This past Saturday four Sequoit wrestlers placed at the IHSA state wrestling tournament in Champaign, Illinois.  

Seniors Jacob Gross and Nathan Dlugopolski both wrestled for 5th place at the tournament. While Gross fell short and lost in his final meet, taking 6th place, Dlugopolski dominated his last match and ultimately pinned his opponent.

Even though this is the seniors’ last year wrestling for Antioch, there are still experienced, promising athletes that have the talent to grasp 1st place at state in the upcoming next year.

George Bessette is no newcomer to high expectations or state tournaments. Bessette has had an exceptional wrestling career and comes from a family connected to wrestling. He took 4th place this year at the tournament and was disappointed with the outcome.

“I did not achieve my goal to make the finals,” Bessette said. “I was frustrated with the outcome because I knew I could have done better, but I am still happy I placed.”

Bessette has another year to accomplish his goals, but he knows that nothing comes easy.

“I’m looking forward to winning the state title, but I need to prepare and work hard for it,” Bessette said.

Another athlete used to the wrestling spotlight is Patrick Schoenfelder. Schoenfelder took 2nd place this year, but is still enthusiastic about next year.

“My main goal for the season was to win state,” Schoenfelder said. “I took second. So I can’t say I didn’t accomplish anything. I just fell short. Next year I plan to take it all at state.”

With the success the wrestling program had this year and the attitude of the returning athletes, hopefully at the end of the next season a few more names can be posted on the “State Champions” board. The team is currently now competing in the team state tournament.