IC Catholic junior Joey Bianchini became the first state wrestling champion in his program’s six-year history Saturday when he won the Class 1A state title at 113 pounds in Champaign.
“I want to help put our wrestling program on the map,” Bianchini said. “So getting my name out there is a good thing for the program.”
Bianchini (38-1) is also the fourth individual state champion in any sport for IC Catholic. John King was a state champion in cross country in 1981, Linda Tully won the 800 meters in track and field in 1980 and 1981, and Maddie Hurt won a state golf title in 2015.
Top-ranked at 113 by Illinois Matmen all season, Bianchini dominated the state tournament. He posted two major decision wins and a technical fall win to reach the finals, where he won his title with a 9-1 major decision over Heyworth’s Gabe Spencer.
After placing second in Illinois at 106 pounds last year, Bianchini made himself a promise.
“This year I didn’t just want to win a state title,” he said. “I wanted to major, tech, or pin everybody I wrestled at the state tournament. It was a big relief and a weight taken off my back after taking second last year.”
Bianchini wrestled aggressively on his feet all season. He refined the takedowns he used last year, and in his four matches downstate, no one managed to earn a single offensive point against him.
“Joey had a great state tournament,” IC Catholic coach Randy Spaulding said. “He was dominant in every match. It was impressive. When he won his finals match it was a celebration, but you could tell that he expected victory.”
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Fellow junior Victor Vargas (36-12) joined Bianchini on the awards stand to become the school’s second state medal-winner in wrestling, when he placed sixth at 220 pounds.
“There were times during the season when (Vargas) was a little unsure of his abilities,” Spaulding said. “But as (the postseason) got closer, he rose up to the competition.”
Bianchini, a resident of Elk Grove Village, worked in the offseason to improve his attacks.
“I was much better on my feet this year, and I worked hard on top with riding,” Bianchini said. “I wanted to dominate on my feet all weekend long and not get taken down. I got into my shots quicker and picked up my pace on offense.”
With a state title to his name, Bianchini likely will enter his senior season with a No. 1 ranking. He doesn’t plan on changing his approach.
“At the state tournament, my coaches kept telling me to stay calm and just wrestle the way I’ve been wrestling all year,” he said. “If I did that, I knew I could take home the title. So I was just having fun, going out there and doing what I do.
“I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, working hard in the offseason and getting ready for next year.”
Gary Larsen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press