Logan Malloy is a freelance writer.
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Louie Hayes, Sandburg, Jr.: Hayes (43-4) helped Sandburg to a consensus top 20 national ranking and a runner-up finish in Class 3A. The state finalist added a victory over Glenbard North’s Kirk Johansen (third in state) in the team state semifinals.
113
Jabari Moody, Rich Central, Sr.: Virginia recruit is considered one of the nation’s best after becoming a two-time undefeated state champion. Moody (39-0) never lost in the postseason after giving his older brother, Nkosi, the team’s 106-pound slot as a freshman and sophomore.
120
Jake Silzer, St. Rita, Jr.: Silzer (43-5) has a reputation for strong tournament performances — and rightfully so. He finished third in 3A to capture his second state medal.
126
Rudy Yates, Sandburg, Jr.: A blast on the mat and the microphone, Yates (44-0) used an unrelenting motor to dethrone Thornwood’s Kris Williams and win the second state title of his career. Yates earned the Southland’s premier slot over a pair of three-time state champs: Williams and Oak Forest’s Danny Swan.
132
Austin O’Connor, St. Rita, So.: The Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Dvorak and Illini Classic invitationals, O’Connor (45-1) won his second state title despite jumping four classes in weight. He’s one of the Southland’s pound-for-pound best.
138
Shayne Oster, Lockport, Jr.: Coached by his eldest brother Josh, Shayne Oster (43-3) is the youngest of five brothers and the third to win a state title. He’s a workhorse in the classroom and ranks near the top of his class.
145
Nick Gasbarro, Marist, Sr.: A regional and sectional champion, Gasbarro (36-7) placed fifth in 3A as part of Marist’s standout senior class. Gasbarro is slated to walk on at Illinois.
152
Jose Champagne, Marian Catholic, Jr.: Champagne (39-1) finished third in 2A. The Indiana recruit’s lone defeat came against Montini’s Luke Fortuna, the eventual champion, on an ultimate tiebreaker in the state semifinals.
160
Tom Slattery, Sandburg, Sr.: The only All-Area choice with more than 50 matches, Slattery (43-8) backed his durability with a fifth-place showing in 3A. Slattery warranted the nod over Marian’s state finalist, Kendall Norfleet, based on strength of schedule.
170
Patrick Kristin, Sr., Oak Forest: Kristin (42-4) regrouped from a midseason ankle injury to place third in 2A. The two-time state medalist will wrestle at Lindenwood next season alongside teammate Danny Swan after helping Oak Forest place third in state.
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Patrick Brucki, Sandburg, So.: Built like a tank, Brucki (41-4) finished third in 3A as the heaviest sophomore to win a state medal. His older brother CJ was a state champion at Sandburg in 2013.
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195
Eric Schultz, Tinley Park, Jr.: A premier athlete and All-Area football selection, Schultz’ lone defeat came in the 2A state finals to Oklahoma State recruit Andrew Marsden. Schultz (40-1) scored the lone takedown but lost 3-2 on a stalling call.
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Diata Drayton, Marist, So.: A rising force in a division dominated by upperclassmen, Drayton (31-9) made headway as the season progressed and qualified for state. Watch out for his throws.
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Jake Ford, Marist, Sr.: Nearly ousted in sectionals, Ford (45-2) rallied to win the 3A heavyweight crown. He’s a late bloomer and didn’t start until his junior year. Ford will play football at South Dakota State.