Steve Wright submitted this report.
The Sherrard, IL, Wrestling Regional lived up to its billing, featuring six State-ranked teams. Each intensely battled for the team title and a chance to move on to the team Sectional.
The final round would be a “dogfight” for the team title between Morrison, Sherrard, and Aledo, IL. The coaches were keenly aware that, not only did every match matter, bonus points for a pin or major decision could decide the team champion. For the Mustangs, heavyweight Brandon Meir did exactly what the coaches wanted, with a pin in his third place match, but the Mustangs came up four points short of the team champion, Sherrard.
Final Points IHSA 1A Regional
- Sherrard (Rank 17)–157
- Morrison (Rank 15)–153
- Aledo (Rank 6)–153
- Orion (Rank 21)–119
- Erie/Prophetstown (Rank 9)–116
- Fulton (Rank 16)–96
- Rockridge–89
- Rock Island Alleman–65
- Riverdale–21
Morrison Varsity Head Coach Tony Wright commented on the tournament, “This is the deepest Regional in the State, no question about that. Our goal from day one was to win this tournament. We came up a little short. I’m really proud of my guys for the way they pulled together as a team and stepped up individually to the competition. We were right there.”
The Mustangs will send seven wrestlers to Sectional competition in Princeton, IL, next weekend. Sectional Qualifiers include Augustus Linke, 2nd (106), Anthony McCartney (113), Cody Vanderlaan, 2nd (120), Reilly Dolan, 3rd (145), Dylan Keller, 1st (152), and Brandon Meir, 3rd (Hwt.)
Sophmore Augustus Linke makes his second trip to Sectionals. “Augusutus Linke grinds out a victory over Trae Blaser (Mercer County) in the Semis, 3-2. Linke is 2-1 vs Blaser this season; this was their 6th meeting in two years. Linke fell to #1 ranked Tyler Fleetwood (Fulton.) Linke closes the scoring gap each of the three times they have wrestled. Linke’s Sectional bracket features four of the top-six ranked individuals in the State and six ranked wrestlers overall. He proved last season that he knows how to rise to the occasion at Sectionals,” commented Coach Wright.
Senior Anthony McCartney will make his first trip to Sectionals with a 2nd place finish. “Anthony was aggressive and controlled. We’re pleased to see Anthony get a shot at Sectionals after being an alternate last year,” added Wright.
Cody Vanderlaan placed 2nd at 120 lbs. Wright commented on this Senior, “Cody looks to finish his prep career with a trip to State. This is Cody’s third trip to Sectionals. Cody looked strong in the Semis on Saturday, beating Orion’s Mason Loete, before being defeated by Stone Engle (Mercer County)–who was a State place winner a year ago.”
Joe Eads (132) made a strong statement at the Sherrard Regional, pinning his way to the championship, picking up his 2nd Regional title and third trip to Sectionals in as many years. “Joe is looking to capitalize on his momentum and make the trip to State that has eluded him. Joe is confident and scoring. I like his chances,” said Wright.
Reilly Dolan (145) lost a tough Semi-final match on a last second reversal, but he came back strong with a pin over Simmons from Rockridge for a 3rd place finish. “Reilly, aka ‘Funky D,’ responded well. That was a tough loss in the Semis. He stepped up in the 3rd place match to not only win but got the pin to give us critical team bonus points,” Wright noted.
At 152, Dylan Keller came in ranked eighth and took home the championship. Wright stated, “Dylan won it in dramatic fashion. Tied in the third period, Keller cut his opponent (Tavian Moninski of Orion, IL,) from bottom with 1:28 left on the clock. Down by one, Keller pushed the pace to score a takedown and a ride-out with 0:20 left in the match. Keller has his eyes set on a State medal. After making some mistakes at last year’s Sectional, Keller looks to redeem himself. He is confident and has beaten every competitor he has faced this year, who will be in his Sectional bracket.”
Brandon Meier secured his trip to Sectionals collecting three more pins along the way. Meier started the day with a pin, before losing to eventual champion, Kyler Yodts (Alleman.) Meier finished the day with two consecutive pins. This is Meier’s second trip to Sectionals.
Coach Wright commented on his 138 lb Senior, Eric Mulnix. “A first-year wrestler, Eric came through big for the Mustangs, placing fourth and earning an alternate spot. Mulnix came in under everyone’s radar and picked up two pins on the day, which were huge in the team race.”
At 220 lbs, Senior Tyler Todd also finished as an alternate.
Coach Wright summed up his team’s performance. “Overall I am proud of the team’s efforts. We are disappointed that we didn’t come home with the title, but we went for it. Coaches Matt McDonnell and Nolan Dykema did a great job getting these guys ready! The boys responded by wrestling well, competing hard, and scoring bonus points whenever possible. That goes for guys that didn’t qualify, as well. Brandon Zigler, Eric Mulnix, John Anderson, and Tyler Todd all contributed, scoring pins on Saturday. We missed just a couple opportunities. Four points is a razor thin margin. That’s a win and a pin, or one more place winner.”
Sherrard sealed their victory when their 182 pound wrestler tossed his opponent, scoring a pin. He was losing 5-0 at the time. That match gave them five more team points. If they had lost that match, the Morrison Mustangs would have won the tournament.