April 25, 2024
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Daily Chronicle 2022-23 Wrestling Preview: Five wrestlers to watch

By Eddie Carifio
DeKalb’s Austin Martin throws Mount Carmel’s Sergio Lemley in the Class 3A 138 pound dual team championship match at Grossinger Motor Arena in Bloomington. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Champaign.

DeKalb’s Austin Martin throws Mount Carmel’s Sergio Lemley in the 2022 Class 3A dual-team championship match at Grossinger Motor Arena in Bloomington. (Gary Middendorf)

Austin Martin, DeKalb, sr., 145

One of three state qualifiers back for the Barbs, Martin is poised for a big season both on the mat and in the leadership department for a team that took second at the dual team state tournament last season. Martin finished 31-12 and was second in the DuPage Valley Conference and at the regional tournament, then took third at sectionals.

Lincoln Cooley, Sycamore, sr., heavyweight

Cooley went 38-7 last season and qualified for the state tournament, taking sixth. The regional champion is back and looking for an even stronger showing this time around.

Zack Crawford, Sycamore, sr., 170

Like Cooley, Crawford is a regional champ who qualified for the state tournament. He went 36-6 last season. And like last season, Crawford will be entering the wrestling season after a deep run in the football playoffs.

Julian Torres, Genoa-Kingston, sr., 182

Torres picked up 30 wins last season and qualified for the sectional tournament. He’s one of three sectional qualifiers back for the Cogs.

Mehki Cave, DeKalb, jr., 132

Cave had a big offseason for the Barbs, heading to the U.S. Marine Corps National Championships. The Barbs lost a lot of experience from last season, and Cave is one of the new wrestlers who can step up and make a difference in the team’s quest for another DVC title.

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