Bloomington – Batavia Senior Sydney Perry had only one thing in his mind as he tried to win his third IHSA State Wrestling Tournament Championship on Saturday.
Just enjoy.
Perry had completed a lot in her decorated wrestling career, but she wanted to go back for the whole reason why she started wrestling in the first place.
He easily achieved the target at Bloomington’s Grosinger Motors Arenna, capted his high school career with a 145 -pound title and a undefeated season.
“It is important to remember why you are really wrestling,” Perry said. “Just to have fun and enjoy the game.”
Perry Kane County, Kendall County and Decalab were one of the two state champions from the County region. Kanland freshman Angelina Gosis became the first state champion of the Nights by winning 105 Crown.
Batavia won the third place trophy after scoring 46.5 points. Lakes won the state championship with 61 while Lockport scored 58 points.
Perry was prominent in his championship match against Alivia Ming in Gorville from the beginning. Perry ran away with a 10–3 lead after the first period and proceeded 22–9 after the second. Perry won his third IHSA state title by technical decline (24–9), completing his season 41–0 and had fun on the way.
“If you get loose, it improves the game,” Perry said. “You are not burning.”
Perry set a different goal for himself to compete for a state championship every time. In 2022, Perry wanted to make a name for herself with the IHSA-approved tournament for the first time after winning the Illinois Wrestling Coach and Officers Association State Tournament a year ago.
He fulfilled that, became the first champion during the first sanctioned tournament.
Perry had more heritage in his mind on Saturday. She has been part of the game growth in the last three sessions and Perry wanted her last high school wrestling match Illinois Girls to strengthen her place in wrestling history.
The mission was completed once again.
“Now it is just trying to make a name for itself, look back,” said Perry. “It only matters to be a part of the game, to be a part of history, becoming a trailblazer.”
While Perry finished his career with the state title, Gochis started his career with one.
Despite competing in the biggest match of his young high school career on Saturday, Perry did not change his view, which is working for him. She remained aggressive in her entire title match when she needed and pushed late to create the history of Canland.
“It was crazy,” said Gochis. “I was very happy to do all this.”
Gochis took a lead of 4–1 before a period in his 105 title match against Huntley’s Janih slaughter and 2–0 before 6-1 after two. He pushed some time with slaughter to win 8–2.
On Saturday, not only did it look like a significant moment for Gocris as it won the first state championship of the program. Gochis worked hard in all the season to reach this point and felt grateful for his support on the way.
“I feel really good,” said Gochis. “Do this for all my friends, family, all my coaches. It is really good. ,
Batavia’s Sophomore Lily Enos (100) finished third, Yorkville’s Senior Yamilat Aguire (125) finished fourth, Sandwich Senior Ashlin Streng (110) finished fifth, Victoria McAius and Ryan Miller of Burlingon Central took the fifth, while Dekeb Junior Rez Zimar (115).
Enos wanted to fight back in his third place match when he felt that he should have competed for the State Championship. He did exactly the same, rebounding from 2–1 holes after the first period to pin the Blair Grainon of Pneumon Central in the second round.
While she did not fully complete, she wanted on Saturday, Enos was not only happy to help Bulldog bring a trophy, but also set a platform for the next two years.
“I am proud,” said Enos. “I’m glad I have two more years and I can use it as a step stone to improve in the coming years.”