Pre-match nerves hum beneath the bright lights as whistles pierce the air and Illinois wrestlers from across the state take the mat for the final time this season. The IHSA state tournament is where the best compete – where champions are crowned and seasons come to an end.
The Wildcats battled their way to the finals, sending six wrestlers: junior Ulises Vega, freshman Jace Serpa, junior Emy Rangel, junior Brian Correa, senior Leo Rosas and junior Cesar Munoz.
Photo by Cesar Munoz
Junior Emanuel Rangel picks his opponent up into the air and takes him down at Conant High School on Feb. 13.