IWCOA State Championships: Soney claims second consecutive wrestling title, Mayes takes Second at 2nd

Zachary Knox-Doyle, Sports Editor • Mar 14, 2024

Jackson Soney and Carter Mayes earned first and second place at the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Freshman and Sophomore State Series in Springfield on Sunday, March 10.

The 101-pound Soney clinched his second State title in as many years after taking first in IWCOA Regionals and Sectionals.

The reigning champ advanced through the State Series’ three rounds, defeating each of his 10 opponents by pin.

The feat, Soney said, was something he had “wanted to do last year,” but “couldn’t get it done.”

Soney’s repeat success at the annual tournament is bittersweet, as the competition is reserved for underclass wrestlers who failed to qualify for the IHSA State Tournament.

Next season, Soney has his sights set on “compet[ing] at the IHSA State Tournament,” he said.

“And,” the sophomore said, “hopefully, place.”

After first-place finishes at IWCOA Regionals and Sectionals, Mayes ended his sophomore wrestling season with a second-place finish at State.

The competition marked Mayes’ first appearance at State, wrestling in the 144-pound weight class.

Mayes credits this season’s success to his offseason training, wrestling freestyle and Greco outside of the Ironmen’s season.

“I made sure to go out and try to find the best partners I could,” Mayes said.

Mayes found himself facing a premier opponent in the IWCOA’s title bout, squaring off against a matman who qualified for the IHSA State Series in 2023.

Next season, Mayes hopes to find himself at the IHSA State tournament, where “hopefully,” he can “get another crack at that kid.”

Freshman Johnny Thomas debuted at the IWCOA State competition after winning the Regional and Sectionals’ 106-pound class.

Thomas finished the tournament just one win shy of placing among the top eight from the field of thirty-two.

Sophomores Elijah Conda, at 106 pounds, and Ethan Cavallo took to the State mat but could not earn a trip to the podium.

At the Huntley Sectional, Cavallo won the 120-pound class with a 7-5 decision; Conda placed second at 106 pounds.

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About the Contributor

Zachary Knox-Doyle, Sports Editor

Zachary Knox-Doyle is a senior at Normal Community High School and plays on the school's tennis team. He is sports editor for the Inkspot. One of my biggest inspirations is Stacie King, the color commentator for the Chicago Bulls. He has a unique voice, catchy slogan, and encompasses skills I strive to achieve as a color commentator. "Give me that HOT SAUCE!" The best advice I've received is to create something that makes a wave, one must venture outside of the box to begin the ripple.