Perhaps the most tantalizing match of the Rochelle Township High School wrestling team’s season this past winter involved one of the program’s youngest competitors.

Squaring off against Belvidere North on the road, Rochelle needed to win its final bout in order to claim the match. Then-freshman 113-pounder Weldon Nay was tasked with entering the ring and securing one last victory for his varsity team. The back-and-forth struggle between the two lightweights saw multiple takedowns, near-falls and escapes from both sides.

However, Nay ultimately emerged victorious, winning with a pin and lifting Rochelle over Belvidere North that evening. The win was one of several that Nay brought home for the Hubs in his first varsity season and only his second season as a competitive wrestler.

“I started wrestling in eighth grade,” Nay said. “What I love most about the sport are the new friends I’ve made, the skills I’ve learned and the competition. The feeling of winning a tough match is definitely one of the best feelings. I thought I did well in never giving up and following directions from my coaches. I want to improve my energy and strength so I can push further.”

Nay competed at the 113-pound weight class during his freshman season, helping the Hubs to an impressive 18-4 record in their first year as members of the Interstate 8 Conference. Now a sophomore, Nay figures to be an even greater contributor at the lower weight classes this coming season. Qualifying for the IHSA Sectionals are among Nay’s goals for next year.

“I thought I performed well during my freshman year,” Nay said. “I learned many new things that helped me improve in the sport. I made many new goals and accomplished those throughout the season, thanks to my teammates and coaches, and I think those will really benefit me in the future and help make the sport more enjoyable for me. I’m going to have to further improve my skills and push myself harder to accomplish my goals next year.