The girls wrestling team participated in the Illiana Christian girls wrestling sectionals on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, featuring lots of great wrestlers from across the county competing for a spot at regionals. The girls wrestling sectional brought lots of intense competition and determination for a chance to advance to the next level. With 15 schools competing it was win-or-go-home. The ladies put up some tough fights and showed impressive effort throughout the competition.
Senior Alexia Utley placed 1st in the 115 pound weight class, securing her spot at regionals after her hard-fought matches. Utley stated “Training as hard as I can to be the best my senior year going into the state series” As each of the girls wrestled, teammates cheered loudly on the sidelines which created an encouraging atmosphere, pushing each wrestler to their potential and competing with confidence. Coach Michelle English stated “The Illiana Sectionals is one of the toughest in the state. Sectionals was an emotional day- there are so many of our wrestlers that I felt were skilled enough to advance but fell short. I believe most of our girls were much better than the outcome. Wrestling is hard- nothing is ever guaranteed. Rankings don’t matter, win percentage doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter how many times you have beat an opponent- it all depends on what happens in that individual match. “
Some of the girls from the team placed in the top 6 for their weight class. These placers included wrestlers such as Savannah Wilson (6th), Elise Meier (6th), Alexa Chubinski (6th), Jacquline Mallory (5th) and Carol Pockrus (5th). Although some matches didn’t go the way some wanted, the girls showed resilience and determination to keep pushing themselves as the day went on. The girls wrestling team’s performance at sectionals reflected off of their hard work and dedication in the wrestling room.
On Saturday January 10th, 2026 Alexia Utley will advance to regionals, wrestling to place for state. Coach English also stated “Alexia Utley wrestled an incredibly tough bracket and came out victorious. She battled hard throughout her matches- leaving the people that doubted her behind. I am so proud of Alexia. She was sectional champion last year and now a 2x sectional champion. Our goal now is to make it to state.” If Alexia places in the top 4 at regionals, she will then advance to the next level in the state series. Everyone who participated in sectionals did an amazing job, and looks forward to their next upcoming season and the new progress that will be made.
