Macias, Johnson win state championships

CHAMPAIGN - It was the ultimate sectional-final rematch Saturday night at the University of Illinois' State Farm Center.

One week after dropping the Class 2A Sterling sectional in razor-thin fashion, Austin Macias had a symbolic reversal against a storied power.

Trailing 5-1 in his 126-pound state-championship match against Tyler Delaware of defending state champion Washington, the Burlington Central junior appeared to be destined for runner-up status.

But Macias would permanently ink his name in Rockets' athletic history with three late takedowns in the third period to win 10-7.

It was the first wrestling state championship in Central program history.

"That's the reason why I stayed at Burlington Central," said Macias, who said he contemplated transferring to Montini. "I wanted to be that one person who everyone looked at on the wall. I'm just so excited to be the first one to win a state title."

Macias finished with a 36-2 record with his dramatic third-period comeback.

"I had a feeling I wasn't going to lose this match," Macias said. "I knew I had to keep pushing."

"The kid never quits," Central coach Vince Govea said of Macias. "His main goal was to be a champion."

Macias was one of four local state finalists in the three classes.

The revelatory completion of the first year at Aurora Christian came to a crescendo in Class 1A when freshman 106-pounder Cameron Johnson had all the scoring in his 3-0 victory against Bishop McNamara freshman Pauley Keane.

"I have never won a state championship before," Johnson said of his many years of involvement in kids' state tournaments. "It was a dream come true. I knew if I could get that first takedown, I could seal the match."

But the Eagles' other finalist - 120-pounder Noah Villarreal - had to settle for second place after being on the wrong side of an 11-5 verdict.

The Eagles' third freshman semifinalist, Zeke Marshall, won the fifth-place match at 113 pounds.

It was heartbreak city for Marmion junior Nate Jimenez after the 160-pounder fell a point shy against Lockport senior Trevell Timmons in the Class 3A championship.

Timmons' lone takedown with 21 seconds remaining in the third period was the difference in the 3-2 match.

"The worst feeling in the world," said Jimenez, who was attempting to become third state champion in his family. "It's not anything you ever want to go through. I didn't wrestle like I normally do."

"We knew it was going to be a one-takedown match," Marmion coach Donnie Reynolds said. "Unfortunately, we came up a little short."

The Cadets had five all-state performers, but it was the first time in seven years Marmion did not crown at least one champion.

The Cadets' Brad Gross turned back Huntley freshman in overtime in the third-place finale at 152 pounds.

"I was disappointed not to make the finals," Gross said of his motivation. "I had a bad (semifinals) match."

Ferrante was the only Red Raider among five team qualifiers to medal.

"I ultimately wanted to achieve my goal (as a freshman) to place at state," Ferrante said. "I didn't trust my shots (in overtime). It was a close match, hard fought."

Marmion also received third-place finishes from Anthony Cheloni (138 pounds) and Peter Ferraro (170).

Trevor Chumbley was fourth for Marmion at 126 pounds.

Dundee-Crown senior Chase Raap had the final area all-state weekend with a sixth-place result at 182 pounds.