Wells qualifies for IHSA girls’ sectional wrestling meet

By Fred Kroner

Sophomore Maddie Wells qualified for the IHSA girls’ sectional wrestling tournament based on her performance on Friday (Jan. 26) in the Mount Zion Regional.

The 130-pound Wells won three of her five regional matches and placed fourth individually. Wells (22-21 overall record) won twice by pin.

She will return to action on Friday (May 9) at the Peoria Richwoods Sectional.

SJ-O had one other entry in the girls’ regional tournament. Lily Rice (125 pounds) did not advance. She had a 1-2 tournament record and registered a pin for her win.

This is the third year that the IHSA has sponsored a state series for girls’ wrestling. A total of 356 schools statewide are participating, nearly double the total (180) from 2022.