CHAMPAIGN — Wyatt Medlin has quite the belt collection.
The Washington senior capped an unbeaten season with a Class 2A 165-pound state championship Saturday night at the State Farm Center. Medlin (43-0) now joins Kannon Webster (2020, 2022, 2023) as the only two Washington wrestlers with three state titles.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Medlin said. “If you would have told me when I was a freshman that I would end it all with a state championship and an undefeated record, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
The Illinois commit was dominant throughout his run to a third successive top-of-the-podium trip. He outscored his four state finals opponents 62-13, highlighted by his 19-3 title-bout win over New Lenox Providence sophomore Jasper Harper.
Medlin also captured straps at 138 pounds (2024) and 157 pounds (2025).
“It’s super sweet to end it with a win,” he said. “I worked super hard, and I wanted to show everybody how hard work pays off.”
Washington now has an individual state champion in each of the last 12 state finals, dating back to 2014.
Local wrestlers post runner-up finishes
In the 215-pound title match, Josh Hoffer of Washington missed out on winning back-to-back state championships to cap his senior season. Hoffer (34-6) lost by tech fall to West Marian junior Jimmy Mastny, 17-1.
Mastny (53-1) went up 14-1 after the first period as Hoffer only managed an escape.
“It’s definitely not the way I wanted to finish it off,” said Hoffer, who was celebrating his 18th birthday. “I guess you just learn. … It’s kind of depressing, when I really think about it.”
The Illinois commit says he’ll use this loss as motivation as heads to the Big Ten Conference next season.
“To get all the way here,” Hoffer said, “and not get (a state title) … but I’ll have to just make sure I get better from it, that’s all I can do.”
Morton senior Harrison Dea got a Class 2A second-place finish at 132 pounds. Dea (46-2), who finished fifth the last two seasons, lost by major decision to Elmhurst IC Catholic junior Max Cumbee, 13-4.
Grady Neal of Metamora was the only local Class 2A wrestler to take third. The 157-pound junior (47-5) posted a major decision over Wauconda junior Brian Hart (44-8), 11-1.
East Peoria senior Alec Del Toro (38-6) pinned Morton senior Benjamin Chaffer (40-16) in 2:39 to take fifth at 215 pounds.
Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Future Illinois athlete wins third IHSA state wrestling title for Washington HS
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
