Illinois Wrestlers Dominate U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals
Illinois wrestling secured a commanding victory at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals, fueled by individual championships from two rising seniors from Washington High School. The state team’s performance in Fargo, North Dakota, on Saturday underscored its continued dominance in the sport.
Two Illinois athletes – Wyatt Medlin and Josh Hoffer – claimed Greco-Roman titles, propelling Illinois to its 16th team championship in the last 17 years. Their success highlights the strength of wrestling programs within the state and sets the stage for continued success at the collegiate level.
Medlin Claims First Junior Greco Title
Wyatt Medlin, a University of Illinois commit, achieved a significant milestone by winning his first junior Greco title at 157 pounds. He defeated Iowa’s Bas Dias with a decisive 5-1 victory at the FargoDome. This win is particularly noteworthy considering Medlin finished second in the same event last year and secured a 16U title in 2023.
A two-time “Journal Star wrestler of the year,” Medlin’s high school accolades also include two individual Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state championships and a third-place finish in the state postseason. His consistent performance demonstrates a dedication to excellence and a promising future in the sport.
Hoffer Secures Victory at 215 Pounds
Fellow University of Illinois commit, Josh Hoffer, mirrored Medlin’s success, winning the championship at 215 pounds. Hoffer delivered a dominant performance, defeating Minnesota’s Evan McGuire with a 7-0 decision. He is projected to win his first individual IHSA title in 2025.
Illinois Wrestling’s Team Triumph
The combined efforts of Medlin and Hoffer were instrumental in Illinois’ impressive team score of 190 points. This total significantly outpaced second-place Utah, which finished with 89 points. Oklahoma (71), Minnesota (70), and Pennsylvania (70) rounded out the top five teams.
The team’s performance underscores the depth of talent within Illinois wrestling and its consistent ability to compete at the national level. .
Woods Earns All-America Honors
Adding to Illinois’ success, Washington wrestler Symon Woods earned All-America status with a fifth-place finish at 100 pounds. This achievement further solidifies the strength of the Washington High School wrestling program and its contribution to the state’s overall success.
