Editor’s note: Assistant High School Wrestling Coach Tony Wright submitted this report of the State Wrestling Tournament and photographs.
Cael Wright competed at the IHSA State Championships on February 20-22, 2025. Wright entered the tournament ranked #5 in the State, considered a State title contender.
On the drive to Bloomington, IL, two adult and three youth grapplers “had some fun at Bass Pro Shop,” stated Coach Wright. Left-to-right are Caleb Modglin; Cael; Jr. High Wrestling Coach Tom Drosopoulos; Brady Anderson.
Cael, left, spars with his best friend and teammate, Modglin.
Wright drew Jason Piatak of Coal City in the first round. Wright got on the attack early and worked from top to score some backpoints.
It was all Wright in this matchup, as he secured a takedown and nearfall before pinning Piatak, securing his 25th pin on the season.
This would set up a pivotal Quarterfinal matchup with #4-ranked Steven Uden of Fithian Oakwood. This was an important matchup, knowing the winner would be heavily favored in the next round to make the Finals. The loser would meet up with the #1-ranked wrestler in the wrestle backs. Uden capitalized early; he took a 6-2 lead into the second period after scoring a couple of takedowns. Uden would score again in the second period, and Wright found himself in a hole. Wright took top, maybe his best position, and worked valiantly to turn Uden, but in the end Cael was unable and fell 11-5. Wright would move into the wrestlebacks where he met #10-ranked Indigo Berg of Chicago Hope. He got back on track with a first period takedown and rideout. Wright dominated the match up, scoring two more takedowns and some nearfalls, winning the bout 13-3.
This set up a “blood-round” match up with #1 ranked, Raden Terry of Seneca. The winner of this round would secure a medal, and the loser would be out of the tournament. To his credit, Terry scored a takedown in each of the three periods to control Wright for a 10-0 victory, ending Wright’s Freshman campaign.
It is bittersweet when you don’t reach your goals. Cael Wright came into the season with the goal of earning a medal, in one of the top three placings in the State. He is chasing Mark McDonnell’s illustrious career (placing 3rd, 2nd, 1st, and 1st.) After winning his first round match, Wright had his eyes set on a State title; he told his Coaches he “could win the whole thing.”
However, as is the nature of sports, someone has to win, and someone has to lose. Wright lost some hard-fought battles and didn’t reach his goal; he will be back.
What were his outstanding performances? He finished his season
• as the team leader in wins
• second in all-time wins for a season
• with a 43-4 record. He just missed the team record of 45 wins in a season. His only losses on the season came at the hands of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place State medalists. Additionally, Cael became only the fifth Freshman in Mustang history, to qualify for the State tournament. He now has his eyes set on three State titles.
In addition to individual accolades the Mustang Wrestling team had themselves a great season! As a group, they broke an eight-year-old Dual Meet record of 23 wins, set by the 2017 squad. The 2025 squad finished the season with a 24-9 dual meet record and a top-20 ranking in the State of Illinois. These athletes really melded as a team and fed off each other’s enthusiasm. They found a way to dig deeply in some matches and duals, to help their team overcome obstacles and, ultimately, win many big duals. Along the way they knocked off eight top-20 ranked teams!
With only one graduating Senior (Zach Milder) the team looks to carry their success into next season.
Father/Coach Tony Wright and son, Cael, shared a moment at the State Tournament.
