Gonzalez commits to Illinois

It was a no-brainer for West Aurora standout wrestler Mario Gonzalez.

"Once they called, that was it," Gonzalez said.

The three-time state qualifier who was third last year at 189 pounds, Gonzalez had only one school in mind to pursue his collegiate career.

Gonzalez took his only official visit to the University of Illinois "around Halloween" and orally committed to the Big Ten school on the spot.

"That's the only school I ever wanted to go to," said Gonzalez, citing his allegiance to his home state as the principal motivation. "I have wanted to go there for the longest time. It worked out perfectly. The coach (Mark Johnson) is an amazing guy."

Gonzalez said he would sign his letter of intent at the conclusion of the current academic semester next January.

Tom Arlis coached multiple state champions at Naperville North, and the Batavia coach was heartened by the news of Gonzalez' decision.

"(Illinois' coaches) want to get the best kids available in the state," Arlis said. "As a wrestling coach in Illinois and the dad of an Illinois wrestler (Clint, a 165-pound junior), I am very pleased. I hate to see the good athletes go out of state."

Gonzalez is currently the No. 1 ranked Class 3A 215-pounder in the state, according to Illinois Matmen, but he plans to move back to 189 for the state series.

"I figured I would wrestle the first week (of the season) at 215," Gonzalez said.

West Aurora is ranked fifth in the state by Matmen in the new Class 3A arrangement, and Gonzalez has been part of three consecutive Class AA regional championships for the Blackhawks.