April 18, 2024
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Northwest Herald wrestling preview: Five to watch in 2021

By Joe Stevenson

Crystal Lake Central's Caden Ernd defeated Fenwick's Matt Zuber on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, during the IHSA State Wrestling quarterfinals at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. (Eric Ginnard)

Marian Central's Dylan Connell

Dylan Connell, Marian Central, sr.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Connell from having a chance to become the 15th four-time state champion. He won the Class 2A 152-pound state title in 2018, won 2A 160 in 2019 and 2A 170 last year. With an abbreviated season and no state tournament, he will not get to wrestle for a fourth championship. Connell, who was 46-0 last season, will wrestle at Illinois.

Crystal Lake Central's Caden Ernd

Caden Ernd, Crystal Lake Central, sr.

Ernd took third in the Class 2A 160-pound class last season. He lost, 3-2, and missed the semifinals, but then came back to take third. He will be college teammates with Connell, his long-time friend, at Illinois.

Huntley's Jeremy Jakowitsch

Jeremy Jakowitsch, Huntley, sr.

Jakowitsch took third place in the Class 3A 138-pound division, despite suffering a torn ACL in that match. He was 44-8 as a junior and got half of his 44 wins by pin.

Marian Central's Elon Rodriguez

Elon Rodriguez, Marian Central, sr.

Rodriguez lost the Class 2A 120-pound state championship, 4-2, and finished 43-4 last season. He is a two-time state medalist. He will move up a class to 126 and will wrestle next season at Triton College.

Marian Central's Bryce Shelton

Bryce Shelton, Marian Central, sr.

Shelton took fourth place in the Class 2A 138-pound class at state and finished with a 42-4 record. He lost his semifinal match, 4-2. Shelton will wrestled at the Air Force Academy.