Heineman’s state champ highlights wrestling
HUNTLEY — Five middle school students from Huntley Community School District 158’s Heineman and Marlowe Middle Schools qualified for the IESA State Championship.
The local highlight at the Northern Illinois University hosted meet was Heineman eighth grader Logan Woodbury, who was State Champion at 126 pounds. He won the title March 8.
Also competing for the Heineman Hawks were eighth graders Alex Ejsmont, who placed fifth at 145 pounds and Preston Frey, who was a state qualifier at 215 pounds.
Meanwhile for the Marlowe Mustangs, seventh grader Noah Wasielewski placed fourth at 126 pounds and sixth grader Hayden Axen was a state qualifier at 70 pounds. The Mustangs are led by head coach Frank Vitucci.
Heineman Middle School head wrestling coach Michael Ginczycki described Woodbury’s achievement.
“Woodbury has had an incredible season, finishing with an outstanding 28-1 record,” Ginczycki said. “His development at Heineman has been impressive – his dedication to improving his technique, strength and mat awareness really showed this year. He’s always been a hard-working athlete, but this season he elevated his game to another level. As for past state qualifications, Woodbury was knocking at the door as a state qualifier last season, but this season was his year to break through in a big way. His post-season run was dominant, claiming conference, regional and sectional titles before capping it all off with a state championship. His ability to stay composed under pressure and execute at the highest level made all the difference.”
Ginczycki also commented on fifth place winner Ejsmont.
“Ejsmont also had an exceptional season, finishing with a 23-5 record and battling his way to a fifth-place finish at state – an accomplishment that speaks volumes about his grit and determination,” the coach said. “Over the course of his career, he has continued to develop into a relentless competitor, never making execuses and embracing the hard work necessary to improve. His ability to bounce back from tough matches and keep pushing forward is what makes him special.”
The three eighth graders were leaders in a successful season for the Hawks, as they prepare for contributions at Huntley High School’s wrestling room.
“Looking ahead, these three will be a force as they prepare for the Huntley room,” Ginczycki said. “Their work ethic and competitive drive will push them to new levels. Training alongside each other, they’ll only get better, and their leadership will help set the tone for the entire program.”
“As a team, there are a lot of accomplishments to be proud of,” the coach added. “This year was a first for Heineman. We captured a perfect season. We went 10-0 in dual meets, won the conference tournament, and were crowned regional champions.”
