The Sequoits’ varsity wrestling team attended the eventful two-day Lake Country Invitational hosted by Wauconda that concluded on Saturday, Jan. 22. Seven wrestlers on the team placed. This list includes one first place finish, three second place finishes, two third place finishes and a fourth place finish. Vazquez competed in the 152 pound weight class and went undefeated on his way to first place.
“It wasn’t my best performance as I made some simple mistakes in my matches that could’ve been avoided. In the end I did what I needed to in order to succeed in placing first,” Vazquez said. “My end goal for the year is to stay healthy and end up making it down state. I know it’s challenging but if I stay on the track I’m on now I can make it down to state.”
The team as a whole was expecting more first place finishes. Nobody sets their standard higher for themselves than junior Caleb Nobiling; he was disappointed in his performance as he received third place at the meet and plans to make up for it in the future.
“I placed third at the invitational and to be honest I didn’t do that well. I didn’t wrestle to my full potential and should have done better,” Nobiling said. “My end goal is to place in the top three at state and I’m going to train as hard as I can to fulfill that goal.”
The Sequoits were very well rounded in podium finishes. The team is no stranger to placing multiple, even at sectionals. Junior Seth Gomez lost in the third place match but was pleased with the outcome and looks forward to placing in future tournaments.
“I could’ve had a better performance overall but I’m satisfied with how I placed. My final goal is to place in regionals and advance to sectionals,” Gomez said.
Come out to support the Sequoits at their next match at Vernon Hills High School where they look to defeat the Cougars on Jan. 28.
