Editor’s note: Steve Wright submitted this article.
The Mustang High School Wrestling Team finished 5th at the Illinois Class 1A Rockridge Regional Tournament on Saturday, February 7, 2015. They advanced six wrestlers to the Sectional Tournament at Oregon, IL, High School, starting Friday, February 13.
Coach Tony Wright was pleased overall with his team’s effort and result. “We didn’t wrestle particularly well in the Semifinal round, and that hurt us in the team standings. But we had some kids come back and wrestle very well in the 3rd place match to advance to Sectionals.”
The Mustangs had only one wrestler reach the finals, in what is generally regarded as the deepest Regional in the State. “We knew this Regional was going to be a dogfight with so many ranked teams and wrestlers. It’s intense, and that’s what wrestling is all about,” commented Wright.
Regional Tournament Results:
1 Aledo (Mercer County) 182
2 Sherrard 118
3 Erie 109.5
4 Orion 105
5 Morrison 98.5
6 Fulton (H.S.) 78
7 Rock Island (Alleman) 74.5
8 Port Byron (Riverdale) 55
9 Taylor Ridge (Rockridge) 43.5
Joe Eads led the way for Morrison, wrestling at 120 lbs in a bracket that included three wrestlers ranked in the Top 6 in the State. “Joe knew this would be a good test, but he also knows he belongs with the best of the best in the State,” said Wright.
Eads beat 4th ranked Stone Engle (1-0) from Mercer County in the Semi’s. “Joe wrestled a great match [and] rode him out in the 2nd period. When you have two wrestlers at this level, it’s a battle of poise and determination. If you wrestle ‘not to lose,’ you’ll lose. Joe was aggressive. I’m really proud of him,” commented Wright.
Eads then took on 2nd ranked wrestler Hunter Spengler from Sherrard, IL, in the Championship match. Eads gave up a five-point move in the 1st period that ultimately cost the match, losing 6-2 for a 2nd place finish.
Augustus Linke finished 3rd at 106 lbs to advance to Sectionals. Wright stated, “Gus lost a tough one in the Semi’s but came back and wrestled very well to take 3rd place. He’s a tough kid, and he rarely makes mistakes. This kid is [going to] reach 30 wins as a Freshman. He’s given up size all year, but he can still wrestle with anybody in the State. He will be a force next year.”
Cody Vanderlaan (126 lbs) continued to wrestle well for the Mustangs, winning an action-packed 2-0 3rd place match, to punch his ticket to Sectionals. “Cody is wrestling with confidence and moving well,” commented Wright. “He got the first takedown, and that’s huge when wrestling at this level. He wrestled his butt off to hold that lead and win a great match 2-0. Cody now has 31 wins on the year; that’s outstanding!”
Sophomore Dylan Keller (145 lbs) will go to Oregon. [He dominated] his 3rd place match, only to see his opponent become frustrated and get disqualified. Wright commented, “I was proud of Dylan. He stayed composed and didn’t get baited into a fight, which is exactly what his opponent was trying to do. Dylan can make some noise at Sectionals.”
Senior Hunter Ferguson (152 lbs) will go to Sectionals after winning an exciting 1-0 match for 3rd place, over Wilson Ferry from Orion, IL. Wright was pleased with his Senior. “I said last week if Hunter doesn’t give up sloppy points, he’s very tough to beat. He wrestled a great match, rode out Ferry in the 2nd period, and got the escape to win in the 3rd period. I couldn’t be happier for Hunter.”
At 160 lbs, Austin Keller was the number one seed, but lost the preliminary round to Sam Ryner from Sherrard. “Austin wrestled back to take third and advance. I’m hoping that lights a fire for Sectionals,” commented Wright.
All in all the Mustangs had six wrestlers qualify for Sectionals. Anthony McCartney, at 113 lbs, and Brandon Meir, Heavyweight, both finished 4th and will be alternates at Sectionals. Wright spoke highly of these two wrestlers. “As I said last week, Anthony is a very undersized 113-pounder. It’s tough when you give up that much size. I’m really proud of the fight in this kid. He’s another one to look out for next year. Meier also did a great job stepping up for Regionals. He finished higher than two kids that beat him earlier in the year. [It was a v]ery solid showing by Brandon.”
Wright shared his thoughts about the Regional Tournament. “This is what wrestling is all about, going head-to-head with the best wrestlers in the State and handling the pressure. It’s intense. Eads took a big step forward; he can be as good as he wants to be. Austin Keller got a wake-up call, and, to his credit, responded. We had five kids win their 3rd place, match where the winner moves on, and the loser goes home. There’s a lot of pressure in that match, and that’s what’s great about our sport. It’s probably harder on the parents than the wrestlers. As a Coach, I guess you’re never satisfied, but six kids going to Sectionals is a solid result!”