February 22, 2014
Naperville Central junior Ben Williamson advanced to the final eight competitors in the 138 pound bracket at the IHSA State Tournament before being eliminated. The tournament was held at the State Farm Arena (formally Assembly Hall) in Champaign on the campus of the University of Illinois. Williamson finished with a 1-2 record in the three day event.
In the opening round, Williamson faced Walter White of Oak Park River Forest High School. White scored an opening takedown but Williamson was able to escape for a first period score of 1-2. Williamson was unable to escape in the second period. In the third, White scored an escape to make the score 1-3. White added two more takedowns in the final frame to defeat Williamson 3-7. White would go on to win the tournament.
When White won his second match, it pulled Williamson back into the tournament in the wrestle-backs. Williamson faced Aquirre of Oswego. Williamson and Aquirre finished scoreless in the first period. Williamson was able to ride Aquirre out the entire second period. In the final period, Aquirre let Williamson up to work for a takedown. With Williamson up 1-0, Aquirre attempted a takedown but Williamson was able to get under Aquirre's arms and the Redhawk threw Aquirre to his back and won by fall.
In the match to place at state, Williamson faced Sheppard of Glenbard West. With only five seconds remaining in the first period, Williamson scored a takedown to lead 2-0. Sheppard chose neutral and scored a takedown of his own midway through the second period on Williamson's missed shot. Williamson earned a point for an escape early in the third period to lead 3-2. Sheppard scored a last second takedown for the win 3-4. The takedown was controversial due to the official time not starting on the restart. Nevertheless, Williamson day was over. The junior hopes to return to state for a third time next year.
The NCHS Wrestling Awards Banquet will be Monday February 24 at 6:30 in the Aux Gym.
GO REDHAWKS!