February 15, 2014
Ben Williamson, 138 pounder, qualified for IHSA State for the
second time by placing 4th place at the IHSA Sectional Wrestling
Tournament. The tournament was held at
Hinsdale Central High School.
Williamson finished the tournament with a record of
4-2. He opened the tournament with an 11-2
major decision over O’Brien of Oak Lawn.
He scored three takedowns and a pair of near-fall points in the match. In the quarterfinals, Williamson lost a 4-6
decision to Leveille of Marist. Williamson
scored the first takedown but was down 2-4 going into the 3rd
period. Williamson scored an escape to
pull within one, but was taken down. A
late escape got him back to within two, but that’s as close as he would come.
Needing three consecutive wins to be a state qualifier,
Williamson defeated Maldonado of Lyons Township. Ben scored another two takedowns and two more
sets of near-falls in the victory. Next
up, Williamson defeated Almousa of Revis.
Williamson took a 2-1 lead out of the first period. In the second period, the Redhawk added a two
point near-fall before giving up an escape to lead 4-2. Almousa let Williamson up to start the third
period, and then took him down to pull to within one point. Another escape for Williamson made the score
6-4. Then a big takedown for Williamson
iced the victory; 8-4.
In the consolation semifinal – and state qualifying match,
Williamson faced Falco of St. Rita.
Falco entered the tournament ranked 5th in the state by
Illinois Best Weekly. Williamson scored
a late, first period takedown to take a 2-0 lead. Williamson took the down position and
defended himself the entire period against Falco’s turn attempts. Up by two going into the third period, Falco
took down and Williamson held on and rode Falco out for the victory.
In the third place match, Williamson lost to rival Johnnic
of Wheaton Warrenville South by a score of 3-4.
Johnnic scored the opening takedown and Williamson was able to escape in
the first period. Johnnic scored a
reversal in the second period to lead 1-4.
Williamson made a come-back attempt by earning a point for stalling and
another point for an escape, but he was unable to score the winning takedown.
Williamson scored nine takedowns and five sets of near-falls
in his tournament effort. His four wins
put him at 31 victories this year – the third year the junior has won at least
30 matches.
Ben Williamson will compete at the Assemble Hall on Thursday
morning, February 20th.
The Naperville Central wrestling award banquet will be
Monday, February 24th starting at 6:30.
GO REDHAWKS!