Wrestling: ‘It’s for him’ Nick Renteria, with memories of his uncle, wins one of three IC Catholic state titles

CHAMPAIGN – Tears welled in Nick Renteria’s eyes as he began to explain why he was wrestling for a “higher purpose.”

Moments after emerging as the Class 1A 120-pound IHSA state champion over Yorkville Christian’s Isaac Bourge in a 9-4 decision, Renteria, an IC Catholic Prep senior, reflected on the death of his uncle, Jason, two years ago.

“It’s stuck with me ever since,” Renteria said. “He [had been] my coach ever since I was six or seven years old and this right here, it means everything to me. It’s for him.”

Renteria placed fourth in state as a sophomore and had a fifth-place finish at the Illinois Wrestling Coaches Association tournament last year.

“I got my title this year,” Renteria said. “…I felt [my uncle’s presence] all throughout the whole tournament and it’s unbelievable. It was all for him.”

The motto that was instilled in him never left him throughout competition.

“He said, with this last name, you’re unbeatable,” Renteria said. “This last name, you’re unbeatable and you’re going to do it.”

Renteria was one of three state champions to emerge for IC Catholic on Saturday night at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

Jadon Mims at 220 pounds defeated Nazareth freshman Gabe Kaminski in a shocking 5-4 decision. Kaminski took a brief lead with 28 seconds left in the third period. With 12 seconds left, and Mims on the ground, he had to make his move.

“[My coach said] ‘turn your mind off; work,” Mims said. “I looked at the clock. My coaches were telling me I got to go. I was ready to go. I had to step up and make that big moment.”

Mims wasn’t even initially sure he won.

“[Someone] said: “You’re a state champ. I got hyped. I got pumped,” Mims said.

At 182 pounds IC Catholic’s Michael Calcagno defeated Tolono Unity’s Grant Albaugh in a 9-0 decision for the title.

“The plan was to just to take him down, ride him out and just keep scoring as many points as possible throughout the whole match,” Calcagno said. “Not letting off the gas pedal and just giving it 100% the whole match.”

In Class 2A, Montini junior Jayden Colon won the 145-pound championship with a 6-4 decision over Joliet Catholic’s Mason Alessio.

“It feels amazing. I finally did something I’ve wanted to accomplish since I was younger,” Colon said. “I always wanted to win a state title; it was always my dream. Always dreaming big and trying to accomplish bigger and better things.”

IC Catholic’s Isaiah Gonzalez (285) took second after being pinned by undefeated Rock Island Alleman junior Charles Jagusah. Joseph Giliatta (145) took sixth and Andrew Alvarado (113) took eighth to round out IC’s banner day.

Fenwick’s Jimmy Liston fell in the Class 2A 285 heavyweight championship against Joliet Catholic’s Dillan Johnson.

Downers Grove South 138-pounder Jimmy Nugent took third after pinning Downers Grove North’s Harrison Konder for their best finish at state. Downers Grove North’s Jordan Lewis (285) took sixth and Ben Bielawski (182) took eighth.

Montini sophomore David Mayora (152) finished third after pinning Freeport’s Tarrone Jackson.

In Class 2A, Lemont’s Alex Tagler finished fourth and Lemont’s Moe Khalil finished fifth.