Coalers win wrestling regional

There's no place like home and the Coal City wrestling team will attest to that after winning their own regional Saturday to advance nine to the Olympia Sectional.

The Coalers out-distanced Fairbury 205.5-181.5 to claim the dual team regional plaque to qualify for the Gibson City Dual Team Sectional.

Before their dual team run, the Coalers intend to take care of business Saturday when they field nine qualifiers in the individual sectional at Olympia.

Coal City sends four regional champions - Evan Rivera (106), Alex Friddle (120), Ryan Wasielewski (145)  and Daniel Jezik (160) - on to sectional. Also going are second place finishers Lane Kutemeier (132), Trevor McIntire and TJ Jezik. Third place finishers Connor Huston (113) and Brendan Nevin (195) also guaranteed themselves a spot at sectional. Placing fourth and possibly advancing as alternates are Coalers Payton Wills (220) and Logan Miller (285).

Reed-Custer finished fifth in the 10-team bracket, advancing four sectional qualifiers and two alternates. The Comets had three second place grapplers including Gabe Nagel (145), Ryan Shepherd (160) and Shane Milburn (182). Placing third to advance was Logan Zacharias at 285. Alternates hoping to get a shot at sectional will be Bobby Mann (113) and Austin Sunday (170).

Injury-plagued Wilmington finished ninth among the 10 teams, qualifying just Jack Narine (106), who was second at regional, and third place finisher Matt Nutt (138).