A 'Yes Kid': Mokena Teen, State Wrestling Champ To Run Boston Marathon In Dad's Place

MOKENA, IL — Kelly Mendoza wasn't surprised when her son said "yes" so quickly. No matter the ask, it just seems it's in his nature.

"He’s always up for a challenge," Mendoza said.

A look at his high school wrestling record shows as much. The Mt. Carmel High School senior is a three-time 3A state champ, in the hunt for his fourth title later this month. His eye was on that prize when his father asked him to consider chasing another: would Seth run the Boston Marathon in his place this April?

"I said yes right away," Seth told Patch. "Then I got to training."

It's the kind of commitment the Mokena teen and New Lenox District 122 alum has shown since running his first half-marathon at just 9 years old, Kelly said. He later tacked on some triathlons, she added, before locking in to dominating on the mat. He commutes 45 minutes each way to the Chicago school. Mornings are early and days are long as he trains to finish his high school career as the best in the state (again) and among the top in the country.

"He's pretty dedicated," Kelly told Patch. "It’s tricky, because he goes to school 45 min-an hour away. He has super-long days."

What was one more goal to train for, it seems Seth thought. He runs his miles on weekends, or fits them in whenever he can—most days he's up before 5 a.m. to fit it all in, Kelly said.

"Throughout my entire high school wrestling career, I’d always manage to fit in some sort of other training," he said. "I make time throughout the day, especially in the mornings.

"It’s kind of tough to manage my time, but I’ve been through it throughout my entire life. It’s really nothing out of the ordinary."

Seth's father Mike, who has completed the Boston Marathon eight times previously, had signed up for this year's as well, but after a surgery was rendered unable to run in the April race. He contacted the Boston Athletic Association, and asked if his son could take his spot.

"It’s hard to get these Boston bibs," Kelly said.

It seems fitting for Seth to step in.

"He kind of introduced me to running," Seth said of his father. "He would bring me to local 5Ks, then longer runs—10K, half-marathons."

Seth went on to notch finishes in the Soldier Field 10 miler, The Chicago Kids' Triathlon (where he won his division), the Marine Corps 10K, and many other triathlons and 5Ks.

This one will be special. In addition to filling in for his father, he's fundraising for the Semper Fi Fund, a cause close to his family's hearts. Semper Fi & America's Fund is a non-profit organization that provides support to wounded service members, veterans, and their families. The organization offers financial assistance, case management, and other services to help people recover and transition back into their communities.

Mike, a US Marine Corps sniper who served multiple combat deployments to Iraq, was injured while deployed in 2006, when Seth was just 3 months old.

"It means a lot to me," Seth said, of the opportunity. "Especially for the fundraising I’m doing."

His family has witnessed the organization's importance, directly.

"Semper Fi and Americas Fund has been important to our family for many years so I am excited to run to help our wounded service members," Seth wrote in his fundraising entry. "This incredible charity provides vital assistance to our injured service members and their families."

See his fundraising page.

He'll also be running in honor of Boston Marathon bombing survivors Lee Ann and Nick Yanni, Seth wrote.

Before he is eastward bound, he'll head south to IHSA State Wrestling Finals, in Champaign Feb. 20–22. He is currently ranked #1 in the state at 138 pounds, and #2 in the country at the same weight. He seeks to become the 16th wrestler to win four IHSA state titles in the tournament's 88-year history. His previous wins were at 106 pounds in 2022, 113 pounds in 2023 and 126 pounds in 2024. He's also committed to University of Missouri, where he'll continue wrestling.

The pressure's on, but you'd never know it. Seth's taking all the hard work and training right in stride. He and his family will head to Boston a couple of days before the April 21 event, to spend some time enjoying the sights. It'll be a quick turnaround back home, as Seth nears his final high school days before graduation.

The significance of the experience isn't lost on him.

"Filling in my dad’s spot after all he’s done for me, it means a lot," Seth said. "I’m super-appreciative of it, and excited for it, as well."