Class of 2023

Chicago (Mt. Carmel)/University of Illinois Wrestler

A product of the Mt. Carmel wrestling program of Chicago, Cassio Pero wrestled for four years under IWCOA Hall of Fame coach Bill Weick. He was 2002 graduate and a four-year starter for the Caravan and won a state title at 125 lb. in 2002 and placed fifth at 112 lb. in 2001. He defeated two returning state champions enroute to his title. He has a career record at Mt. Carmel of 108-6. While at Mt. Carmel, he served as Team Captain for the wrestling team. He also was Mt. Carmel’s “Fight Night” Champ.

Cassio went on to the University of Illinois to wrestle under another IWCOA Hall of Fame member, Mark Johnson. He was an All-American in 2006 and had a college career record of 80-36. He graduated with a degree in Sports Management and went on to earn his MBA.

Cassio was a four-time IKWF State Champion, Tulsa National Champion and AAU National Champion.

After leaving the Illini he went on to serve as an assistant coach at Delaware State University. He spent one year at Delaware State and during that time he helped coach their first NCAA National Tournament qualifier.

Currently Cassio serves as a financial professional and private client banker. He is also involved with the Beast Wrestling Academy in Houston, TX.

Cassio enjoys movie nights, fishing, reading and golf.