It took quite an effort for Hinsdale Central’s Luke Skokna just to make it to the Class 3A state wrestling tournament on Feb. 15 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
Less than a week earlier, Skokna lost an agonizing, two-overtime quarterfinal match at the Hinsdale Central Sectional. That put his state hopes in jeopardy. But, the junior from Hinsdale persevered, winning his next three matches and finishing fourth in the 160-pound weight class to qualify for state. Although Skokna didn’t win either of his matches in Champaign, it proved to be quite a season for Skokna (31-11).
“I was kind of nervous my first match. A little jittery,” Skokna said about state. “It was a good experience and will definitely help me a lot (next year).”
“Luke competed at a high level all year,” Hinsdale Central coach Jason Hayes said. “It helps his mindset that’s he’s competing as a three-sport athlete.”
Skokna is the starting tailback for the Red Devils football team. In the spring, he plans on competing on Hinsdale Central’s track and field team, where he excelled as a sprinter last season.
Skokna said he loves all three sports, but wrestling is unique.
“Wrestling is one-on-one,” Skokna said. “You can’t rely on anyone else. No excuses. It’s all you.”
Hinsdale Central 145-pounder Liam Drury (36-9) went 2-2 at state. He has committed to New York University, a Division III program.
“I can see him doing very well. Fighting for a starting position right off the gate,” Hayes said.
Hinsdale South wrestling
Hinsdale South’s Aiden McGivney (106 pounds), Keenan Stewart (132), Julian Kinsey (160) and Alex Diaz (285) all went 0-1 at the Class 2A state meet.
Hinsdale South girls gymnastics
Hornets senior Alex Caruso capped off her high school gymnastics career by tying for 13th in the vault on Friday at Palatine. Caruso scored a 9.475.
The top 10 finishers in the prelims Friday advanced to the finals Saturday.
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Caruso also took 21st (9.100) in the uneven bars and 24th (9.050) on the floor exercise.
Hinsdale Central girls gymnastics
In her debut at the girls gymnastics state meet, Red Devils freshman Kiara Harrast tied for 20th (9.125) on the floor and took 36th (8.500) on the uneven bars Friday in Palatine.
Mark Perlman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press