Lombard wrestler wins 4th Class A title
Associated Press
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Conor Beebe was following in some familiar footsteps as he won his fourth straight Class A state wrestling championship on Saturday.
His older brother became a four-time winner two years ago.
Conor Beebe equaled the feat by beating Caleb Walk of Stillman Valley 14-8 in Saturday’s 125-pound championship match at the state wrestling tournament, becoming the eighth high school wrestler in Illinois history to win four titles.
“There’s always pressure to do your best out there, “Beebe said after the win. “You’re always scared that you’re not going to (do your best) and all that hard work is not going to pay off.”
The Lombard Montini senior, whose brother won a fourth championship in 2003, was one of eight champions to defend their titles at the Assembly Hall.
In Class AA, Chicago Mt. Carmel’s Kenny Jordan won another title at 130-pounds, St. Rita’s Albert White won the 140-pound title and Providence Catholic’s Sean Reynolds defended his title at 152-pounds.
In Class A, Montini’s Brian Martin successfully defended his 130-pound title and teammate Mike Benefiel won another championship at 140-pounds, while Dakota’s Matt Wenger was victorious at 171 pounds and Clayton Norberg of Sterling Newman won at 189 pounds.
“It was a pretty big goal, and I accomplished it today, “said Reynolds, who finished his prep career with 101 straight wins. “There’s a select few people who have done that, so I’m feeling pretty good about it.”
Chicago Hubbard’s Travis Hammons felt good about becoming the Chicago Public League’s first state champion in 18 years. Down 3-2 late in his Class AA 160-pound final, Hammons pinned Conant’s Dominic Marella to complete a 36-0 season.
“That didn’t really pressure me, to be the next Public League state champion, “Hammons said. “I was just focused. I worked hard all year and I knew it would pay off in the end. … I don’t know what to say. I’m very happy.”
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