Jersey Sends Two Back to State in Wrestling

❮ ❯

Jerseyville – For Jersey Panthers wrestlers Maddox Williams and Nicholas Hartley, the state finals won’t be new territory. Both qualified last season, but this year their goals are higher.

Williams and Hartley did not place at state last year, each finishing 1–2. This season, both say their main objective is to earn a spot on the podium.

“It feels great to go to state this year,” Hartley said. “It feels nice knowing I belong there this year. Last year, I got fourth place at sectionals, and when I got to state I told myself I didn’t belong. So it feels good to have a confidence boost going into it. I went 31–4 in the regular season.”

Both wrestlers placed third at the Granite City Sectional on Saturday to punch their tickets to state. Williams earned a 14–3 major decision over Braxton McCall of Mascoutah, while Hartley won by technical fall over Trae Griffiths of Champaign Central in 2:20 (19–4).

“It means a lot to go back to state this year,” Williams said. “Last year I went 1–2, and hopefully I can get a better record and place this year.”

Jersey freshman Bo Allison and senior Hunter Hodge came up short of advancing to the state finals.

“It’s a good thing for our program, and it’s great for these two wrestlers,” Jersey head coach Frank Speidel said. “They put a lot of work in. Hodge had some personal setbacks this year, and to make it this far was huge for him.”

More like this:

TRIPLE ALL-STATER: Gillespie's Chaz Oberkfell Earns First Places In 1A 1,600 and 3,200 Meters and Eighth In 800 Meters

May 30, 2026

Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete Of The Month: Kaylee Shields Finds Strength In CM Track and Field Support

May 22, 2026

Sparklight Male Athlete Of The Month: Jersey's Nick Hartley Captures 100th Wrestling Win

Jan 29, 2026

Sparklight Male Athletes Of The Month For Jersey: JCMS Wrestling Shines at State Tournament

Mar 17, 2026

Area Wrestlers Bring Home Multiple Medals at IHSA State Finals in Champaign

Feb 21, 2026