Morrison Junior High School Wrestling Coach Tony Wright submitted the summary of results and photo from the IESA State Wrestling Finals. They were held at the Convocation Center on the campus of Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, on Friday and Saturday, March 10-11, 2023.
It was a banner weekend for the MJHS Colts Wrestling Team at the IESA State Wrestling Tournament. The Colts qualified six wrestlers (the most in school history): Uryah Wright, Cael Wright, Patrick Schaefer, Caleb Modglin, Kamden White, and Noah Stout. They came ready for battle. Four young wrestlers medaled individually (another school record) and scored enough team points to finish in 6th place, just a few points shy of a team trophy.
On Friday, Uryah and Cael Wright, almost simultaneously, got momentum rolling for the Colts, with a first round pin and a 6-2 victory. Of note, Uryah is the first Morrison fifth grader to qualify for the IESA State Tourmament. Caleb Modglin and Kamden White followed suit with first-round pins.
In the second round U. Wright would face returning runner-up and eventual champion, Jake Munsterman of Coal City, IL. Wright lost the 8-14 shootout, that saw both guys toss each other to their backs multiple times. His teammates would rally as C. Wright, Modglin, White, and Stout would all grind out decisions on their way to day two. Patrick Schaefer battled fiercely in both rounds. Unfortunately, he suffered two losses (7-2, 5-0), ending his State run and stellar career for Morrison Junior High.
On Saturday morning, U. Wright and Stout showed their maturity bouncing back from Friday losses. U. Wright scored another pin, and Stout fought for a very tough 7-6 victory, setting them both up for blood round matches to get into the medals. The five remaining wrestlers would all compete in the subsequent round. Cael Wright started the round for the Colts. In a highly competitive match against last year’s 3rd place medalist, Camden Brucker of Gibson City, Wright came up with clutch late-match points. Tied 2-2 with 30 seconds, Wright scrambled for a reversal and back points, to win dramatically and move into the finals.
Meanwhile, referees held up Uryah Wright’s blood round match, scheduled on a separate match, in order for Coach Wright to be able to coach both matches. U. Wright continued his consolation bracket comeback with 9-1 victory, to get himself into the medal rounds. Modglin and White would continue the success. Modglin faced Gibson City’s, Hudson Babb; he scored the first takedown. There was a second period scare, as Modglin chose bottom and was turned in cradle. However, Modglin countered, putting himself in position to pin Babb. Modglin secured the pin and landed himself a spot in the finals.
Like Wright, Kamden White had his own late match heroics. White was losing by two points with 30 seconds left against Lisle’s, Adam Drake, when he scored a takedown and immediately locked up a cradle, to score back points with little time on the clock. As if the round hadn’t been dramatic enough for the Morrison contingent, Noah Stout still had his blood round match. Losing 11-5 with 20 seconds to go, Stout hit a headlock and narrowly missed pinning his opponent. Unfortunately, Stout would go on to lose the match 10-11, ending his season.
Uryah Wright would lose a heartbreaking overtime match to Fulton’s Hudson Price, in the semifinal wrestle backs, to put him in the fifth place bout. Wright again showed his young maturity to rebound for another pin victory–scoring his third pin of the Tournament and a 5th place medal.
Three finalists earned the right to enjoy the Grand March, where finalists are paraded into the stadium and announced in front of the crowd. Of significance, all three finalists’ fathers had the privilege to walk in the Grand March with their sons. Unfortunately our finalists fell short of the ultimate goal of a State title.
Modglin and White wrestled simultaneously. Kamden White got into a scramble early in the match and was caught and pinned, by the returning State champion, Cooper Corder of Sandwich, IL.
Caleb Modglin took a 3-2 lead with a second-period reversal. He was unable to hold his lead, as his opponent and returning finalist, Beau Thomson of Seneca, IL, scored four unanswered points to win 7-3.
In the final match of the State Tournament, Cael Wright squared off against returning State champion Mayson Munson of Ottawa Shepherd. The two had a highly-contentious first period, with Wright almost scoring a first-period throw for a takedown and back points. Munson then scored a late takedown. Wright rode Munson the entire second period, narrowly missing back points on multiple occasions. Munson then scored three more points before Wright scored a reversal. Wright attempted some late match heroics going for a big move. In the end he lost 7-2.
All in all, it was a great weekend! There were many firsts for MJHS Wrestling, and it was a record-breaking weekend. We had a great crowd to support our young competitors. As a side note, the Colt wrestlers also earned an undefeated Conference title this season as well.
On a personal note, as Coach I am extremely proud of these young men and their efforts. Many of our competitors this weekend sacrificed and put in lots of extra wrestling practices and off-season work. They performed at a very high level and earned the right to compete as State qualifiers and State medalists. As a father, this weekend held even more significance. I had the unique privilege to witness and Coach first hand my sons competing, battling adversity, and medaling at the State Tournament. As Wrestlers we dream of being in the Grand March. As a Coach/father, it was such a neat experience to be a part of, with my son.
I’m thankful for the opportunity and thankful to all the parents for their continued support. The future is bright for Morrison wrestling, so get on board!