Junior wrestlers from Lake Zurich made it through to the Illinois Elementary School Association state tournament. The event will be held March 8-9 in the Convocation Center on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Boys from both Middle School North and Middle School South qualified for state after advancing through sectionals at Wauconda Middle School on March 2.
"I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie between the Lake Zurich kids as the 'North' and 'South' wrestlers hung out alongside the mats and cheered each other (when appropriate) while at Conference, Regionals and Sectionals," said parent Holly Bertoia. "Thanks to all the wrestlers and coaches for the incredible memories this year - more to come this week - and good luck at State!"
State Qualifiers:
Lake Zurich Middle School North
Head coach: Terry Kivisto
- Eric Metzger
- Ben Baca
- Derrick Juarez
- Kyle Fleming
- Eric Brown
Lake Zurich Middle School South
Head coach: Nate Boekholder
- Maxx Wayne
- Billy Busse
- Bledian Ajroja
- Josh Dyer
- Jason Wollard
- Justin Wollard
- Joey Stutzman
- Nick Swanson
- Matt Lawson
"The boys were great, the parents were great and the coaches were phenomenal," said parent Nancy McGee. "Good Luck at State, LZ!"
Parent Aleyce Baca said it was a long day of competition to qualify for the state meet, but well worth it.
"I hope all the wrestlers had fun and learned a lot this season!" Baca said.
For more information, visit www.iesa.org and go to the wrestling page. For directions to the Convocation Center, go to www.convocenter.niu.edu.
Know a young wrestler headed to state? Share your photos here and add a word of encouragement in the comments.
