Spartan wrestlers take third at state

The Spartans defeated Antioch, 45-19, in the third-place match of the IHSA Class 2A Dual Team state finals at U.S. Cellular Coliseum Saturday. It's Sycamore's second third-place finish in the past three seasons, as the Spartans earned a trophy in 2011.

"This is why we practice so hard, to get here," said Sycamore 145-pounder Dylan Foster, who went 2-1 on the day. "I mean, we didn't get where we wanted, the championship. But still, it's something to be proud of."

Kyle Akins (113 pounds), Austin Armstrong (160) and Ren Swick (170) won by fall for the Spartans (19-5) in the third-place win.

Sycamore gave Montini a battle in the semifinals, but the effort just wasn't enough against the powerhouse Broncos, who got a 43-25 win. Montini won its sixth straight state title and 11th in the last 14 seasons by beating Geneseo, 49-10, in the championship match.

One big upset for the Spartans in the semis was senior Jake Davis beating state champion Anthony Ferraro by an 11-2 major decision at 195 pounds.

Brendan McGehee (126) and Christopher Malone (182) won by fall against the Broncos.

For Davis, going up against Ferraro was something he was certainly looking forward to.

"I just came in there with a clear head, and just told myself whatever happens, happens," Davis said. "He placed ahead of me (at individual state), so I had to just go out there and do my best."

Sycamore may have finished third, but the Spartans wrestled Montini tougher than any team in Bloomington. Unfortunately, it was a matter of Sycamore getting an unlucky end of the bracket.

Foster felt the Spartans were the second-best Class 2A team Saturday.

"For sure, it's just how it draws out and what not," he said. "For sure, I feel like we could have been there with Montini in the championship."

The Spartans guaranteed themselves a trophy by defeating Taylorville, 39-30, in the quarterfinals. The Spartans forfeited the last four matches with the match already clinched in order to keep guys healthy.