DOWNERS GROVE — Juwan Edmond will not be satisfied with just another place-finish next weekend at the Class 3A individual state wrestling tournament.
The only goal for the Hinsdale Central senior is a state championship.
Edmond took a step toward the title Saturday by finishing third at the Downers Grove North Sectional. Edmond was upset in the semifinals, then came back to beat West Aurora’s Alex Gonzalez 18-7 to advance to the state meet Friday and Saturday in Champaign.
Edmond (37-3), who has won three invitationals and a regional this season, lost 6-5 to Marist senior David Kasper (31-11) in the semifinals. Entering the postseason, Edmond is ranked No. 2 at 152 pounds by illinoismatmen.com behind undefeated Isaiah White of Oak Park-River Forest.
“I wasn’t wrestling the way I usually do [against Kasper],” Edmond said. “I was wrestling way too hesitantly. I was caught off-guard a little bit. I know he’s a good wrestler. I didn’t think he would slip my shots the way he did.”
Edmond has battled the flu the past two weeks, so improving his conditioning is one priority this week.
“I need to stay in my stance. When I tend to stand up, it’s to catch my breath,” Edmond said. “Those are critical moments that I need to work on.”
More Top Picks Best Compression Sleeves For Lymphedema Patients
Edmond and 2014 graduate Brian Allen are the only four-time state qualifiers in school history. He hopes to join Brian Allen (285 in 2013) and Jack Allen (285 in 2011) as Hinsdale Central state champions..
He placed fifth at 126 in 2012, second at 138 in 2013 and third at 145 in 2014 when he broke his nose on the final day of the tournament.
“We’ll watch film to see what he did wrong,” coach Jason Hayes said. “We’ll fine-tune (things) before the state championship meet. At this level, the littlest things make the big difference. Things like going out of bounds or turning your leg one way versus the other. Those things are so minor.”
Matt Allen gets offer from Michigan State
Junior Matt Allen, the younger brother of Jack and Brian Allen, earned his second consecutive state berth while winning the 285 title due to injury default. Downers North senior E.J. Phillips (14-5) did not wrestle in the final due to a shoulder injury.
Matt Allen (38-2) is ranked No. 3 at 285, according to illinoismatmen.com.
A 6-2, 260-pound offensive lineman, he received his first football scholarship offer Tuesday from Michigan State, where his older brothers play.
“It’s amazing. It’s especially very nice because it’s from Michigan State,” Matt Allen said. “It was a total surprise. Mostly I’ve received a couple of handwritten letters from other schools, hoping they will call.”
@geomwilcox