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Sean Larkin, St. Earned bragging rights with Rita

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CHAMPAIGN—St. Rita senior Sean Larkin He watched his brothers marty and Pat had success wrestling for the Mustangs. Marty is currently continuing his career at Michigan State.

But Sean took the family legacy to a whole new level on Saturday night. And Larkins has a state champion.

“I have 100% bragging rights over my brothers now,” Sean said.

Larkin rallied at State Farm Center to defeat downtown Washington’s Peyton Cox, 9-7, in the 144-pound title match of the Class 2A individual state meet.

Larkin has qualified for the state championship in each of the last two seasons but failed to reach the podium and fell one win short last winter.

“When we came back after losing in a bloody round last year, I talked to my coaches and we said, ‘Whatever it takes to get on the podium,’” Larkin said. “We worked day and night”

Instead of just getting to the podium, Larkin (22-2) worked his way to the top, making it to St. Louis after being a four-time champion. It was Rita’s first state championship. Austin O’Connor He won his last championship in 2017.

Larkin trailed Cox 6-1 after one period of the championship match but fought back until the end.

St. Rita’s Sean Larkin (left) competes at 144 pounds against Washington’s Peyton Cox in the championship match of the Class 2A state meet on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the State Farm Center in Champaign. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) )

“I got one takedown every time,” he said of the second period, “I just wanted to get the first points.

“I knew once I got him down he wouldn’t get back up, because once I get to the top that’s where I’ll get all my points.”

Fighting back is nothing new for Larkin. He sprained the MCL in his left knee in the second game of the season but underwent rigorous rehab to prepare for a strong finish to his senior season.

“I was out for about a month or two until Christmas,” he said. “I slowly came back. I lost two matches immediately because I didn’t have a gas tank. Now I’m back to normal.

“I had to go to rehab after every training session. It was just long. But I just dreamed about it. I knew I wanted this. It feels great. It really is.”

Marist's Will Denny is crowned champion after defeating Barington's Rhenzo Augusto in the 150-pound match at the Class 3A state wrestling championships on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the University of Illinois State Farm Center in Champaign.  (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily) Southtown).
Marist’s Will Denny reacts after defeating Barrington’s Rhenzo Augusto at 150 pounds in the championship match of the Class 3A state meet on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the State Farm Center in Champaign. (Vincent D. Johnson/Daily Southtown)

Denny’s dedication

marist junior Will Denny He has a tattoo on his right side bearing the date September 1, 2020. This is the day his grandfather, Mike Bernard, died.

“I know he’s with me at every reunion,” Denny said. “He always pushed me to get better, told me to never be satisfied. That’s the biggest thing. “I know you’re with me and you’re proud.”

There was plenty to be proud of as Denny (42-4) defeated Barrington’s Rhenzo Augusto by a 15-7 major decision at 150 pounds in the Class 3A championship match on Saturday night.

Denny, a recruit at North Carolina State, became Marist’s first state champion since then. Jake Ford In 2015.

After finishing fourth at state last season, Denny tried to get more technical.

“I learned how to wrestle,” Denny said. “It sounds crazy to say, but that was the biggest thing.”

Marist's Will Denny tries to keep Barington's Rhenzo Augusto down during the Class 3A state wrestling championships on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the University of Illinois State Farm Center in Champaign.  (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) ).
Marist’s Will Denny, right, tries to pin Barrington’s Rhenzo Augusto at 150 pounds in the championship match of the Class 3A state meet on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the State Farm Center in Champaign. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown) )

on the podium

of Sandburg Rocco Hayes (3A, 106), Marist Donavon Allen (3A, 138), Mount Carmel Rylan Breen (3A, 190), of St. Rita jack hogan (2A, 106) and De La Salle’s Jeremiah Lawrence (1A, 106) and Joshua Hernandez (1A, 175) came third.

In fourth place was Mount Carmel. Evan Stanley (3A, 132) and Sandburg’s Ryan Hinger (3A, 138).

Joliet Catholic’s Maximum Cumbee (3A, 113) and Luka Hamit (3A, 157), of Lincoln-Way West Luke Siwinski (3A, 138), Lemont’s Noah O’Connor (2A, 150) and Alex Pasquale (2A, 285) and De La Salle’s David McCarthy (1A, 285) came fifth.

Mount Carmel was in sixth place Justin Williamson (3A, 113) and Damian Resendez (3A, 138), Andrew’s Max Siegel (3A, 126), Joliet Catholic Maximum Corral (3A, 165) and Nico Ronchetti (3A, 190), of Providence Tommy Banas (2A, 126), Oak Forest Austin Perez (2A, 138) and Brother Rice’s Dan Costello (2A, 175).

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