NILES, Illinois — The Knights wrestling program continued a historic stretch for Northridge athletics Saturday in Melrose Park, earning their first IHSA regional championship in program history. As a result, an incredible 11 Knights wrestlers advanced individually to compete in IHSA sectionals.
Led by head coach Joe Rhee and his assistant Bill Kopecky, the Knights ran away from the pack as a team, totaling 200.5 team points in first place. Westmont finished in a distant second place with 142.0 points, followed by Rickover Naval Academy in third place with 105.5.
Starting at 103, Patrick Manio finished the day in 3rd place, earning a trip to sectionals by defeating Jonathan Pawlowski of Rickover Naval Academy by fall.
At 126, Joe Kopecky was the first Knight to earn a first place finish, winning by fall over Nazareth Academy's Alek Ramos heading into sectionals.
At 138, Noah Echavez continued to show his steady improvement on the mat, qualifying for sectionals after a 3rd place finish after defeating Chicago Academy's Adriel Martinez by major decision.
Competing at 144, Javi Rodriguez nearly secured another Knights first place finish, but nonetheless ended the day in second place while securing another Northridge spot in sectionals. Prior to the first place match, Rodriguez won his two previous matches by fall.
George McShane was another Knights winner at 150, finishing in first place after defeating Universal's Adam Farsi by fall to advance to sectionals.
Joining McShane at sectionals will by Mikey Carney, whose 3rd place finish at 157 over Ida Crown's Levi Madoff earned him the opportunity to continue competing in the state tournament at sectionals.
At 165, Adam Haddad continued his dominant season, advancing to sectionals with a first place win by fall over Ida Crown's Moshe Tarshish. Haddad improved his individual record to an incredible 33-2.
After receiving a bye at 175, Mason Wagner also won his two matches on the day, finishing in first place with a win by decision over Foreman's Terrel Washington.
At 190, Nick Belcore advanced to sectionals with a 3rd place finish of his own. Belcore rebounded from a quarterfinal loss with two wins by fall to advance to the third place match, where Belcore won by decision over Rickover Naval Academy's Naruto Martinez.
At 215, Lev Reszczynski placed 3rd to earn his trip to sectionals. After falling in the semifinal match, Reszczynski came back with a win in the ensuing round the earn a spot in the 3rd place match, where he won by fall over Walther Christian's Emmanuell Hernandez.
Finally, at 285, Thomas Suter punched his ticket to sectionals with a second place finish. After earning a bye in the quarterfinal round, Suter won by fall in the semifinal. Despite falling in the first place match, Suter will be continuing his state tournament run.
"Winning the regional championship was a great milestone for the team," head coach Joe Rhee said. "It wouldn't have been possible without the leadership of senior captain Adam Haddad and the continued perseverance of four-year varsity wrestler Mason Wagner. We also had two seniors come out and make the varsity roster in their first year. Filling the line up and placing 3rd helped us win the regional."
Rhee credited the community surrounding the program with their success this season.
"It's really been a team effort — players, coaches but also parents. Wrestling is such a tough sport. It's not just about performing, but cutting weight and conditioning heavily. It really is tough on parents. I'd like to recognize the support they've given us this entire season. The message I'd send to my team leading into sectionals is this: Be grateful for what you've received and leave everything you have on the mat."
"Congratulations to our wrestlers and their coaches on an incredible achievement!" said Will Rey, athletic director at Northridge. "In just its fifth year, our wrestling program didn't just win Regionals - it dominated by qualifying 11 individuals for Sectional competition. Wrestling is a grueling and demanding sport that requires student-athletes to commit at the highest level, and this remarkable accomplishment is a testament to their dedication, perseverance and hard work. We'll be cheering them on as they continue their journey to new levels of accomplishment!"
The Knights will now move on to compete in the IHSA 1A sectional at Coal City on Feb. 15. For more information, including mat assignments and match times, visit here.
