'One of the best feelings in the world' Hear from all 6 Central Illinois state title wrestlers
CHAMPAIGN, Illinois (WMBD) – Saturday night was a successful one for Central Illinois wrestlers; from the IHSA tournament in Champaign.
Four of them hailed just from Washington High school in 2A. The others were from Illini Bluffs and Tremont in 1A. Here is what each of them said about winning their respective state championship.
Washington wrestling wins 4 gold medals in Champaign, Illini Bluffs & Tremont also win titles
Peyton is a Washington senior and won at 144 pounds. Each of his first three years, he lost in his state title match, all by decision, by just a combined five points.
When he squeaked out a 1-0 victory, Peyton let out all of his emotion.
It's indescribable. The last three years came up just short and this year finally being able to get it done is a dream come true. God, I'm going to cry again…I don't know, man. It's hard to explain. It's one of the best feelings in the world. 100%
Peyton Cox
Josh finished off a dominant season at 215 pounds. His final record for the year stands at 53-3.
He won in a 5-0 shutout decision, a journey he worked on for the last 365 days
'Just consistently stayed in the room. Like I said, we practice year round, so that's a big thing. Just consistently getting better and improving yourself. Whether that be just like stay a little room after, you know, whatever that might be.'
Josh Hoffer
Noah may have had the most dramatic win, a 2-0 decision in triple overtime at 120 pounds. After earning his title, he ran across the mat and threw himself at head coach Nick Miller.
Early in the season, Noah was projected to be one of the best wrestlers in his weight class and didn't want to miss his chance.
'There was a time at the beginning of the season where 'Exposure or Flow Wrestling' put me at number one, and I was like, 'This is a possibility.' And I was like, 'I don't want to leave any regrets. And if they project me to win, I'm going to go earn it.''
Noah Woods
Finally wrapping up the night was junior Wyatt Medlin. He won his second consecutive state title, and in dominating fashion as well. Medlin secured a 20-5 tech fall win in the 2A 157lb division.
He's most proud of the history him and his teammates accomplished.
Washington has four in the finals and has come out with four champs. It's definitely a… surreal feeling. You know, I can't remember the last time we had four champs. This is definitely a legacy that I'm leaving in Washington. I'm super excited to be a part of it.
Wyatt Medlin
Securing a perfect season on Saturday was Illini Bluffs senior Jackson Carroll, winning in 1A at 150 pounds. It was his second consecutive state championship win.
Jackson went 54-0 his senior year, with a winning streak of more than 70 consecutive matches dating back to his junior campaign.
He ends his career as the Tigers all-time wins leader.
You know, even if I'm on paper, not the best kid, you know, fake it till you make it. I'm going to walk right in. Even if I'm not the best, I'm sure I can act like it. I'm going to be cocky. I'm going to be, you know, the annoying guy to look at. That's fine. I'll take that on. I like to be fun to watch and I like winning. If you want to win, that's the mentality you got to go out with. You got to know you're the best.
Jackson Carroll
Tremont's Bowden Delaney won in 1A as well, coming in first in the 165 division. His victory came way of a 7-4 decision.
The difference was an early takedown in the first period, which Bowden said made the match more manageable.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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