Lemont Wrestlers Post Top 3 Finishes at IWCOA State Championships

LEMONT, IL — A pair of Lemont High School sophomores made impressive showings at the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association freshman and sophomore state championships in Springfield.

Sophomore 285-pounder Alex Pasquale captured a first-place finish in his division after winning all five of his matches during the state competition. Pasquale recorded a late reversal in his championship match against Lincoln-Way West to post a 3-2 victory and capture the state title.

Carter Mikolajcak placed third in the 101-pound division after posting a 6-1 finish in the event.

Both wrestlers made their way to Springfield after advancing through the Regional competition in Joliet and Sectionals in Coal City. Both sophomores advanced to the state championships after Lemont two wrestlers medaled at the IHSA state finals in Champaign.

In that event, seniors Moe Khalil (182 pounds) and Alex Tagler (170 pounds) earned their first medals in the state competition.

The performance was followed up by Pasquale and Mikolajcak’s showing in Springfield.

“I was elated on how these guys represented Lemont by going 11-1 on the weekend especially competing in a 32-man bracket,” Lemont wrestling coach Erik Murry said in an email to Patch on Monday.

“Overall, I am happy that these guys continued wrestling after the regular season to get more experience and accolades, and I expect them to be key contributors and leaders for Lemont next year. Lemont wrestling has a lot to be excited about for the next couple seasons.”