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State House honors local Olympian Daniel Dennis

Last week, state Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) and the Illinois House of Representatives honored Grant High School graduate Daniel Dennis, who recently qualified for the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team. Dennis qualified for the Olympic Team at 57 kg (125.5 lbs.) and was recognized by Wheeler and the House by special resolution.

"This is truly an underdog story and there is no more deserving of a person," said Wheeler. "Everyone I've spoken to about Daniel has commented on how humble and dedicated he is to wrestling and to helping other young wrestlers. I hope next fall we'll be passing another resolution after Danial brings an Olympic medal back home to the Fox Lake community."

During his high school wrestling career at Grant, Dennis recorded 153 wins and was a two-time IHSA state finalist. Dennis went on to the University of Iowa, where he became a two-time All-American and was the winner of the 2008 Midlands Championships. Dennis spent a few years away from competition, but was encouraged to return and won an astonishing underdog victory by 10-0 fall to make the Olympic team on April 10.

Fox Lake held a parade and rallies over the weekend to honor Dennis for his accomplishment and April 24 was declared Daniel Dennis Day by the village.

For full text of House Resolution 1180 that honors Dennis, visit www.ilga.gov.

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