Mission Accomplished: Providence Catholic advances to state cheer finals

Providence Catholic cheerleader inverted
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
A member of the Providence Catholic cheer team floats through the air on a tumbling run at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals during Friday's prelims.

BLOOMINGTON - After a disappointing performance in 2024, when the team failed to make the finals, Providence Catholic is back where it belongs—in the running for a state cheerleading title. The Celtics are due for another top-three finish.

"We have been on a mission moving on to day two that started 372 days ago," said three-year head coach Bridget Fox after learning the Celtics advanced to Saturday's title round at the 2024-25 IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals. "We have seven seniors who have felt loss and triumph. They were really determined to make it this year."

Providence Catholic cheerleaders at state
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Celtic cheerleaders deliver fierce performance at state. The squad looks to impress judges again to bring home state hardware.

Friday morning, before thousands of competitive dance fans and their peers, the Celtics delivered an impressive performance. The message they sent to the other teams was clear: If you are going to beat us this year, you are going to have to be close to perfect.

Providence Catholic finished the preliminary round in third place after a strong performance in the Medium School division. Earning a score of 94.21, the Celtics cheer squad missed the top spot by 0.29 of a point. Grayslake Central finished the day as the division leader with a 94.50, and Oak Forest landed in second place with a 94.26.

The Providence Catholic cheerleading team has qualified for 17 IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals in the past 20 years. Today at Grossinger Motors Arena, the Celtics claimed their 11th top-10 appearance in the state series.

The program has won one title (2013) and brought home two second-place (2007, 2016) and two third-place (2011-14) trophies.

This year's squad includes Annie Smith, Ava Chevalier, Caleigh Cumbee, Elissa Haddad, Emma Jirik, Fiona Warner, Grace Ogarek, Hayden Kinsella, Isabella Alejo, Kailey Velasco, Katelyn Walker, Lauren Lanz, Lilly Dillman, Lily Ingram, Lucy Lombardo, Madison Ternik, Mia Zvejnieks, Mia Piano, Payton Jerik, Reese Guzior, Rowan Tone, Sofia Felice, Violet Hassan and Zoey Xydakis.

Tickets for Saturday's finals competition are $12 at the door and can be purchased in advance online via TicketMaster or by phone at the City Box Office at (309) 434-2777.

Schedule for Saturday
Small & Medium School Competition

10:00 a.m. - Doors of the arena open to public
10:55 a.m. - Welcome & National Anthem
11:00 a.m. - Small and Medium Team Finals
(Small and Medium team performances alternate)
12:45 p.m. - Small Team Awards
1:15 p.m. - Medium Team Awards

Top ten teams advancing to Saturday's Finals
1 - Grayslake Central 94.50
2 - Oak Forest 94.26
3 - Providence Catholic 94.21
4 - Morris 93.88
5 - Cary-Grove 91.68
6 - Benet Academy 91.19
9 - Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge 90.20
10 - Lemont 89.79
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The field for the Class 1A Dance State Finals set, The state's top programs ready to showcase their talent

The JCA Angels perform at the state dance finals
Joliet Catholic Academy dance team competes during the preliminary round at the 2024 IHSA Competitive State Dance Finals. The Angels return to state this weekend for another shot at an elusive state crown.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
BLOOMINGTON — Thirty of Illinois’ top small-school dance programs will take center stage this Friday at Grossinger Motors Arena for the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Competitive Dance State Finals. These elite teams earned their spots through five sectionals held across the state, and they now set their sights on bringing back a state trophy to their school.

With high energy, intense competition, and a legacy of excellence on the line, the 2025 IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals promise to deliver another thrilling chapter in Illinois high school dance history.

The road to Bloomington was anything but easy, with each sectional producing standout performances. Jacksonville and Highland took home sectional titles at St. Anthony High School in Effingham, while Morris edged out Providence Catholic and Joliet Catholic Academy to claim top honors at the Mahomet-Seymour sectional. Evergreen Park narrowly defeated Nazareth Academy at Maine East, posting an 85.17 to Nazareth’s 84.33. Montini secured its ticket to state with a razor-thin .73-point victory over Sycamore at the Sycamore sectional.

Members of the Morris Varsity Poms perform their show routine at the 2024 state finals prelims on the way to a second place trophy a day later at Grossinger Motor Arena.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Familiar Faces Return to the Finals
Fans attending this weekend’s competition will recognize several programs from last year’s Class 1A state finals, as all ten 2024 finalists are back in the mix. The list includes defending champion Jacksonville, as well as Morris, Providence Catholic, Carmel, Nazareth Academy, Marion, Sycamore, Highland, Clinton, Glenbard South, and St. Viator.

Last year, Jacksonville dazzled the judges with an expressive lyrical routine in the finals, overcoming an initial third-place finish in the preliminary round to secure its second consecutive state title with a score of 90.70. Morris, which finished as runner-up (89.96), will be looking to close the gap this year, while Carmel (89.44), Joliet Catholic Academy (89.01), and Providence Catholic (88.52) round out last year’s top five.

Jacksonville Dance team performs at IHSA state
Dancers from Jacksonville perform during the Friday's prelim on last January. The J'ettes went on to win the Class 1A state title.
Jacksonville’s J’ettes return with hopes of making it three straight championships. Their winning performance last year, set to a lyrical routine in flowing light taupe dancewear, captivated judges with its artistry and emotional depth. Morris, known for its powerful, athletic modern dance style, will try to breakthrough after back-to-back runner-up finishes. Carmel, which wowed fans with an energetic modern dance routine from their 13-member troupe last year, also returns to contend for the title.
A High-Stakes Competition Awaits
With a field packed with talented, seasoned programs, this year’s finals promise to be as competitive as ever. While perennial powerhouses Jacksonville and Morris enter as favorites, teams such as Joliet Catholic Academy, Providence Catholic, and Nazareth Academy have worked hard to improve to improve their precision, musicality, and overall execution, to finish in one of the top three spots.

Event Schedule and Ticket Information
The Class 1A competition kicks off Friday morning, with doors opening at 9:15 a.m. The first performance is set for 10:15 a.m., with the final routine scheduled for 2:21 p.m. The top teams from the preliminary round will advance to Saturday’s finals, with finalists announced at 2:40 p.m.

Providence Catholic dancers execute a stunt in their preliminary round performance. The Dancing Celtic return the state finals looking to improve on their 5th place finish in 2024.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Fans eager to witness the state’s best high school dance teams in action can purchase tickets for $12 per person. Digital tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the City Box Office at 309-434-2777.

Attendees should be aware that Grossinger Motors Arena enforces a clear bag policy. All bags, purses, and personal items will be subject to search upon entry. If an item is prohibited or too large, guests must return it to their vehicle or surrender it at the entrance, as the venue does not provide storage for oversized items.


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Providence Catholic leads Class 2A prelims at IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals

Providence Catholic Dancing Celtics
Members of the Providence Catholic dance team strike their finale pose at the 2025 IHSA Competitive Dance State Finalson Friday. The Dancing Celtics finished the first day of competition as the Class 2A leaders.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
BLOOMINGTON - Providence Catholic danced its way to the top of the Class 2A preliminary standings at the IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals on Friday, posting a 93.56 score to lead the field at Grossinger Motors Arena.

The Dancing Celtics, who placed fifth in last year’s finals, improved upon their 2024 preliminary standing by one spot and will look to claim the program’s first state title in Saturday’s championship round.

Morris secured the No. 2 position for the second straight year, earning a 92.34 score with their polished routine. Jacksonville, the reigning state champion, followed closely behind in third at 91.12, setting up a potential battle for the podium among the top three.

Morris Dance Team
Performing a hip hop routine, the Morris Varsity Dance team finished this year's state prelims in second place.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

A tight race for the remaining top-five spots saw Montini (89.36), Carmel (89.30) and Highland (89.26) separated by less than a tenth of a point, underscoring the level of competition heading into the final round.

Evergreen Park (88.14), Marion (87.32), Joliet Catholic Academy (87.00), Nazareth Academy (86.84), Sycamore (86.00) and Clinton (85.18) rounded out the 12-team field advancing to Saturday's final.

With four of last year’s top five teams once again among the top performers, the 2025 championship showdown will feature familiar contenders at this year's state championships.

2025 Class 2A Preliminary Standings:
1. Providence Catholic – 93.56
2. Morris – 92.34
3. Jacksonville – 91.12
4. Montini – 89.36
5. Carmel – 89.30
6. Highland – 89.26
7. Evergreen Park – 88.14
8. Marion – 87.32
9. Joliet Catholic Academy – 87.00
10. Nazareth Academy – 86.84
11. Sycamore – 86.00
12. Clinton – 85.18

The Class 2A championship round begins Saturday morning.

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Top Class 3A girls basketball players honored by the IBCA

BEDFORD PARK - The Illlinois Basketball Coaches Association released this year's Class 3A all-state team selections on Friday. Here is the complete list of honorees from around the state:


FIRST TEAM
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

Mia Bergstrom, (Arlington Heights) Saint Viator, 12;
Tessa Crawford, (Jerseyville) Jersey Community, 12;
Addy Engel, Morton, 12;
Kloe Froebe, Lincoln Community, 12;
Mia Gaines, (Chicago) Hyde Park Academy, 12;
Aailiyah Guyton, Peoria Central, 12;
Nikki Kerstein, (Lombard) Montini Catholic, 11;
Kiarra Kilgore, Galesburg, 12;
Lauren Miller, (River Forest) Trinity, 12;
Xamiya Walton, (Chicago) Butler College Prep, 12


SECOND TEAM
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

Lexi Carlsen, Sycamore, 12;
Madison Davis, (Chicago Heights) Marian Catholic, 12;
Lily Esparza, (Rockford) Boylan Catholic, 12;
Amerie Flowers, Hinsdale South, 12;
Marisa Gant, Springfield Southeast, 12;
Katie Hamill, Crystal Lake Central, 12;
Becca Heitzig, Lincoln Community, 12;
Madison Hoffmann, Grayslake Central, 11;
Victoria Matulevicius, (Lombard) Montini Catholic, 12;
Kamryn Porter, (Chicago) De La Salle , 12


THIRD TEAM
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

Sereniti Adams, (Chicago) Butler College Prep, 12;
Denver Anderson, Mt. Zion, 12;
Calee Biedron, (Chicago) Resurrection, 12;
Jazmyne Bynum, (Chicago) Hyde Park Academy, 12;
Serenity Curry, (Chicago) Baker College Prep, 12;
Jamilah Jackson, (Chicago) Westinghouse College Prep, 11;
Amelia Lavorato, Hinsdale South, 12;
Alexis Neumann, (Chatham) Glenwood, 10;
Reganne Reardon, (Chicago) Saint Ignatius College Prep , 11;
Jalea Shered, Centralia, 12;
Julia Sollberger, Dunlap, 12;
Sage Stratton, (Quincy) Notre Dame, 11;
Addison Tarr, Taylorville , 11;
Larissa Taylor, Highland, 12;
Avery Tibbs, Washington Community, 10;
London Walker-George, (Chicago) DePaul College Prep, 11;
Makenna Yeager, (Chatham) Glenwood, 12


HONORABLE MENTION
(FIRST NAME LAST NAME, SCHOOL, YEAR)

Madison Austin, Sterling, 11; Taylor Bolton, (Chicago Heights) Marian Catholic, 11; Kendra Brown, (Maple Park) Kaneland, 11; Landrie Callahan, Morris Community High School, 10; Alyssa Epps, (Lombard) Montini Catholic, 12; Mazie Fleming, Taylorville, 11; Zaria Goins, (River Forest) Trinity, 10; Kamryn Heider, (Peoria) Richwoods, 12; Nikkel Johnson, (Kankakee) Senior, 12; Tiara Johnson, Mt Vernon Township, 12; Molly Knight, (New Lenox) Providence Catholic, 11; Grace Lee, (Chicago) DePaul College Prep, 10; Audrey Mahoney, (Chicago) St. Ignatius, 12; Emily Maple, Mattoon, 12; Alyssa Martin, Effingham, 10; Bailey Masching, Pontiac Township, 12; Monroe McGhee, Sycamore, 12; Kylie Moeller, East Peoria, 11; Emma Pierson, Belvidere, 11; Kamaree Pollard, Mt. Vernon Township, 11; Danielle Ruffin, Peoria Central, 12; Emma Scheffler, Springfield, 12; TaLeah Turner, (Kankakee) Senior, 11; Ellie VanMeenen, Morton (IL), 11; Jasaiyah Wallace, Centralia, 11; Xyanna Walton, (Chicago) Butler College Prep, 10; Annie Wolff, Grayslake Central, 11; and Melaina Zedalis, Mt. Vernon Township, 11.


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Lemont defends title to win 8th IHSA state championship cheer title

Lemont flyer poses during a stunt
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

A Lemont cheerleader poses at the top a stunt during her teams routine at state cheer in Bloomington. The team rallied back from tenth place on day one to first to win this year's title.
BLOOMINGTON - Whoops! They did it again. The Lemont cheer team made state history on Saturday by capturing the title in the Medium School Division at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals. It marked their second consecutive victory and a state-record 16th trophy for the program.

In a story that will become school legend, Lemont rebounded from a shaky opening performance in the preliminary round on Friday. The team squeezed into the finals, finishing 10th, just 0.34 points ahead of Lake Forest and trailing the Crystal Lake schools Prairie Ridge and Central. After a couple of near drops early in their routine, their performance turned timid, lacking the usual energetic vigor.

Nearly 24 hours later, the team achieved the improbable, soaring from last place to a state title. Never before in Illinois state finals history has a cheer team so dramatically reversed their fortunes, going from the lowest score in prelims to the highest in the finals.

Lemont scored 89.79 on Friday and surged to 97.50 for the title. Providence Catholic, who tallied 94.21 in preliminaries, improved to 97.22 to secure second place. Grayslake Central took third with 93.54. The Rams led the division after the first day with 94.50.

Lemont, along with Lockport Township, Oak Forest, Sandburg, and Conant High Schools, are the only five programs to qualify for state every year since the IHSA adopted the sport. Together, these programs have maintained a storied 20-year tradition of 'making it to state'.

Medium School Division Final Results
1 Lemont 97.5
2 Providence Catholic 97.22
3 Grayslake Central 93.54
4 Morris 93.09
5 Oak Forest 92.15
6 Benet Academy 91.86
7 Highland 91.16
8 Prairie Ridge 89.7
9 Crystal Lake Central 89.24
10 Cary-Grove 89.06
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State Wrestling |
Providence Catholic's Jasper Harper wins in sudden victory at state meet

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGN - Providence Catholic's Jasper Harper celebrates his 10-7 sudden victory win over Brother Rice's Frank Miceli in their Class 2A 157-pound consolation semifinal match at the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals on Saturday. Harper advanced to the third place match to face St. Ignatius' Nate Sanchez. Click here to see more Sentinel IHSA state wrestling coverage.
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Week 9 IHSA football scores from around the state

Brennan Oleynichak stops Jayden Reed in his tracks in their football game
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

URBANA - St. Joseph-Ogden's Brennan Oleynichak and three teammates stop Pontiac running back Jayden Reed from advancing during the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. The Spartans scored 14 points in each quarter on their way to a much needed victory to solidify a spot in the 2025 IHSA football postseason. SJO won the home game at Dick Duval Field 56-21.

Illini Prairie Conference scores

Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37
St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21
Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0
Illinois Valley Central 30, Rantoul 27
Monticello 14, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 6

Big Twelve Conference scores

Normal West 57, Urbana 15
Bloomington 37, Centennial 6
Champaign Central 55, Peoria Manual 16
Peoria Notre Dame 54, Danville 13
Peoria 36, Normal Community 14
Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14

Scores from around the state

AddisonTrail 35, Willowbrook 0
Alden-Hebron 26, Ashton-Franklin Center 8
Arthur 49, Villa Grove/Heritage 26
Athens 55, Riverton 13
Aurora Waubonsie Valley 49, DeKalb 28
Aurora West Aurora 52, Streamwood 8
Bartlett 48, Elgin 0
Batavia 45, Wheaton Warrenville South 12
Benton 42, Harrisburg 7
Bishop McNamara 56, St Edward 0
Bolingbrook 26, Yorkville 21
Bradley-Bourbonnais 53, Andrew 41
Byron 38, North Boone 26
Byron Center, Mich. 38, Morris 26
Canton 50, Bartonville Limestone 28
Carmel 38, Fenwick 24
Carterville 55, Anna-Jonesboro 7
Cary-Grove 44, Algonquin Jacobs 29
Central 42, Dundee-Crown 6
Central 49, Salt Fork 30
Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0
Centralia 21, Effingham 16
Chester 29, Nashville 19
Christopher 50, Albion Edwards County 25
Crete-Monee 27, Kankakee 14
DePaul 35, Benet 6
Deer Creek-Mackinaw 50, Kelly, Mo. 13
Dixon 58, Genoa-Kingston 20
Downers Grove North 47, Proviso East 0
Du Quoin 47, Murphysboro 20
Dunlap 30, Metamora 23, OT
Dwight 41, Oregon 8
El Paso-Gridley 37, Shelbyville 6
Eldorado 42, Carmi-White County 30
Fairfield 44, Hamilton County 25
Flanagan-Cornell 64, Bushnell-Prairie City 20
Flora 29, Red Hill 6
Galena 26, Fulton 7
Galva 55, West Prairie 22
Geneseo 45, Quincy 7
Geneva 45, St Charles East 20
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley 55, Lexington 27
Glenbard East 45, Riverside-Brookfield 43
Glenbard North 39, Wheaton North 20
Glenbard South 35, Larkin 7
Glenbrook South 45, New Trier 0
Glenwood 38, Springfield 28
Grayslake Central 41, Round Lake 7
Herscher 35, Peotone 28
Highland Park 49, Maine East 0
Hinsdale Central 35, OPRF 15
Homewood-Flossmoor 50, Aurora (Metea Valley) 8
Illini West 34, Elmwood 24
Johnston City 36, Sesser-Valier 18
Joliet Catholic 30, Providence 27
Knoxville 55, Stark County 14
Lake Zurich 49, Stevenson 9
Lanark Eastland-Pearl City 53, Dakota 22
Lena-Winslow 40, Durand-Pecatonica 20
Leyden 21, Hinsdale South 19
Lincoln Way Central 49, Rich Township 0
Lincoln Way West 49, Stagg 0
Lockport 41, Neuqua Valley 17
Lyons 34, York 26
Macomb def. LCSRV, forfeit
Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14
Manteno 33, Streator 6
Marion 49, Mattoon 21
Marist 42, Notre Dame 14
Maroa-Forsyth 44, New Berlin 34
Marshall 32, Newton 15
Minooka 15, Oswego East 14
Moline 63, Galesburg 6
Momence 29, Georgetown-Ridge Farm 20
Monmouth-Roseville 40, Newman 7
Montini Catholic 23, St. Laurence 0
Mt Carmel 35, Loyola 24
Mt Prospect 56, Elk Grove 28
Mt. Carmel 42, Lawrenceville 15
Naperville North 21, Naperville Central 15
Nazareth 42, St. Francis 16
Niles West 20, Maine West 14
Nokomis 63, Arcola 21
Normal West 57, Urbana 15
Oakwood 21, BHRA 13
Olney 43, Robinson 21
Oswego 37, Plainfield North 7
Ottawa Marquette 66, Morrison 23
Palatine 35, Hoffman Estates Conant 7
Paris 22, Casey-Westfield 17
Plainfield East 53, Plainfield Central 7
Prairie Ridge 54, Crystal Lake South 26
Princeville 47, United 8
Quincy Notre Dame 49, MacArthur 7
Reavis 42, Oak Lawn 0
Richards 51, Evergreen Park 0
River Ridge 46, Christian Life 8
Rochelle 27, Waterloo 6
Rochester 31, Sacred Heart-Griffin 28
Rockridge 48, Hall 21
Salem 32, Charleston 23
Sangamon Valley 34, Tri-County 0
Seneca 48, Carlyle 13
Southeast 26, Eisenhower 18
St Anne 61, Blue Ridge 12
St Charles North 35, Lake Park 16
St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21
St Rita 38, ICCP 21
Sterling 42, Rock Island 14
Stockton 44, Forreston 6
Sullivan 34, Argenta-Oreana 27
Tremont 40, Clinton 0
Tuscola 38, Le Roy 28
Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37
Warren 49, Libertyville 21
Warrensburg-Latham 22, Fieldcrest 14
Washington 49, Morton 21
Wauconda 31, Lakes 14
West Carroll 43, Kirkland Hiawatha 26
West Chicago 44, Bensenville (Fenton) 34
Westville 52, Iroquois West 13
Wheaton Academy 42, Christ the King 0
Wilmington 44, Coal City 21
Pana 43, Carlinville 26
Greenville 42, Staunton 7
Hillsboro 56, Southwestern 20
North Mac 32, Gillespie 12
Vandalia 49, Litchfield 14
Calhoun 21, Brown County 12
Carrollton 35, Concord Triopia 12
Greenfield 47, Mendon Unity 44
Camp Point Central 70, North Greene 8 (Thursday)
Pleasant Hill 22, Jacksonville Routt 14
West Central 46, Beardstown 13
Highland 34, Alton 24
St. Louis De Smet 30, Edwardsville 15
Taylorville 24, Civic Memorial 17
Jersey 49, Columbia 21
Roxana 41, Marquette Catholic 7
Dupo 69, East Alton-Wood River 24
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 14, East St. Louis 13 (OT)
O’Fallon 34, LaSalle-Peru 0
Belleville East 27, Jefferson City (Mo.) Capital City 10
Belleville West 21, St. Louis Vianney 19
Collinsville 16, Triad 7
Rochelle 27 Waterloo 6
Mascoutah 47, Carbondale 28
Maple Park Kaneland 55, Belleville Althoff 28
Breese Central 55, Herrin 6
Ottawa 52, Granite City 0
Sycamore 30, Cahokia 28
Wesclin 70, Madison 32
Mount Zion 52, Breese Mater Dei 14


TAGS: Roxana crushes Marquette by 34 points, Illinois high school football scores in October, Week 9 IHSA football results, Camp Point Central runs up 70 points on North Greene, Central Catholic wins IPC with perfect record
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Hunter Wahtola earns All-State Honors with bronze medal finish at 285 pounds

DePaul's Hunter Wahtola celebrates his 2-1 decision
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.
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.

Hunter Wahtola wrestles David Williams
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
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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