If anyone saw Will Ludolph wrestle when he was a freshman or even a sophomore, they wouldn’t recognize the Vernon Hills senior.
Once a 5-foot-6 freshman who competed at 106 pounds, Ludolph has grown to 6-2 and will represent the Cougars at 160 in the Class 2A Deerfield Sectional this weekend.
“I was coaching at Grayslake North, and I remember him being a small, skinny kid who sure didn’t weigh much,” first-year Vernon Hills coach Jesse Wolter said. “To see how he’s grown and how much stronger he is now is really something.”
Ludolph has participated in organized wrestling since third grade, so he knows the various techniques needed to be successful. But now he has the size and strength to put his technical knowledge to better use.
“I’m pretty tall, so I can use my height and strength to boost my leverage now,” he said.
Ludolph qualified for the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association’s state meet at 145 at the end of a season long delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic last year.
He has moved up two weight classes and is still finding success. Ludolph (21-4) pinned both of his opponents en route to a regional title at Grayslake Central last week.
“The thing about Will is that even though he’s shot up in height, he still has the skills of a smaller wrestler, but now with more strength,” Wolter said.
Ludolph will get a chance to see many of the state’s top wrestlers in the sectional. Deerfield’s Ben Shvartsman (39-0), ranked No. 1 at 160 in 2A by the IWCOA, and Crystal Lake Central’s Dillon Carlson (37-4), ranked No. 4, are among the favorites statewide. Montini’s Will Prater, ranked No. 7, also will compete in the sectional.
“Coach has done a good job of scheduling good competition for us this season,” Ludolph said. “We should be ready for tough wrestlers.”
Ludolph is among six Vernon Hills wrestlers competing for a spot in the Illinois High School Association’s state meet, which begins Feb. 17 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
“All of the guys have a shot at getting to state,” Wolter said. “It’s just a matter of going into their matches with no doubts. They have to be aggressive and take it to whoever they are wrestling.”
Ludolph is considering walking on at one of his preferred college choices — Ball State, Iowa State or Illinois — to keep his wrestling career going.
In the meantime, he wants to put forth his best effort for Vernon Hills.
“I know I have grown mentally as well as physically thanks to wrestling,” Ludolph said. “It would great to end my career at Vernon Hills wrestling on the state mats in Champaign.”
Darren Day is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.