CHAMPAIGN — For any freshman wrestler out there wondering what it takes to win a state title in Illinois, East Aurora senior Tim Young has the answer.
“Hard work and no days off,” Young said.
Young became East Aurora’s first wrestling state champion since Doug Zinzer won the title at 145 pounds in 1983, thanks to a 7-2 decision over Glenbard North’s Luke Greenberg at Saturday’s Class 3A state finals in Champaign.
Young’s momentous win gave him a 42-1 record and the first medal won by a Tomcat wrestler since current Metea Valley coach Claudio Torres placed fifth for East at 145 in 1995.
“Coming from not placing out of regionals last year to wrestling in the state finals is amazing,” Young said. “You have to see it happen in the back of your mind and then just work for it.
“Before my match I was a little nervous but somebody told me a quote from the bible, ‘God didn’t give us the spirit of fear but the power of love and a sound mind.’ I said to that to myself before my match and it calmed me down.”
Marmion sent two wrestlers to the top of the podium in Riley DeMoss (170) and Nathan Traxler (182), while Anthony Cheloni (138) placed second. DeMoss (42-5) sat out last season with an injury, but earned a 5-4 decision over Willowbrook’s Jack Jessen.
“I was on crutches here last year. I’m just glad I was able to come back and I’m happy and proud for the people around me,” DeMoss said. “I knew if I could take a takedown on each kid, I could beat him because I’ve only been taken down about five times this year.”
Traxler (44-2) faced unbeaten and top-seeded Tyler DeMoss of Hononegah on the tile mat and won a 7-4 decision.
“It feels great,” Traxler said. “I haven’t been in the finals before but I expected to be here.We wrestle a tough schedule and this is where it pays off.”
Marmion coach Ryan Cumbee has seen Traxler take a scenic route to a state title.
“Nathan has come a long way since wrestling 182 for us as a 160-pounder. He deserves every bit of success,” Cumbee said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of these boys. Riley deserves everything he’s getting and Cheloni comes in here with 11 losses and almost comes away with a state title.”
Cheloni lost 5-4 on the title mat to Lockport’s Shane Oster. The sophomore beat the overall top seed in the tournament, Conant’s Bobby Alexander, in their semifinal match 3-0.
“All of it has been great and to be in the state finals feels fantastic,” Cheloni said. “But I thought I could make it to the finals and I worked hard all year for it. I put all my effort into this chance.”
In 1A, Plano’s Tommy Brown reached the title mat at 285 before placing second to Mercer’s Quinton Ball. Brown (40-8) opened the tournament with a win in overtime but pinned his next two opponents to reach the title mat. Zach Tomac (152) placed sixth for Plano.
“I was one and done here last year,” Brown said. “I pushed myself harder in the room this year. It’s heartbreaking to get to the state finals and lose but it’s been a fun ride. I look forward to seeing (Ball) again in the finals next year.”
Marmion led all area schools with five medal winners, also getting thirds from AJ Jaffe (132) Trace Carello (160). West Aurora’s Isaac Jacquez (113) and Chachi Jacquez (120) placed fifth, while teammate and Alex Gonzalez (152) was sixth. Max Ihry (195) also placed fifth for Waubonsie Valley.
Oswego’s Andrew McFall (120) placed fourth and Yorkville’s Brody Sharp (145) and Will Ferguson (220) finished sixth.
In 2A, Kaneland’s Riley Vanik (160) and Austin Parks (182) placed sixth..
Gary Larsen is a freelance writer.