After a bright-and-early 7:30 weigh in Saturday morning, high school wrestlers from Boone Grove, Crown Point, Hanover Central, Hebron, Kankakee Valley, Lake Central, Lowell, and Wheeler took to the mats at the IHSAA Wrestling Sectionals, hosted by Crown Point High School.
The concessions stand served coffee and donuts in addition to game staples like hot dogs, nachos and sodas, but team boosters set up tables for their wrestlers with recovery snacks like Fritos and hot dishes.
Fans filled the upper stands and cheered their wrestlers on with a great view of all three mats, while teams supported their teammates from the lower stands. Coaches shouted encouragement from their corners and offered animated feedback between rounds.
Wheeler wrestler Timothy Durall put in a valiant effort but fell in the second round.
“I’ve got to keep my mind focused,” Durall said, who enjoys wrestling because of the lessons he has learned about the sport, his team and himself. “I feel stronger in everyday life, knowing I can fight through things.”
“It’s about teamwork and camaraderie. It’s a great sport overall,” Lake Central Assistant Coach Mike Garza said. “You learn about dedication, how to work hard, and what hard work really is. You get more out of it than you actually put into it.”
Each team gave it their all, but Crown Point came out on top with its 17th consecutive team sectional title, while Lake Central came in second. All of the wrestlers put in a valiant effort today, displaying incredible perseverance and focus. 1st through 4th place finishers in each weight class will advance to the individual regional on February 2nd, also hosted by Crown Point High School.