Sandburg Sends 4 Wrestlers To State, 2 Take Podium Spots

ORLAND PARK, IL — Sandburg High School sent four wrestlers to IHSA individual state finals in Champaign, with two claiming spots on the Class 3A podium.

Vying for wins at the State Farm Center in Champaign Feb. 20-22 were senior Rocco Hayes at 113 pounds, sophomore Brady Ritter at 138, senior Ryan Hinger at 144, and senior Malic Breish at 215.

Ritter and Breish both lost to state placers or state champions at their respective weight classes while falling short of placing themselves, said Coach Clinton Polz.

Hayes and Hinger both finished 3rd. Hayes lost in the quarterfinal round to Oleksandr Havrylkiv (Buffalo Grove), then won four consecutive matches to come back for a shot at 3rd place. Hayes avenged his quarterfinal loss, beating Havrylkiv to secure 3rd.

Hinger advanced to the semifinals, then losing a very close match to the eventual state champion at 144. Hinger then won his next two matches, to go up against Marist senior Donovan Allen. Allen had beaten Hinger five times previously, Polz said. Hinger took the match by major decision at 11-3.

Sandburg went on to team sectionals on Tuesday, falling to Marmion Academy, Polz said. The team finished with a record of 22-4, and ranked 5th in the state. They won three varsity tournaments, including conference and IHSA regional, Polz said.