogden placed third with 142.5, placing both area programs firmly in the sectional conversation heading into Friday.

St. Joseph-Ogden competitors at the regional were: (106) Weston Hubbard, freshman (12-6); (113) Ben Wells, sophomore (37-6); (120) George Hale, sophomore (26-17); (126) Camden Getty, senior (35-9); (144) Alec Bowlin, junior (5-18); (150) Nathan Daly, senior (28-11); (157) Alex Vaughn, junior (25-10); (165) Coy Hayes, senior (35-7); (175) Devan Swisher, senior (18-13); (190) Vance McComas, senior (26-16); (215) Liam Carter, sophomore (29-15); (285) Cam Wagner, junior (25-6).

Unity’s regional lineup included: (106) Vincent Abon, sophomore (23-20); (120) Deklyn Thomas, freshman (5-25); (126) Bryson Williams, freshman (7-28); (132) Sam Hollett, freshman (7-21); (138) AJ Daly, freshman (33-11); (144) Hayden Smith, freshman (34-11); (150) Devin Glik, senior (21-16); (157) Ben Mullins, junior (31-13); (165) Abram Davidson, senior (38-6); (175) Josh Heath, senior (34-10); (190) Bradley Smith, sophomore (24-16); (215) Chason Daly, senior (27-17); (285) Cristian Sellers, senior (10-25).

The sectional round at Olympia High School awaits Friday, February 13, where only the top finishers will punch their tickets to state, and the stakes will rise with every bout.

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TAGS: Unity High School wrestling sectional qualifiers, St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling regional results, IHSA Class 1A wrestling Olympia sectional, Ridgeview wrestling regional results, Illinois high school individual wrestling

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

2025-25 Illini Prairie All-Conference Wrestling Team

St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity dominated Illini Prairie Conference wrestling honors, combining for eight of 15 first-team spots as 22 area athletes earned all-conference recognition.

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Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Cam Wagner wrestles Murphysboro's Julien Tanner durin their first-round 285-pound match at the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals in February. Wagner, who fell 4-1 in his first-ever state appearance, was named to the Illini Prairie All-Conference Wrestling First Team

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ST. JOSEPH - Area wrestling programs made a strong showing on the Illini Prairie Conference postseason honors list this season, with 22 athletes earning all-conference recognition.

St. Joseph-Ogden and Unity led the area contingent, combining for eight of the 15 spots on the all-conference first team.

SJO placed four wrestlers on the top squad, including sophomore Ben Wells at 113 pounds, junior Cam Wagner at heavyweight and senior standouts Coy Hayes at 165 pounds and Vance McComas at 175 pounds.

Unity matched the Spartans with four first-team selections. Seniors Hunter Shike at 144/150 pounds, Abram Davidson at 165 and Chason Daly at 215 earned the recognition, while freshman Hayden Smith rounded out the Rockets’ first-team honorees.

Two additional area wrestlers also earned first-team recognition. St. Thomas More freshman Jamir Woods was honored at 126 pounds, while Rantoul Township senior Brandon Almanza was selected at 165/175 pounds.

Unity added five wrestlers to the second team, highlighting the depth of the Rockets’ lineup this season. Vince Abon, A.J. Daly, Ben Mullins, Devin Glik and Bradley Smith were each recognized for their performances on the mat.

Spartans’ Cam Getty and Nathan Daly also received second-team honors, while Rantoul senior Michael Anthony completed the area’s list of second-team selections.

Several of the conference honorees also competed on the state stage this season. St. Joseph-Ogden’s Wagner and Wells, along with Unity wrestlers Davidson and Daly, qualified for the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals. Unity’s Josh Heath was also a state qualifier and received honorable mention recognition from conference coaches.

Illini Prairie Conference
All-Conference Wrestling Team

1st team:

Nick Litchfield, 132-pounds
Senior, Monticello

Will Osborne, 144-pounds
Junior, Monticello

Lucas Maier, 175-pounds
Sophomore, Pontiac

Brayden Quas, 157-pounds
Sophomore, Pontiac

Jack Voigts, 126-pounds
Freshman, Pontiac

Brandon Almanza, 165/175-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Ben Wells, 113-pounds
Sophomore, St. Joseph-Ogden

Coy Hayes, 165-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Vance McComas, 175-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Cam Wagner, 285-pounds
Junior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Jamir Woods, 126-pounds
Freshman, St. Thomas More

Hunter Shike, 144/150-pounds
Senior, Unity

Hayden Smith, 144/150-pounds
Freshman, Unity

Abram Davidson, 165-pounds
Senior, Unity

Chason Daly, 215-pounds
Senior, Unity

2nd team:

Owen Moser, 175-pounds
Senior, IVC

Aiden Komnick, 120-pounds
Sophomore, Monticello

Kellan Lamb, 126-pounds
Sophomore, Monticello

Drake Weeks, 150-pounds
Senior, Monticello

Max Sinkosky, 175-pounds
Senior, Monticello

Hunter McCullough, 285-pounds
Junior, Pontiac

Andrew Patino, 113-pounds
Sophomore, Prairie Central

Michael Anthony, 215/285-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Cam Getty, 126-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Nathan Daly, 150-pounds
Senior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Vince Abon, 106-pounds
Sophomore, Unity

A.J. Daly, 138-pounds
Freshman, Unity

Ben Mullins, 157-pounds
Junior, Unity

Devin Glik, 150/157-pounds
Senior, Unity

Bradley Smith, 190-pounds
Sophomore, Unity

Honorable Mention:

Maison Toliver, 165-pounds
Junior, IVC

Hunter Toliver, 126-pounds
Junior, IVC

Malikai Bremer, 215-pounds
Senior, IVC

Weston Hicks, 138-pounds
Freshman, Monticello

Luke Andruczyk, 144-pounds
Junior, Monticello

Zach Perry, 157-pounds
Sophomore, Monticello

Noah Davis, 138-pounds
Junior, Pontiac

Braden Opperman, 150-pounds
Freshman, Pontiac

Trey Zimmerman, 106-pounds
Freshman, Prairie Central

Elijah Mowery, 190-pounds
Sophomore, Prairie Central

Harley Schultz, 175/190-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Tyler Seals, 165/175-pounds
Junior, Rantoul

Alex Nutter, 215/285-pounds
Senior, Rantoul

Alex Mager, 190/215-pounds
Sophomore, Rantoul

Aiden Hundley, 138-pounds
Junior, St. Joseph-Ogden

Yashua Walker, 132-pounds
Freshman, St. Thomas More

Lane Sexton, 157-pounds
Junior, St. Thomas More

Josh Heath, 175-pounds
Senior, Unity

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Illini Prairie Conference wrestling all-conference 2026, St. Joseph-Ogden Unity wrestling honors, area high school wrestling awards Illinois, IHSA state wrestling qualifiers all-conference

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

Spartans dominate on the mats at IPC conference wrestling meet

CHILLICOTHE - The St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans showcased their dominance during the first day of the two-day Illini Prairie Conference wrestling meet on Jan. 17 at Illinois Valley Central High School, going undefeated with a 3-0 record. The Spartans capped their performance with a commanding 66-12 victory over the St. Thomas More Sabers.

The Spartans also notched decisive wins against Prairie Central (54-12) and Pontiac (48-35) to complete their sweep of day one.

The meet began at 106 pounds, where St. Joseph-Ogden’s Ben Wells set the tone with a first-period pin over RJ Cinnamon of St. Thomas More in just 1:30. Wells’ performance was one of the few contested matches, as the Sabers forfeited 10 of the 14 weight classes.

St. Thomas More found success in two of the three matches wrestled. Philip Christhilf earned a pin at 157 pounds, defeating Jonathon Moore of St. Joseph-Ogden in 1:23. James Schmidt added another win for the Sabers at 215 pounds, pinning Nathan Phillips in 1:32.

The Spartans’ depth was evident throughout the meet, with wrestlers like Jackson Walsh (113 pounds), Camden Getty (120 pounds), and Devan Swisher (175 pounds) earning points through forfeits. Aiden Hundley (138 pounds), Landen Butts (144 pounds), and Thomas Ware (150 pounds) also were present to help dominant scoreline.

With the victory, St. Joseph-Ogden improved its season record and solidified its position as a top contender in the conference. The team’s strong showing highlights its potential as postseason tournaments approach.

Next on the Schedule

The Spartans will host a multi-quad meet this Saturday, facing Decatur Unity Christian, Decatur MacArthur, Hoopeston, Cumberland, and St. Thomas More. Matches begin at 8:30 a.m.

St. Joseph-Ogden then hits the road for dual meets at Champaign Central High School on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and at GCMS on Thursday, Jan. 30.

Box Score

106 - WELLS, BEN (SJO) over Cinnamon, RJ (STM), Fall 1:30; 113 - WALSH, JACKSON (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 120 - GETTY, CAMDEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 126 - BIRT, ELI (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 132 - Forfeit, (STM) over Forfeit, (SJO), Double Forfeit; 138 - HUNDLEY, AIDEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 144 - BUTTS, LANDEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 150 - WARE, THOMAS (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 157 - Christhilf, Philip (STM) over MOORE, JONATHON (SJO), Fall 1:23; 165 - VAUGHN, ALEX (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 175 - SWISHER, DEVAN (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 190 - Carter, Liam (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT; 215 - Schmidt, James (STM) over PHILLIPS, NATHAN (SJO), Fall 1:32; 285 - WAGNER, CAM (SJO) over Forfeit, (STM), FORFEIT.

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• Photo Gallery | Lightweights lift SJO in home win over Clinton
• St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling falls to BHRA in 48-30 decision
• SJO wrestling wins home match over BHRA, Getty and four others shine
• St. Joseph-Ogden's Siems drops 32 points in Spartan's latest hardcourt victory

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St. Joseph-Ogden secures hard-fought victory over Pontiac at IPC meet

CHILLICOTHE - The St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling team had an impressive run during the first day of the two-day Illini Prairie Conference wrestling meet on Jan. 17 at Illinois Valley Central High School, defeating the Pontiac Indians 48-35 in a closely contested dual.

The Spartans, who went 3-0 on day one, also secured commanding wins against Prairie Central (54-12) and St. Thomas More (66-12).

The meet began at 106 pounds, with Ben Wells earning a forfeit victory for the Spartans. At 113 pounds, Jackson Walsh notched the first of several key first-period pins for St. Joseph-Ogden, defeating Pontiac’s Sophia Mussari in 1:49. Cam Wagner, a standout sophomore heavyweight, capped the match with a first-period pin over Hunter McCullough in 1:35 to seal the victory. Wagner, who is enjoying a stellar debut season, is also a top-rated football player in Illinois with Division I scholarship offers from Nebraska, Illinois, Louisville, Miami of Ohio, and Iowa.

Other Spartans who delivered standout performances included Aiden Hundley (138 pounds), who pinned Kooper Wiles in 5:35, and Landen Butts (144 pounds), who recorded a fall over Cale Christenson in 5:60. Jonathan Moore (157 pounds) also added a pin, defeating Hunter Christenson in 3:02.

Pontiac kept the meet competitive with wins in several weight classes, including Noah Davis’ technical fall at 126 pounds and pins by Brayden Quas (150 pounds), Lucas Maier (165 pounds), Carlito Lattin (175 pounds), and Jackson Crawford (190 pounds). Despite their efforts, the Indians fell short as the Spartans’ depth and ability to secure bonus points proved decisive.

Box Score

106 - WELLS, BEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (Pontiac), FORFEIT; 113 - WALSH, JACKSON (SJO) over Mussari, Sophia (Pontiac), Fall 1:49; 120 - GETTY, CAMDEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (Pontiac), FORFEIT; 126 - Davis, Noah (Pontiac) over BIRT, ELI (SJO), Tech Fall 18-2; 132 - Hoegger, Alex (Pontiac) over Forfeit, (SJO), FORFEIT; 138 - HUNDLEY, AIDEN (SJO) over Wiles, Kooper (Pontiac), Fall 5:35; 144 - BUTTS, LANDEN (SJO) over Christenson, Cale (Pontiac), Fall 5:60; 150 - Quas, Brayden (Pontiac) over WARE, THOMAS (SJO), Fall 4:13; 157 - MOORE, JONATHON (SJO) over Christenson, Hunter (Pontiac), Fall 3:02; 165 - Maier, Lucas (Pontiac) over VAUGHN, ALEX (SJO), Fall 3:39; 175 - Lattin, Carlito (Pontiac) over SWISHER, DEVAN (SJO), Fall 8:28; 190 - Crawford, Jackson (Pontiac) over Carter, Liam (SJO), Fall 4:49; 215 - PHILLIPS, NATHAN (SJO) over Forfeit, (Pontiac), FORFEIT; 285 - WAGNER, CAM (SJO) over McCullough, Hunter (Pontiac), Fall 1:35.

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Related articles:

• Spartans dominate on the mats at IPC conference wrestling meet
• Photo Gallery | Lightweights lift SJO in home win over Clinton
• St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling falls to BHRA in 48-30 decision
• SJO wrestling wins home match over BHRA, Getty and four others shine

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SJO rolls past Prairie Central at IPC Meet, Walsh notches first period-pin in rout

CHILLICOTHE - Michael Jackson sang "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" and the St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling took the song to heart, going undefeated during the first day of competition and the Illini Prairie Conference wrestling meet last week.

SJO grapplers delivered a commanding performance on Jan. 17, overwhelming the Prairie Central Hawks 54-12 at the two-day Illini Prairie Conference wrestling meet at Illinois Valley Central High School. The Spartans also claimed victories over Pontiac (48-35) and St. Thomas More (66-12).

Despite a few competitive bouts, including a 10-7 overtime decision at 138 pounds in favor of Prairie Central’s John Traub over Aiden Hundley, the Spartans’ depth and ability to secure bonus points proved decisive. Other key contributors included Eli Birt (126 pounds), who earned a 4-1 decision, and Devan Swisher (175 pounds), who posted a 10-3 decision.

Ben Wells (106 pounds) won the dual opener for the Spartans by pinning Prairie Central’s Andrew Patino in 1:37. Jackson Walsh (113 pounds) followed with another first-period pin, defeating Julius Smith in 1:33. Camden Getty (120 pounds) kept the momentum going, recording a fall over Prestin Gero in 2:08.

Landen Butts (144 pounds) added to the Spartans’ strong showing with a pin over Daemian Spisak in 4:20, while heavyweight Cam Wagner capped the dual with a forfeit victory. Wagner, a sophomore enjoying a standout debut season, is also a top-rated football player with Division I scholarship offers.

Day one conference meet standouts

Several Spartans delivered standout performances across all three matches on day one. Walsh (113 pounds) was a force on the mat, securing two first-period pins, including a 1:49 fall against Pontiac’s Sophia Mussari. Getty (120 pounds) also recorded two pins, showcasing the improvement he has made through the hard work he put in during the off-season.

Wagner (285 pounds) continued to impress with two falls, including a decisive 1:35 pin over Pontiac’s Hunter McCullough. Butts (144 pounds) added two pins to his tally, further highlighting the Spartans’ dominance in the middleweight classes.

Box Score

106 - WELLS, BEN (SJO) over Patino, Andrew (PC), Fall 1:37; 113 - WALSH, JACKSON (SJO) over Smith, Julius (PC), Fall 1:33; 120 - GETTY, CAMDEN (SJO) over Gero, Prestin (PC), Fall 2:08; 126 - BIRT, ELI (SJO) over Clemons, Drake (PC), Decision 4-1; 132 - Forfeit, (PC) over Forfeit, (SJO), Double Forfeit; 138 - Traub, John (PC) over HUNDLEY, AIDEN (SJO), Decision 10-7 (OT); 144 - BUTTS, LANDEN (SJO) over Spisak, Daemian (PC), Fall 4:20; 150 - WARE, THOMAS (SJO) over Forfeit, (PC), FORFEIT; 157 - Ziller, Ethan (PC) over MOORE, JONATHON (SJO), Decision 9-6; 165 - Martin, Jaxson (PC) over VAUGHN, ALEX (SJO), Fall 1:02; 175 - SWISHER, DEVAN (SJO) over Mowery, Elijah (PC), Decision 10-3; 190 - Carter, Liam (SJO) over Forfeit, (PC), FORFEIT; 215 - PHILLIPS, NATHAN (SJO) over Forfeit, (PC), FORFEIT; 285 - WAGNER, CAM (SJO) over Forfeit, (PC), FORFEIT.

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Related articles:

• Spartans dominate on the mats at IPC conference wrestling meet
• Photo Gallery | Lightweights lift SJO in home win over Clinton
• St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling falls to BHRA in 48-30 decision
• St. Joseph-Ogden secures hard-fought victory over Pontiac at IPC meet

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St. Joseph-Ogden ties Monticello at conference wrestling meet, Wagner averts SJO loss

CHILLICOTHE - St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling showcased resilience and grit on January 18 during the Illini Prairie Conference at Illinois Valley Central High School, battling Monticello to a dramatic 40-40 tie.

After defeating Rantoul earlier in the tournament, the Spartans started strong against the Sages, jumping to a commanding 17-0 lead. Jackson Walsh set the tone with a dominant 17-0 tech fall over Aiden Komnick at 113 pounds, while Camden Getty followed with a lightning-fast 34-second pin against Monticello's Kellan Lamb at 120 pounds.

Monticello responded with a string of victories, including Nick Litchfield’s 18-2 tech fall at 126 pounds and a forfeit at 132 pounds. Despite SJO's Aiden Hundley and Landen Butts securing key wins at 138 and 144 pounds, Monticello mounted a comeback. Russ Brown’s 16-1 tech fall at 190 pounds tied the score at 34-all, and Hunter Romano’s second-period pin at 215 pounds gave the Sages their first lead of the match, 40-34.

The Spartans’ hopes rested on sophomore heavyweight Cam Wagner, who delivered under pressure. Wagner pinned Nate Darnell in just 55 seconds, tying the match at 40-40 and preserving SJO’s unbeaten record for the day.

With Monticello behind them, the Spartans faced two more challenges on Saturday: Unity, a 2023 IHSA Class 1A Elite 8 team, and host Illinois Valley Central.

Summary of Key Results

• 106: Ben Wells (SJO) pinned River Young (Monticello), 1:32
• 113: Jackson Walsh (SJO) tech fall over Aiden Komnick (Monticello), 17-0
• 120: Camden Getty (SJO) pinned Kellan Lamb (Monticello), 0:34
• 138: Aiden Hundley (SJO) pinned Daniel Moore (Monticello), 1:31
• 144: Landen Butts (SJO) tech fall over Drake Weeks (Monticello), 16-0
• 190: Russ Brown (Monticello) tech fall over Carter Liam (SJO), 16-1
• 215: Hunter Romano (Monticello) pinned Nathan Phillips (SJO), 4:38
• 285: Cam Wagner (SJO) pinned Nate Darnell (Monticello), 0:55

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Box Score

106 - WELLS, BEN (SJO) over Young, River (Monticello), Fall 1:32; 113 - WALSH, JACKSON (SJO) over Komnick, Aiden (Monticello), Tech Fall 17-0; 120 - GETTY, CAMDEN (SJO) over Lamb, Kellan (Monticello), Fall 0:34; 126 - Litchfield, Nick (Monticello) over BIRT, ELI (SJO), Tech Fall 18-2; 132 - Osborne, Will (Monticello) over Forfeit, (SJO), FORFEIT; 138 - HUNDLEY, AIDEN (SJO) over Moore, Daniel (Monticello), Fall 1:31; 144 - BUTTS, LANDEN (SJO) over Weeks, Drake (Monticello), Tech Fall 16-0; 150 - Ducker, Isaiah (Monticello) over WARE, THOMAS (SJO), Fall 0:35; 157 - Shubert, Colton (Monticello) over DALY, NATHAN (SJO), Fall 1:08; 165 - MOORE, JONATHON (SJO) over Mikulich, Christian (Monticello), Fall 5:51; 175 - Sinkosky, Max (Monticello) over SWISHER, DEVAN (SJO), Fall 0:55; 190 - Brown, Russ (Monticello) over Carter, Liam (SJO), Tech Fall 16-1; 215 - Romano, Hunter (Monticello) over PHILLIPS, NATHAN (SJO), Fall 4:38; 285 - WAGNER, CAM (SJO) over Darnell, Nate (Monticello), Fall 0:55.

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• A perfect season, SJO goes 9-0 into 2024 IHSA football playoffs
• SJO rolls past Prairie Central at IPC Meet, Walsh notches first period-pin in rout
• Winning me, SJO football keeps win streak alive

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Unity topples SJO in conference meet wrestling showdown

CHILLICOTHE - In a clash between perennial rivals, Unity soared to a commanding victory over St. Joseph-Ogden in a dual meet that showcased the prowess of Unity's senior wrestlers. The match, held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, underscored Unity's dominance as they clinched a decisive 49-17 win over their opponents on the way to the Illini Prairie Conference title.

Unity, boasting a lineup featuring four seasoned seniors who were all state finalists last season, delivered a masterclass performance from start to finish. Leading the charge was Hunter Eastin, the defending state champion who stepped up in weight to 215 pounds for this encounter. Eastin's technical proficiency was in play as he pinned his opponent from SJO, Nathan Phillips, in 2 minutes and 10 seconds, contributing crucial points to Unity's overall score.

Unity's Hunter Eastin is declared winner after his 5-2 win over St. Thomas More's Brody Cuppernell in the 190 pound title match at the 2024 IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals. See more photos from his state victory here. Eastin made short work of St. Joseph-Ogden's Nathan Phillips in their 215 pound match at the Illini Prairie Conference Meet.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Joining Eastin in Unity's formidable senior quartet were Kaden Inman, Holden Brazelton, and Ryan Rink, each bringing their own stellar track records to the mat. Inman, a senior standout who narrowly missed the state title last year, left no room for doubt in his match at 144 pounds, securing a dominant technical fall victory over SJO's Landen Butts with a commanding score of 19-4. Brazelton, who recently transferred to Unity from St. Joseph-Ogden, won his 150-pound match with a convincing tech fall, earning 17 unanswered points against his opponent, Thomas Ware.

Ryan Rink, another integral part of Unity's senior cadre, demonstrated his resilience and skill at 175 pounds, overpowering his counterpart from SJO with an 18-3 tech fall victory. These performances highlighted Unity's depth and experience, underscoring their status as a force to be reckoned with in the conference and beyond.

The dual meet began with early momentum swings, as SJO claimed forfeit victories at 106 and 113 pounds, courtesy of Ben Wells and Jackson Walsh, respectively. However, Unity quickly turned the tide with a series of strategic victories, starting with Zayden Mansfield's hard-fought decision over Camden Getty at 120 pounds, setting the stage for Unity's dominant run.

St. Joseph-Ogden's only bright spot was once again at heavyweight. Sophomore Cameron Wagner stuck Unity's Jaden Dene at 5:45 to give the Spartans their only contested win against the Rockets.

Throughout the match, Unity's conditioning and mental toughness, exemplified by Bryce Martin's controlled decision over Eli Birt at 126 pounds and Taylor Finley's decisive pin at 138 pounds. Keegan Germano and Abram Davidson continued Unity's winning ways with pins at 157 and 165 pounds, respectively, solidifying their team's dominant victory.

As the final whistle blew, Unity celebrated a resounding 49-17 triumph over St. Joseph-Ogden. With the postseason around the corner, Unity looks locked and loaded for another trip to Bloomington for the state team dual championships.

With state-ranked seniors Inman, Brazelton, Rink, and Eastin leading the Rockets, the program is poised take this year's Class 1A team title.

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Box Score

106 - WELLS, BEN (SJO) over Forfeit, (Unity), FORFEIT; 113 - WALSH, JACKSON (SJO) over Forfeit, (Unity), FORFEIT; 120 - Mansfield, Zayden (Unity) over GETTY, CAMDEN (SJO), Decision 14-8; 126 - Martin, Bryce (Unity) over BIRT, ELI (SJO), Decision 11-4; 132 - Forfeit, (Unity) over Forfeit, (SJO), Double Forfeit; 138 - Finley, Taylor (Unity) over HUNDLEY, AIDEN (SJO), Fall 4:28; 144 - Inman, Kaden (Unity) over BUTTS, LANDEN (SJO), Tech Fall 19-4; 150 - Brazelton, Holden (Unity) over WARE, THOMAS (SJO), Tech Fall 17-0; 157 - Germano, Keegan (Unity) over DALY, NATHAN (SJO), Fall 3:55; 165 - Davidson, Abram (Unity) over MOORE, JONATHON (SJO), Fall 3:58; 175 - Rink, Ryan (Unity) over SWISHER, DEVAN (SJO), Tech Fall 18-3; 190 - Winfrey, Desmond (Unity) over Carter, Liam (SJO), Maj Dec 16-2; 215 - Eastin, Hunter (Unity) over PHILLIPS, NATHAN (SJO), Fall 2:10; 285 - WAGNER, CAM (SJO) over Dene, Jaden (Unity), Fall 5:45.

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