ROCHELLE — After losing just one member of its program from graduating, the Hubs varsity wrestling team entered the 2017-18 season seeking to improve upon its historic achievements from the previous season which included two state qualifiers and the program’s first-ever regional championship.

And boy did they improve.

Two conference champions, eight sectional qualifiers and four state qualifiers for the first time in school history were only the beginning of arguably Rochelle Township High School’s most accomplished season ever. The Hubs won 19 dual meets this winter including its first and only team sectional victory against the Ottawa Pirates to reach the state dual championships for the first time ever.

“This season was big for the community, the school and the kids,” head coach Rich Harvey said. “It’s something they will always remember. We talked a lot about representing RTHS and I think they went out and did that this year. They had a great time and they made so memories that they’ll never forget this season.”

Returning from last season to spearhead the charge were state qualifiers Alex Harvey (47-2 at 195 pounds) and Eddie Villalobos (47-7 at 138 pounds), who each finished the 2017-18 season tied for the most victories in one season for any Rochelle wrestler ever. Both Harvey and Villalobos made state again, with the senior Harvey taking second place and the junior Villalobos finishing fifth.

“We have a lot of kids who we can trust to go on the mat and not only give you their best effort, but they’ll give you a win,” Harvey said. “We were pretty tough from 132 to 285 pounds this year, and those two kids were great leaders. We knew every time they took the mat that they were going to give us their best match.”

Senior and sectional qualifier Justin Hernandez (41-8 at 132 pounds) was Rochelle’s third wrestler to exceed 40 wins this season, the most in any school year for RTHS. Harvey and Hernandez are two of six seniors who will depart the program including state qualifier Ehren Metzger (33-10 at 152 pounds) and sectional qualifier Austin Tracey (29-19 at 182 pounds). Seniors Bazil Bennett (13-10 at 220 pounds) and Andy Silva (9-12) will also be leaving.

“Those kids gave us everything they had and they led by example,” Harvey said. “The seniors were wrestling hard and as the season progressed you could really see their leadership standing out. They were really pushing kids to keep going.”

While the Hubs will be losing some key wrestlers, there’s plenty of fuel in the Rochelle tank for the 2018-19 school year. Villalobos and junior Brandon Johnson (20-9 at 220 pounds) are expected to lead the charge, while freshman and sectional qualifier Ben Harvey (32-6 at 170 pounds) could play a key role as well. Johnson was Rochelle’s fourth state qualifier this year, the most Rochelle has had in any season.

“I just want to see how far we can go,” Harvey said. “That’s always the goal.”