MSJHS Wrestlers ready to showcase talent at IESA State Competition

A long season is about to come to an end.

The Mahomet-Seymour Junior High wrestling team has been competing since Nov. 27, but this weekend, seven of the team’s wrestlers will finish what they started by competing in the IESA State Tournament.

Eighth-grade wrestlers Caden Hatton, Brad Schoonover, Brennan Houser, Ryan Yancy and Colton Crowley will be joined by sixth-grade wrestlers Camden Heinold and Peyton Cox.

At the beginning of the season, many of the wrestlers on the Bulldog team set goals to become state qualifiers.

“We had a couple of kids fall short of their goal and not make it to state,” head coach James Heinold said. “Those that did make it to state have worked hard and progressed and improved throughout the year.”

Working six days a week, James Heinold said the wrestling season can be grueling at times.

But with teammates cheering each other on and feeding off each other’s energy, the camaraderie and team spirit often pulls athletes through.

“The biggest impact is momentum,” James Heinold said. “When you see a teammate ahead of you go out and compete and get a big win, it spurs you to do your best and contribute to the success  of your team. Success breeds success.”

Each wrestler who will compete at state hit rough spots during the season.

While Camden Heinold had wrestled before, he came into the junior high season as an inexperienced wrestler who struggled to maintain his weight.

Coach Heinold said within the last couple of weeks, though, Camden has turned a corner.

“He is athletic and quick and uses both to his advantage,” he said. “Not many wrestlers can stay with him when he is moving and scrambling. He is peaking at the right time.”

The Bulldogs’ most experienced wrestler, Cox competes all over the country, bringing a great repertoire of moves to the mat. Having only lost one match this season against an opponent who was a weight class above him, Cox has great momentum going into the state meet.

“I know when Peyton is on the mat, he will compete to the best of his ability,” James Heinold said.

James Heinold is also excited to see how the competition matches up for his explosive eighth-grade wrestlers.

Schoonover missed a couple of weeks during the regular season, but came back strong in the postseason.

“When Brad is aggressive and attacking on his feet, not many wrestlers can go with him. He has improved a tremendous amount over the last year,” James Heinold said. “His success at state will be based on his offensive attacks.”

Hatton is also someone to be reckoned with when he is on the offensive.

“When he is attacking and providing his offense, he is a tough wrestler to beat,” James Heinold said. “If he takes you down, he is going to win. He is a tough rider on top and many kids can’t get away from him.”

According to the coach, Yancy is the “darkhorse” on the team.

“Ryan is also one of the most explosive wrestlers on the team,” James Heinold said. “He has a great double and high crotch (takedown). When he is attacking, not many wrestlers can stop him. If he stays aggressive and continues to gain confidence, watch out.”

Then there are the wrestlers who have exuded patience that has led to success.

Although Houser struggled from time to time, James Heinold believes he has the knowledge to go all the way.

“If we can keep Brennan wrestling smart and with patience, nobody will be able to go with him,” the coach said.

Coming off of a season where he had to step up to some tough competition, Crowley has had one of his best wrestling seasons ever.

“Colton is a very patient wrestler and strong, a very good combination to be successful in wrestling,” James Heinold said. “When he is attacking, no one can compete with him.”

Knowing what to expect at IESA State, Crowley, Cox, Hatton and Houser are leading Camden Heinold, Yancy and Schoonover into their first appearance at this level.

“They all seem confident that they will compete and perform to the best of their ability,” James Heinold said. “At this point in the season, it is all mental.”

The coaches are proud of the progress and accomplishments of the individuals this season and want the wrestlers to compete to the best of their ability.

“Don’t be satisfied by making it to state,” James Heinold said. “Walk away from state with a medal and no regrets. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Make the most of it and do your best.”