IC Catholic Prep Claims Six Titles, Sends 12 Wrestlers to State

In a remarkable display of talent, IC Catholic Prep secured six sectional titles at the Class 2A Antioch Sectional, qualifying a total of twelve wrestlers for the upcoming state championships. The standout champions for IC Catholic included Kannon Judycki (120 pounds), Sam Murante (126), Max Cumbee (132), Frank Nitti (144), Aiden Arnett (150), and Brody Kelly (175).

In addition to the champions, several other IC Catholic wrestlers also earned spots at state. These include Mike Bird (106 pounds, second place), Drew Murante (113, second), Jack Hanrahan (138, second), Joey Pontrelli (157, second), Foley Calcagno (190, third), and Anthony Sebastian (285, second). Notably, two wrestlers from Fenwick, Harrison Brown (120, fourth) and Burke Burns (157, fourth), also advanced to the state competition.

At the Class 2A Hinsdale South Sectional, Lemont High School advanced three wrestlers to state, including sectional champion Judah Heeg at 190 pounds. His teammates Alex Powers (106, second) and Cory Zator (126, second) also qualified. Hinsdale South advanced Alexander Schuetz (120, fourth) and Jonathan Mansker (215, third).

Riverside-Brookfield saw success with sectional champion Izaiah Gonzalez at 132 pounds, who won his championship match by technical fall. His teammates Tony Lombardo (138, fourth) and Nick O’Connor (175, third) also earned spots at state. Meanwhile, Glenbard South advanced three wrestlers, including Jin Tai (144, third) and Anthony Kinney (165, fourth).

At the Class 3A Conant Sectional, Aidan Ortega from Glenbard West claimed the 106-pound championship with a season record of 42-1. Other champions included Jackson Hanselman (York, 165 pounds) and Ryan Rosch (Wheaton North, 190 pounds). Additional qualifiers from Glenbard West included Alejandro Aranda (138, second), Tallis Taylor (165, second), Phin Codinha (215, second), and Marc Tchapda (285, fourth).

The Schaumburg Sectional saw a notable performance from Callie Carr (Hinsdale South), who despite suffering her first loss in two seasons, advanced to the state competition in the 155-pound bracket. Freshman Charlie Dolan from York won the 125-pound championship with a technical fall in the final match. Additionally, Angie Manlapaz, a sophomore from Willowbrook and recent regional champion, advanced to state with a fourth-place finish at 115 pounds.

Reflecting on her achievement, Manlapaz stated, “It means that I tried my best, even though it’s my first year. I just want to thank my coaches and my family for putting me in the position where I’m at. I’m so proud of myself.” She secured her spot by earning a pin at 1:39 in her blood round match, utilizing her upper body strength effectively.

Other state qualifiers from the Schaumburg Sectional included Nadiia Shymkiv (Glenbard East, 105, third), Karolina Konopka (Glenbard West, 120, second), Molly O’Connor (Lemont, 125, third), and Catherine Diehl (Wheaton Academy, 130, third).

As the state championships approach, excitement builds for the talented wrestlers who have showcased their skill and determination throughout the qualifying rounds. The culmination of their hard work will be on display as they compete for state titles and the opportunity to leave their mark in the wrestling community.