McDonnell twins hoping to peak

Mark McDonnell placed third in Class 1A as a freshman and second as a sophomore. As a junior, he plans to take the next step.

Mark’s twin brother, Matt, has been very successful too, but has not been able to get to state. He plans to change that this season.

The Morrison mat men have compiled some lofty records thus far. Mark was 37-6 as a freshman and 33-6 as a sophomore, while Matt was 25-6 as a freshman and 31-6 as a sophomore.

Mark’s goals are clear cut.

“I want to be a two-time state champion,” he said. “I’ll be disappointed if it doesn’t happen, because I know I can be a state champ. I also want to beat my uncle Danny’s school win record. He had 129 wins.”

Matt is confident he’ll earn his first state trip this season.

“Every year growing up I made it to state,” he said. “Not making it put a sour taste in my mouth. Every time you don’t make it, it motivates you to try harder.”

Mark competed at 125 pounds as a freshman and 140 as a sophomore. As a freshman, he defeated eventual state champion Cameron Vance of Riverdale in the sectionals. As a sophomore, he missed the beginning of the season with a football injury.

Matt wrestled at 152 pounds as a freshman and 171 and 189 as a sophomore. Since last season, he says he’s increased his bench press from 240 pounds to 300.

“The last couple years I was younger than everybody else,” he said. “Now I know there’s no excuses. I’ve put on quite a bit of weight from lifting. I’m more agile too. For a big guy, I’m quicker than a lot of people.”

Morrison coach Gregg Dolan is happy to have the McDonnell twins leading his squad.

“They both lead by example,” Dolan said. “They’re kind of a coach’s dream. They work extremely hard. I would be surprised if they both weren’t at state.”