DOWNERS GROVE — As one of the top football prospects in the state, Josh King is used to attracting attention.
Usually, it comes from college football recruiters who have made the 6-6 King one of the most sought-after players in the Class of 2016.
This week should be different. Opposing wrestlers will be the ones keeping their eyes on King at the Class 3A state meet starting Thursday in Champaign. He’s ranked No. 1 in the state at 220 pounds by illinoismatmen.com.
King hopes to become the fifth state wrestling champion from Hinsdale South and the first since Sebastian Pique won at 112 in 2011.
He’s making his third state meet appearance; he lost in last year’s opening match to Matt Kent of Edwardsville 2-1 to finish 40-6.
This year, King (41-1) drew Conant senior Michael Meier (33-9), who is ranked No. 12.
“I know how it is (at state). I know what to expect. It should be a huge crowd. It will be great,” King said. “The main thing is preparing for the competition. No match is easy.”
King and OPRF junior Allen Stallings are the two 220-pounders in the 16-wrestler bracket with one loss. Harlem senior Kailor Hecox (16-0) is undefeated.
King’s Hornets workout partner, senior Rob Regan, lost in the semifinal wrestlebacks at 195 to fall one win short of qualifying for state. Regan will travel to Champaign with first-year Hinsdale South coach Kevin Formanski and King to lend support.
“I don’t know if I’m more excited or more nervous,” Formanski said. “As the head coach, I have to make sure everything is done properly. It’s awesome even making sure everything’s good for Josh and the program.”
In the Downers Grove North Sectional final, King learned that he shouldn’t take anything for granted. He was nearly pinned by Naperville North senior Chris Zhang (33-7) after jumping out to a 7-0 lead. Zhang earned a takedown and back points with 10 seconds left to pull within 7-5 before time expired.
“That was a good eye-opener,” Formanski said. “He was frustrated, but that’s OK.”.
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