Congratulations to all the State Quailifiers who competed this weekend. This was our highest medal count at the IKWF Ste event. Brandon Ramos made it to the State Finals for the 1st time in his wrestling career before losing to Anthony Madrigal (3x State Champion), Ronald Tucker also made it to the finals before losing to Joey Beaudin 14-2, Matt Ramos placed 3rd, Juwan Robinson placed 3rd, Tyler Krestel placed 6th, and Nick Sullivan Krestel placed 6th. This State tournament maybe the toughest State event in the nation and many of the top kids in the state did not even place. Hats off to those who made it to the podium this weekend, and also to our qualifiers Corey Sapp, Dylan Burnoski, and Jaco Ramos.

Congratulations to Jimmy Pierandozzi winning the Novice 74lb State Title. In his second trip to Rockford, Jimmy dominated his way through the semi finals beating Anthony Schaer (Wolves) 12-2, Brendan Mattingly 15-1, and Benjamin Anderson 10-0. In the finals Jimmy wrestled Dylan Fishback from Bad Bass and won 3-1.

Congratulations to Baylor Fernandes on his 1st IESA State Title. Baylor pinned each of his opponents including an IESA record 25 second fall in the finals. Baylor joins a small list of IESA wreslers to win the State tournament as a 6th grader.

Good luck to all of our wrestlers competing at this weekend! Representing the IKWF is Matt Ramos, Jimmy Pierandozzi, Dylan Burnoski, Tyler Krestel, Ronald Tucker, Nick Sullivan, Brandon Ramos, Corey Sapp,Juwan Robinson, and Jacob Ramos. Representing the IESA Baylor Fernandes, Payton Fernandes, and Robert Goodwin. Also competing will be Alexandra Krestel in the 1st all girl State tournament in Yorkville. Results for the IKWF State event can be followed on trackwrestling.com, the finals will be broadcasted (live) Saturday night through illinoismatmen.com. Once again good luck to all the wrestlers and to all the parents have a safe trip.

Congratulations to the 10 wrestlers who qualified for the State Tournament next weekend in Rockford. Our boys did an outstanding job this weekend and look ready to compete the states toughest event. We had 25 wrestlers that competed this weekend and 14 were in the finals, 9 came home with individual titles. I’d like to recognize our 2013 State Qualifiers starting with the Novice Division 62lbs Matt Ramos, 74lbs Jimmy Pierandozzi, 79 Dylan Burnoski, 101 Tyler Krestel, and 215 Ronald Tucker – Senior Division 79lbs Nick Sullivan, 89lbs Brandon Ramos, 101lbs Corey Sapp, 115lbs Juwan Robinson, and 177 Jacob Ramos. Hats off to all the wrestlers, coaches, and parents for all your support….. GO Raiders!