Class 3A individual champions’ stories
By Mike Garofola for the IWCOA
It’s no surprise that the teams that fought for a dual-team state trophy in Bloomington also flooded the podium in Champaign at the individual state finals a week earlier.
State powers Marmion Academy, Joliet Catholic Academy, and Montini Catholic, the top three all season long in the 3A polls, would flex their collective muscle in accounting for 25 top six medal winners.
Marmion Academy brought ten to Champaign and all ten would go home with a state medal, including three state champions in Nicholas Garcia, Zach Stewart and Demetrios Carrera, who combined for a record of 115-10 this season,
The story of in Champaign was not only about the reigning class 3A state champion Cadets, but also the memorable and eye-catching efforts from a trio of programs who would each celebrate two of their men grabbing championship trophies.
Continuing the numbers game, Marmion Academy would advance eight into the semifinals, followed closely by Joliet Catholic (5), Montini Catholic (4), with Hononegah, Oak Park-River Forest, and Warren next up with three each.
There were 29 clubs that sent at least one of their men into the semifinals, again, underlining just how deep most of the weight divisions were.
This annual showcase of talent would not disappoint, particularly in the semifinals where 15 matches were decided by decision.
106- Niko Odiotti (Loyola Academy)
Just 12 minutes after his teammate Kai Calcutt won his second state title, Niko Odiotti (35-2) captured his first. In doing so, he instantly became part of Loyola Academy wrestling lore.
“It was disappointing coming so close last season, but it made me put in all the extra work to make sure if I reached the final once again, the result would be different,” said the super sophomore after his 10-3 decision over Colton Wyller (Marmion Academy, 36-10) to give the Ramblers program its fourth state title, and 10th state medal.
“Coach (Matt) Collum is a big reason for my success, and our team,” began Odiotti, who will add another championship bracket to the family trophy case to go along with the state title his older brother (Massey) captured in 2023.
“(Collum) finds a way to push all of us further than we feel we’re capable of, and he is always finding new ways for us to fine tune, and improve our game.”
Odiotti is also quick to throw praise towards his brother – who wrestles at Northwestern.
“He (Massey) has so much experience, so he’s been able to get me to be better prepared for each match and tournament, while helping me with a lot of the little things.”
The 2025 state runner-up would start slow, but would improve with each outing, including a workmanlike masterful effort that saw him increase his advantage to 7-2 near the edge at 4 1/2 minutes, before putting the finishing touches on his victory with his last take-down of the night six seconds from time.
Michael McNamara (Edwardsville, 35-7) whom Odiotti would defeat in his semifinal, came back to nab third place after a 4-1 decision over No. 6 Aidan Ortega (45-3) from Glenbard West.
Sebastian Gracia (Mt. Carmel, 28-11) was fifth, Kane Robles (Joliet Catholic Academy, 37-13) sixth.
113- Caleb Noble (Warren)
Caleb Noble will be the first to admit his game is about pins, tech falls and style, and the Warren junior has backed up his claims with some near perfect work on the mats during his first three years on the prep scene.
The No. 1 man at 113-pounds proved once again he is deserving of that honor after a superb three-day effort en route to a third consecutive state title.
“When I go out there I am always looking to wrestle more of a collegiate style, frustrate my opponents in as many ways possible – and go after as many pins, and tech-falls as I can,” said Noble following his 4-0 decision over a stubborn Erik Klichurov (37-3) from Montini Catholic
This would be the closest contest of the postseason for Noble (46-1) who in his nine matches over the last three weeks recorded five tech-falls, and a trio of pins.
While the 4-0 final did not give the Blue Devils yet another bonus point victory, it did not stop the Arizona State-bound Noble from treating the fans with an impressive flying forward flipping handspring, before sticking his landing to cap a memorable weekend.
Klichurov would stun No. 2 Michael Rundell (Oak Park-River Forest, 41-4) in his semifinal to advance, defeating the 2025 106-pound state champion, 4-0.
Rundell would later tech-fall Colton Schultz (Joliet Catholic Academy, 35-11), with Preston Morrison (Marmion Academy, 40-9) earning fifth place with a tech-fall victory over Jack Koenig (44-8) from St. Patrick.
Rundell, Klichurov, and Morrison are now two-time place winners.
120- Dom Munaretto (St. Charles East)
Dom Munaretto arrived in the St. Charles East room with about as much fanfare possible for a wrestler new to the prep scene, and would quickly live up to the hype.
He became the ultimate, first-class leadoff man for a potent Saints lineup that produced 17 state medals, and seven state champions during his first three seasons, plus a dual-team state title and third place team trophy as well.
Twice a world champion, and now a three-time state champion, Munaretto survived an intense, fierce final with two-time state champion Allen Woo (Montini Catholic, 41-9) whose coaching staff put together a superb tactical plan in an effort to slow the high-scoring star to a crawl.
“It’s tough to be the top dog each year, everyone is always looking to beat the No. 1 guy, but today, Dom stayed composed, and did what he had to do in order to win a well deserved third state title,” said a proud Saints head coach, Jason Potter.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a bunch of personal highlights: world champion twice, Ironman champion, three-time state champion, winning a team state title with my friends, but I will always remember having the best coaching staff in the state of Illinois right there for me,” said Munaretto.
“Coach Potter, and our staff have changed the culture, have brought the best out of each and everyone one of us, and made us believe in ourselves.
“It’s hard to believe my four years are just about over, but it has been just an amazing time for me.”
This season Munaretto would finish with a perfect 50-0 overall record, giving him a stunning 209-4 overall record for his career.
Of his 50 victories on the season, (45) would come via combined pins, and tech-falls. Munaretto will join former Saints teammate, and four-time state champion Ben Davino in the fall at Ohio State University.
No. 3 Kaleb Pratt (Barrington, 48-6) would earn his second state medal after his 7-1 defeat of 2025 (class 2A) Ray Long (45-7) from Notre Dame.
Pratt would defeat another former 2A star, No. 5 Danny Goodwin (St. Patrick, 43-4) a state runner-up a year ago with a 4-2 decision in quarterfinal play.
Marmion Academy freshman Brody Page (34-17) would pick up his first state medal following his 8-1 defeat of Jayce Glauser (Grant, 33-9) in the fifth place match.
Glauser would transfer from Richmond-Burton during the offseason, and quickly made his mark in the Bulldogs room as he earned a sixth place state medal.
126- Jamiel Castleberry (Oak Park and River Forest)
There were plenty of surprises in this weight class leading up the state final between No. 2 Oleksandr (Sasha) Havrylkiv (Hersey, 41-5) and No. 4 junior, Jamiel Castleberry (33-3) from Oak Park and River Forest.
No. 8 Lukas Foster (Joliet Catholic Academy) would bring the crowd to attention when the Hilltoppers junior bounced No. 1 Bobby Ruscitti (Montini Catholic) from the unbeaten ranks with an impressive 10-2 quarterfinal victory.
Later, Havrylkiv would finally find his form after struggling early on – sending Foster into wrestle-backs with a 11-2 win in his semifinal.
Further down the bracket, Castleberry would outlast No. 3 Chazz Robinson (Homewood-Flossmoor) 5-4 to advance into the final.
“(Sasha) wasn’t himself in his first two matches here, so the hope was he would get himself back, and ready for his semifinal, and when he did, we figured he was ready for his state final,” said Hersey’s interim head coach, Chris Riley.
Havrylikv may have been ready, but so was Castleberry.
“He (Havrylikiv) pinned me in our final the Washington tournament early in the season, so (coach Jason Renteria) and my brother and put together a plan, and I stuck with it – and to be honest, I feel like I really was able to frustrate him,” opined Castleberry.
The Huskies star kept the high octane attack of Havrylkiv under wraps – building a modest 4-0 advantage through two periods.
It was 4-1 when Havrylkiv was hit with a penalty point when he shoved Castleberry far off the edge 11 seconds from time – ending this contest at 5-1.
“This was my third state tournament, so to win a state championship means a lot to me, and our program,” said a proud Castleberry, who began his prep career at Proviso West.
Foster (42-7) would enjoy a wonderful tournament, coming back to claim third place over Robinson (35-6).
Ruscitti (47-2) earned his first state medal when he recorded a 4-0 decision over Aidan McClure (32-13) from Marmion Academy.
132- Nicholas Garcia (Marmion Academy)
In the rich wrestling history of Marmion Academy, there has been 24 state champions, led by four-time state champ Johnny Jimenez.
No others have come close to that brilliant four-year run by Jimenez, who would continue to wrestle on a collegiate level at Wisconsin.
Nicholas Garcia (50-2) would add his name to the Cadets record book when he claimed his third state title when the No. 1 man in the state beat No. 2 Jason Hampton (Joliet Catholic Academy, 43-4) for the third time this season, outlasting Hampton in overtime.
After Hampton drew level with the Cadets’ star (5-5) in the fifth minute – sending this contest into overtime – Garcia would execute a perfect take-down 30 seconds into extra time to secure his third consecutive title.
“Being on a big stage here in Champaign, the college that I’ll be wrestling at next year, and having a chance to win for a third time is something that I find almost impossible to find the words to describe how I feel,” opined Garcia, who was fourth at 106 in 2023.
“We have the best coaching staff in the state, and I put all of my trust in them. Along with my teammates, who are like family to me, it makes winning another title very special.”
The aforementioned Jason Hampton has enjoyed a marvelous career under Hilltoppers head coach Ryan Cumbee, who says it will impossible to replace his captain next season.
“Jason is a tremendous young man, student-athlete, and a great leader in, and away from our room.”
Hampton is a four-time state place winner, won five majors this season, including at the Dvorak, and is twice, a state runner-up, with nearly (165) career victories.
Another four-year star, Shawn Kogan (Stevenson, 38-7) fought back the tears after taking home his first state medal in three attempts following his hard fought 4-3 victory over Mikey Malizzio (38-13) from Montini Catholic.
“I am just overcome with emotion right now – it was my third, and last trip to state, and it could have never ended as amazing as it did today,” said Kogan, who gave Garcia a valiant effort in a 4-1 defeat in a quarterfinal affair.
“I’ve overcome a variety of injuries, and other setbacks during the last couple of years, but it’s like it never happened after my third place finish.”
No. 3 Ryan Dorn (Barrington, 41-7) claimed his first state medal, with Maddox Tindal (Minooka, 32-9) sixth overall.
138- Zach Stewart (Marmion Academy)
There were some championship dynamic duos in Champaign: Odiotti-Calcutt (Loyola Academy), Noble-Stewart (Warren) and Cassioppi-Sendele from Hononegah.
However, this talented bunch could not rival the lethal and powerhouse trio from Marmion Academy: Garcia, Stewart and Carrera — who would give the Cadets three consecutive state titles at day’s end.
Zach Stewart (25-3) is right in the middle of this dangerous triple threat.
The Purdue-bound Stewart would defeat No. 2 Griff Powell (Lyons Township, 44-5) for the second consecutive week – using a late first period take-down near the edge – followed by another as the second period drew to close to secure a 7-3 victory.
“That first take-down really helped set the tone, and another late in the second period put a lot of pressure on Griff,” said Stewart, who was anointed as the No. 1 man at 138-pounds at the start of the season, and would never relinquish that spot.
Stewart, who won his first state crown two years ago at 138, was runner-up a year ago to Evan Gosz, now at the University of Michigan, will go into dual-team state play with 124 career victories.
“Since last year, I worked on ‘tweaking’ a few little things – grips, wrists, hands – while making sure that mentally I was ready for my last season at Marmion.
“One of the reasons that I would attend Marmion is that I like the small school environment, and always feeling like it’s family that I am around, plus, of course, the wrestling program, and unbelievable coaching staff that we have.”
Powell, who will wrestle in Champaign for the University of Illinois next season, finished a marvelous career with two state medals, four major titles, and just five losses on the year, two of which were to Stewart, the other three to out-of-state opponents.
Adante Washington (Joliet Catholic Academy) a state qualifier in 2024, turned in a terrific junior season for the Hilltoppers, arriving here as the No. 3 rated man, and leaving with a third place medal after his 10-1 major decision victory over No. 4 Erik Rodriguez (Grant, 41-8) who is on his way to Central Michigan University with a pair of state medals on his resume.
Alejandro Aranda (Glenbard West, 38-13) claimed fifth place, and his first state medal of his career after Nadeem Haleem (24-4) from Andrew conceded to a medical forfeit.
144- Demetrios Carrera (Marmion Academy)
Demetrios Carrera made it three straight for Marmion Academy with a six minute stellar performance to defeat to Vince Jasinski (Grant, 45-6) who held the No. 1 spot all season long.
A first period take-down would be all Carrera (40-5) would need en route to a hard fought 3-1 decision to give the four-year veteran his first state title of his career, second state medal, and sixth major title of the season after securing his 90th victory with the Cadets.
“It seems like just yesterday that I was down here as a freshman at South Elgin – it’s kind of hard to believe this will be my last visit here,” admitted Carrera, who has amassed 171 victories, 81 coming from his first two seasons at South Elgin.
I wanted to keep the momentum going after Garcia and Stewart won their state titles – that’s the way its been all season long following both of those guys, and having Ashton (Hobson) doing an amazing job coming up after me at 150,” added Carerra, who is still sifting through his collegiate opportunities, knowing that wherever he lands, it will be a degree in sports marketing that he will pursue.
The aforementioned Jasinski would finish a brilliant career at Grant where he earned a spot in the state bracket as a sophomore at 113-pounds, fourth a year ago (126) before rising up to a second-place finish this season – delivering one victory after another, most with bonus point endings, while becoming a shining example of what a first class leader, and captain is all about.
“There is not enough words to describe just how much Vince has meant to our program, he, along with Erik (Rodriguez) have been the key figures in the rebirth of wrestling here at Grant, and it’s been their great work, and results on the mats, as well as the role of mentors, and leaders that has made a big difference in, and out of the room,” said Grant head coach Mark Jolcover.
Jasinski, who wrestle next season at Northern Iowa, takes with him 156 career victories.
Oliver Davis (Brother Rice, 38-8) would defeat Justin Williamson (Mt. Carmel, 23-10) for third place, giving him his second state medal, while Williamson leaves with three.
Zev Koransky (Oak Park-River Forest, 32-11) who will attend Johns Hopkins in the fall, earned his first state medal after his defeat of Ryan Ritchie (Edwardsville, 35-10) in the fifth place match.
150- Rocco Cassioppi (Hononegah)
Rocco Cassioppi is yet another who had a firm grip on the No. 1 spot in the polls from the very beginning of the year, and never let go.
The Hononegah junior proved to be in top form from his opening match here in Champaign, recording the first of two straight tech-falls.
Using his customary high work rate, and non-stop pace to throw his opponents off their game, Cassioppi followed up his first two victories with a well deserved 11-3 semifinal victory over No. 5 Cohen Weber (Joliet West) to advance into his second straight state final.
Once there, Cassioppi (46-2) would take a 4-0 second period lead with a near fall – then extend his advantage to 6-0 over No. 2 Ashton Hobson (Marmion Academy with just two minutes remaining.
Cassioppi would ride the talented Cadets senior hard until a stall warning forced a whistle with 30 seconds from time.
Cassioppi would finish off his 6-0 victory with more quality work on top.
“I felt like I could have opened things up a little more, and maybe should have done so with a turn or two in the third period but at that point, it was all about having control of the match, and not allowing (Hobson) anything in order to preserve the win,” said Cassioppi.
The Hononegah star won his first state crown a year ago at 132 with a record of 49-3, and was a key figure in the Indians best finish ever at the dual-team state tournament which resulted in a second place trophy.
“We lost a lot of guys from last year’s team, but I always felt like we had a good core coming back, and a bunch of other guys who were capable of helping us make another run at making it back to dual-team state,” said Cassioppi.
The Indians did indeed qualify after its dual-team sectional semifinal over Grant to book its ninth appearance in program history.
Hobson (28-3) would edge No. 3 Donovan Rosauer (Yorkville) in their Friday night semifinal, 1-0 with a second period escape.
Rosauer went home with his second state medal in as many years when he won his 50th of the season in a 7-1 decision over Weber in the third place match.
No. 6 Daniel Blanke (Barrington, 44-12) picked the perfect time to collect his 100th career victory when the Broncos junior recorded a pin of Tommy Fidler (40-13) of Marist to earn fifth place, and first state medal in two tries.
157- Ethan Sonne (Marist)
You would be hard pressed to find a more exciting final in class 3A than this 29-point thriller between Ethan Sonne and Justin Wardlow.
Wardlow ended his career for Lockport with three consecutive second-place finishes, his first in his rookie season particularly heart-breaking with Wardlow advancing to face Massey Odiotti (Loyola Academy) in the 120-pound final, but forced out of action due to an elbow injury suffered in his semifinal victory.
Fast forward three years and the Lockport star faced Sonne for the title, and when the dust cleared, it would be Sonne withstanding a wild final minute to claim a 15-14 triumph.
“That was a pretty crazy ending,” admitted a relieved Sonne.
The Marist (38-3) junior raced out to a surprising 7-0 advantage to bring the crowd up, and off of its seats just 45 seconds into the first period.
Wardlow (40-6) would find his form in the second period – drawing close (8-5) – before he would concede a late take-down to send this contest in the third period in the favor of Sonne, 11-5.
“Obviously Justin is a great wrestler, and one that I had to always be aware of,” said Sonne.
The final sixty seconds would insure Marist fans of severe heart palpitations, while the Lockport faithful held the hope of a memorable finish.
When Wardlow drew level at 14-14 with 14 seconds remaining – Sonne found the match-winning escape as the clock would near triple zeroes.
“It was an amazing match – super fun but also a little scary towards the end, but that’s what what everyone wants,” Sonne would say with a wry smile.
No. 5 David Ogunsanya (OPRF, 34-4) has enjoyed another marvelous season for himself, a year in which he won four majors, and a third state medal following his pin of Nolan Vogel (Joliet Catholic Academy, 47-10) to claim third place.
The three-time state qualifier is now a two-time state medal winner (6th, 2024) who has been a key figure in back-to-back dual team state appearances, is approaching 125 career victories
Brady Ritter (Sandburg, 45-8) in his third visit to Champaign, takes home his first state medal after his t-fall victory over Will Konder (Montini Catholic, 34-23) in the fifth place match.
165- Liam Kelly (Mt. Carmel)
Most Illinois wrestling fans know of the court battle Liam Kelly would go through in order for the IHSA to allow the Mt. Carmel senior to compete, after being denied the opportunity to do so by regional tournament officials despite having in his possession a doctor’s note clearing him.
The non-contagious skin condition, known as ‘granuloma annulare’ found on his upper arms since his rookie season, nearly ended his season far too soon.
Once the courts delivered a temporary injunction, Kelly went to work, taking apart the competition at the Hinsdale Central sectional before dashing the hopes of four others here in Champaign, including those of No. 2 Bruno Cassioppi (Hononegah, 41-5) during his 8-1 victory in extra time, where a well-executed cradle with four seconds remaining put the Caravan star up for good.
“It was the kind of final that I expected. I could have opened things up a little more, but I did what I came here to do,” said Kelly after claiming his second straight state title, and the 45th in his program’s history, two of which belong to his older brother (Colin) who he will join here at Illinois in the fall.
“My faith has gotten stronger during these last couple of weeks, and it was very exciting to be here one more time, and to have that one last match for coach (Alex) Tsirtis, a guy I would do anything for,” said a gracious Kelly.
During the season, Kelly would defeat the top six medal winners here at least once.
Royce Lopez (Warren, 42-4) on his way to wrestle at Northwestern in the fall was third, Hersey senior Frank Tagoe (40-7) fourth, Max Herman (Lincoln-Way West, 38-11) and Santino Tenuta (Montini Catholic, 25-10) fifth and sixth respectively.
175- Brody Sendele (Hononegah)
It would be true grit, determination and desire that Brody Sendele used to find a way to overcome ACL surgery a year ago to find his way back to earning a well deserved second place trophy at 165-pounds.
“Brody wasn’t anywhere near being a hundred percent after coming back from missing so much time last year but he’s the type of young man you can never count out, he just works, and works and last year, he never stopped,” began Hononegah head coach Tyler DeMoss.
“This year you can see what a healthy Brody Sendele looks like, and he is just about untouchable.”
“It feels good to be healthy this year,” said Sendele, who lost his 2025 final to Will Denny, now starring at North Carolina State.
After his dominating three-day performance where he delivered the type of attacking depth that few can match, Sendele would defeat No. 3 Dayne Serio (West Aurora, 42-4) who was using the second place finish by his brother (Dominic) here last year as inspiration.
Sendele now has a top three state medal in his first three seasons, and with his victory in the final, claimed his sixth major title of the season.
His only loss in the state came to two-time class 2A champion Brody Kelly (IC Catholic) with the other two from out-of-state opponents.
“For me, wrestling is a 365-day a year sport, and that’s how I manage my workouts, and training, and since last year, I really feel like my composure during the match has made a big difference in the way that I compete,” said Sendele.
Seniors would dominate the third through sixth place place winners, beginning with AJ Tack (Montini Catholic, 35-12) who claims his first state medal in three trips here.
The Broncos’ veteran, who lost to No. 4 Jalen Byrd (Lincoln-Way Central, 51-5) in quarterfinal action, came back to avenge that defeat with a 9-4 decision for third place.
Byrd, a two-sport star (football) takes home his first state medal after three visits to Champaign.
Ilya Dvoriannikov (Warren, 29-11) who hopes to one day be a pilot, captured his third state medal in a sensational career, which began at class 2A Vernon Hills, where he earned a second, and third place medal.
Van Grasser becomes only the third in program history to earn three state medals, tying former star, and 2022 graduate, Sean Conway.
Grasser, who will wrestle next fall at McKendree University, will take with him three-sixth place state medals.
190- Aaron Stewart (Warren)
By the time the postseason would roll around, we all learned it was already a fete accompli that Aaron Stewart, Kai Calcutt and Jonathan Rulo were as close to being named state champions than any other in their respective weight divisions.
And why not.
With all due respect to their rivals, this tremendous trio were anointed the top seeds from the very beginning – never falling below the top spot – nationally ranked all throughout the 2025-2026 season.
No. 11 in the nation, Stewart is a true two-sport star, who will play football, then wrestle at the University of Illinois.
Stewart (39-4) would be the first of three to flex his muscle by unleashing an attack that would demolish the field at 190-pounds on his way to a third consecutive state crown.
“I have some great memories wrestling for Warren – great teammates, and a great coaching staff, but it’s amazing that it’s coming to an end. It happened so fast,” said Stewart, who with Noble winning his third title gives the Blue Devils nine state champions, and 25 state medals.
Stewart ran wild on the football field during three varsity seasons, scoring 101 touchdowns and amassing over 7000 yards rushing.
Here in Champaign, Stewart recorded a pair of tech-falls, and one pin in a little over four minutes time, his last coming in the final against Wheaton North senior Ryan Rosch.
Rosch would finish with four major titles this year and was seeking Wheaton North’s first individual title since Jason Vincens won the crown at 189 in 2000.
“No doubt Ryan’s strong work ethic, toughness, commitment to improve, and his improved wrestling IQ, and ability to control his matches with his pace, strength, and pressure is a big reason for his success this year,” said a proud Wheaton North head coach, Tim Walker.
The next men in line in order of finish after Rosch: Lucas Nance (Fremd, 40-7), Vincenzo Testa (Marmion Academy, 26-6), Colton Zvonar (Lincoln-Way East, 39-8) and Joseph Fitak (Glenbard North, 28-18) are all first time place winners.
“Lucas is just an exceptional young man, a great leader, fabulous student, and someone we’ll miss dearly in the room,” said Fremd head coach of the University of Chicago-bound Nance.
Zvonar, an all-SWSC inside linebacker dropped a heart-breaking 11-8 loss in overtime to Nance in their quarterfinal.
215- Kai Calcutt (Loyola Academy)
Following his arrival in the Loyola Academy room, Kai Calcutt almost instantly transformed a program still looking to find its way from mid-table contention in the CCL to a regional champion for the first time in decades.
Calcutt, along with then-teammate Massey Odiotti, were instrumental in changing the culture and performance level under head coach Matt Callum, and on Saturday night here at State Farm Arena, Calcutt would win his second state title, to go along with a pair of second place state medals.
“There’s a lot of family history associated with me going to Loyola Academy, obviously a big reason why I chose to be a Rambler,” began Calcutt, who finishes with a 38-2 record this season, and 146-16 overall.
“To be honest, I could have easily chosen Loyola because of the great academic environment, football, and, of course, wrestling for an unbelievable coach like Matt Collum. He instills all the things that I like to follow, work ethic, hard work, dedication, and commitment to your teammates – everything that I believe in.”
Calcutt who would train at Izzy Style, and has since moved on to Relentless Training, led by Jordan Blanton, where he can train with two-time state champion Jaxon Penovich (St. Viator) has endured a couple of setbacks along the way during his prep career.
“I guess I was the favorite to win a state title last year, but I fell just short, just like I did my freshman year. Those were just life lessons to be learned,” admitted Calcutt, who was a key figure in the three state football championships won by the Ramblers.
“I had given some thought to playing football in college, but ultimately, wrestling is my No. 1, and I am looking forward to doing just that at North Carolina State.”
Calcutt, who had been nursing an injured shoulder sustained during the football season, would pop a bursa sac in his knee just before heading downstate, but still managed to roll over all four of his opponents here with four bonus point victories, including his 21-3 tech-fall (6:00) victory over No. 2 Cooper Murray from St. Charles East.
Murray, who has been a staple in the upper weights for the Saints, would continue to advance, albeit in dramatic style – using a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Sam Swais (Montini Catholic) then an ultimate 3-2 triumph against No. 3 Roman Janek (Edwardsville) in a fierce semifinal.
Murray (43-8) was part of the Saints run to a third place team trophy in 2024, the same year his older brother (Brody) captured a third place trophy at 175-pounds with a 44-9 record.
Murray went over 100 career victories earlier in the season, and proved to be the second best at this weight with a sensational season which included three major titles, plus a third place finish at the Dvorak.
Brother Rice junior Dan Costello (26-8) was third, and sophomore Ryker Czubak (Joliet Catholic Academy, 29-15)
Thirty years ago, Chris Janek claimed his second state medal at Granite City: fast forward all those years and Roman Janek (30-5) would earn grabbed his second state medal after his hard fought 4-2 decision over senior Tavfik Ibragimov (38-3) from Naperville North.
285- Jonathan Rulo (Belleville East)
The sport of football has always been the main focus for Jonathan Rulo – and why not?
At 6-foot-1 and 305 pounds, the Belleville East senior has been a destroyer along the defensive line where he has recorded over 200 tackles in his career, nearly 90 solo, and an impressive 55 tackles for a loss.
Enter Rashad Riley.
The former Conant star, third at state in 2004, has been a mentor, friend, and coach to Rulo since he was six years old.
“It’s been a long journey for the both of us, he’s had just one wrestling coach in his life, and that’s me,” begins Riley. “Being able to see him rise from a kid to a man is something that I am very proud of.
“Wins and titles are great, but the journey, and bumps along the way is what holds special meaning to me, because I’ve been able to see him when things were not alway so great for him.”
Rulo is grateful for Riley’s presence.
“Coach (Riley) is a good man — he doesn’t sugar coat anything, but he’s an honest, hard working person, and someone who has always been there for me,” says Rulo.
The Belleville East big man collected his second straight state title after thrashing all four of his opponents with a variety of tech-falls, and major decision victories, including his 14-4 triumph over No. 2 Joseph Favia (41-6) from Marmion Academy.
“Coach and I work out and train every morning and afternoon for football, which is my first love,” Rulo said. “We lift, do speed work, technique, and work on wrestling so I can perform at the highest level possible.”
Rulo, who will play football in the fall at the University of Cincinnati, will leave with an astounding 134-3 overall record, and 21 pins in a season in which he finished at a perfect 29-0.
Two of the three losses in Rulo’s career came during his rookie season, the first to the-then No. 1 heavyweight in the country, Dillan Johnson (Joliet Catholic Academy) at the Geneseo Invite.
Weeks later, Rulo dropped a 5-2 decision in the state final against Ben Bielawski (Downers Grove North) and No. 3 during his sophomore season to three-time state place winner, Marko Ivanisevic (Hinsdale Central) in the state semifinals.
“That loss to Bielawski still bothers me,” admitted Rulo.
Rulo was 35-0 a year ago.
“I know a strong motivating factor for Jonathan is his cousin Rozell Baker, who I coached from his early days through high school, where he won a state title while at Cahokia in 2018 at 170-pounds.
“Jonathan has always wanted to win a second state title in order to have the bragging rights at the dinner table,” jokes Riley.
Aiden Hennings (Lincoln-Way Central, 49-6) would pin Gavin Ericson (Montini Catholic, 34-13) for third place, with Braylon Hill-Lomax (Edwardsville, 40-11) using a 7-2 decision over Hampshire sophomore, Knox Homola (39-7) for fifth.