Grappler wins once at Class 2A tournament

Jacob Rudd’s first state experience should prove valuable for future endeavors.

The Morton freshman went 1-2 over the weekend in 103 pounds in the Illinois High School Association Class 2A state final at Assembly Hall in Champaign.

Rudd (27-6) won once Friday before a defeat in wrestlebacks Saturday morning. All his matches were against state-ranked foes.

In the first 2A bout of the day Friday morning, Rudd claimed a 4-0 decision against Michael Harris of Belleville Althoff.

Harris was rated 10th in 2A Feb. 10 by Illinois Matmen in 103, while Rudd was listed eighth.

In the quarterfinals, Rudd suffered a third-period technical fall against Lombard Montini’s KeVon Powell.

Powell, Illinois Matmen’s No. 1 wrestler, claimed the state championship Saturday night.

After Powell won in the semifinals, Rudd was given another opportunity in wrestlebacks.

Yorkville’s Adam Wyeth won a 9-4 decision over the Potter athlete on the way to nabbing third-place honors.

Wyeth was fourth in Illinois Matmen’s individual rankings.

Rudd, guided by Morton head coach Ed Henderson, won the Urbana Invitational, Mid-Illini Conference and Washington Regional titles this season.