With the Illinois Valley Central team wrestling season over, junior Jared Lauber earned the right to make sure the Ghosts are represented at State by finishing third in the Sectional Saturday.
“Jared had a good tournament,” coach Matt Russell said. “He finished fourth the last two years, and I just had a feeling he wasn’t going to have that happen again.”
Lauber started the tournament by taking down a tough Leroy opponent in the quarterfinal match, 14-10.
Lauber then lost in the semifinal, putting himself out of the running for the championship.
Although he had lost, Lauber still had a chance to make it through the consolation bracket to win third and a spot at State.
Lauber beat his first opponent in the consolation bracket and took third when he received a walkover from his Leroy opponent.
“It is a tribute to how hard he has worked this season and all year long,” Russell said.
Seniors Scott Ladd, Trace Miller and Frank Barrett; juniors DJ Hummer and Zach Switzer; and sophomore Brendan Butler all wrestled in the Sectional, but none finished high enough to continue to State.
Lauber (28-3) next wrestles Friday at 11 a.m. in Champaign.
“I like his chances to wrestle well this weekend in Champaign,” Russell said. “There is no clear favorite at 152 so it all depends on who peaks Friday and Saturday.”
