STATE CHAMPIONS–The Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) state tournament was held last weekend at the Peoria Civic Center. Two members of the Southern Illinois Bulldogs wrestling club finished as state champions. Mason Mehring, at left and Grayden Schloemann captured the state championship in their respective weight classes. The two made history for the Bulldogs club becoming the first wrestlers in program history to win two IKWF state titles. Mehring is the son of Mathew and Michelle Mehring. Schloemann is the son of Butch and Jessica Schloemann.
The Southern Illinois Bulldogs wrestling club completed one of the most successful seasons in program history, highlighted by a strong showing at the IKWF State Tournament and a third-place finish at the Dual Team State Tournament.
“The Bulldogs qualified 16 wrestlers for the IKWF State Tournament, and an impressive eight of them finished on the podium, including two state champions. The performance showcased the depth and strength of the program as the Bulldogs continued to establish themselves as one of the top youth wrestling clubs in Illinois,” said Coach Butch Schloemann.
For more on the Bulldogs, please see this week’s print edition.