All roads lead to Assembly Hall for high school wrestlers. The IHSA State Tournament took place Thursday, February 20, through Saturday, February 22, 2014. Two Mustang wrestlers, Austin Shoup and Austin Keller, competed in the prestigious event, with aspirations to bring home a coveted State medal.
Shoup entered the weekend a State-ranked wrestler. In his first match he met #4 Matt Marcotte of Herscher, IL. Shoup dictated the opening period, getting out to a 2-0 lead with a blast double. He immediately transitioned to score back points, but Marcotte countered and caught Shoup on his back, ending the period 5-2 in favor of Marcotte.
Shoup closed the gap to 5-4, after scoring a penalty point and an escape in the second period.
In the third period, Marcotte chose down, and Shoup worked to turn him. Shoup came close to scoring back points multiple times, but was unable to convert. The match ended in a 5-4 loss.
Marcotte lost his next bout which knocked Shoup out of the tournament.
Keller entered the weekend an underdog, according the experts, but always dangerous–due to his height and uncanny ability to pin. Keller, shown at far right, met Vandalia, IL’s, #5 CJ Runkel, far left, to start the weekend.
Keller wrestled hard but was unable to put enough points on the board. However, Keller was given a second chance after Runkel won his next match, which qualified Keller for the wrestlebacks.
In the wrestlebacks Keller matched up against an extremely athletic #4 Nick Hawkins of Wilmington, IL. Again Keller wrestled his heart out, he but was unable to overcome Hawkins’ technical abilities from the neutral position. Keller wrestled arguably his best match of the year, despite losing 10-5.
Hawkins went on to place 3rd, and Runkel placed 5th.
The silver lining from the weekend was that the two competitors gained valuable experience. The State Tournament is like no other, and Assembly Hall is a place that swallows competitors. Both Keller and Shoup are talking about learning from their mistakes. They are motivated to capitalize in the off-season, so that next year’s trip to Assembly Hall includes a State medal.
On behalf of the wrestling team, we appreciate your support. Please continue to support our wrestlers and the sport.
The wrestlers will next be in action on Saturday, March 1, at the IESA Regional and Sunday, March 2, at the Fresh/Soph Regional. Both events are held in the Morrison High School gymnasium. Saturday’s action begins at 9:00 a.m., and Sunday’s starts at 10:00 a.m.
Also, don’t miss out on a special event when Dan Gable comes to MHS to speak, on Saturday, March 29, at 2:00 p.m. More information is to come.