It's been eight years since RTHS sent more than one wrestler to the state tournament in the same season.
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STERLING — It’s been seven years since Rochelle Township High School qualified a varsity wrestler for the IHSA State Championships, and it’s been eight years since RTHS sent more than one wrestler to the state tournament in the same season.
Both of those streaks came to an end this past weekend.
Sophomore Eddie Villalobos (32-9 at 132 pounds) and junior Alex Harvey (29-3 at 182 pounds) each earned a place on the podium at the IHSA Individual Sectional in Sterling this past Friday and Saturday, with Villalobos finishing fourth in his weight class and Harvey taking third in his. The two captains each received medals for their performances, and they will both compete in the state championships at the State Farm Center in Champaign this coming Thursday through Saturday.
“It felt good to make it,” Harvey said. “I know my dad was really excited and I’m excited to go down there with him. It’ll be a very good experience no matter what the outcome is, and I’m just looking for more success down there.”
“It was an awesome feeling,” Villalobos added. “My family is always pushing for me and they love to see me win and wrestle to my capabilities… They’re all happy for me and they’re all staying down in Champaign this weekend so hopefully we can bring back some medals.”
Competition
The sectional competition began Friday evening with the first two rounds of championship action. Three Hubs earned victories in the opening round including Villalobos, Harvey and junior Justin Hernandez (34-9 at 126 pounds). Hernandez won by 10-4 decision over Plano’s Jake Krotz (27-9), while Villalobos won by 8-4 decision over Streator’s TJ Moran (26-11) and Harvey pinned Bloomington’s Josiah Heinz (14-5) in just 39 seconds.
“The first two periods went really well,” Villalobos said. “I was gassed going into the third period and I just wasn’t right. I wasn’t too happy about my performance.”
Looking to avenge his loss, Villalobos took the mat to face Washington’s Jared Head (17-7) for a spot in the state championships. The sophomore held a 4-2 lead after the second period, but Head scored off an escape to cut the deficit to one point.
But with his family cheering in the background, Villalobos made the final takedown of the match to increase his lead to 6-3, and even though Head would cut the lead down to one a second time, it wouldn’t be enough to overthrow the 132-pounder from Rochelle.
Harvey and Villalobos will begin the state tournament on Thursday, with Harvey scheduled to face Elmwood Park junior Olsi Rama (34-5) and Villalobos slotted to battle Anthony Randazzo (33-6) of Marian Central.