Wrestling: Newman’s Will Rude rolls to state title

SPRINGFIELD – Newman junior Will Rude didn’t need any luck at this year’s state wrestling tournament.

Rude put on a dominant overall performance in rolling to a 138-pound title on Thursday at the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Class 1A State Tournament at the Bank of Springfield Center.

Rude (29-0) had qualified for state his first two seasons, but did not place. As a sophomore he was an alternate, but got in at 145 pounds when another athlete in that class did not make weight.

“It was the luckiest weigh-in ever,” Rude said with a smile.

This time around, Rude pinned his first three opponents, then manhandled Dakota’s Tyler Simmer 9-0 in the final. He earned Newman’s 38th individual state title in school history.

“I’m pretty stoked,” Rude said. “Kyle Tunink and Brody Ivey are somewhat heroes of mine, and to finally be a state champion like them is pretty amazing.”

Rude seized control with an early takedown and three back points in the first minute, and Simmer (23-8) just barely fought off getting pinned. Rude ended the first period up 5-0.

“After that, all I could think about was, ‘Do not screw this up, do not screw this up, do not screw this up,’ the entire rest of the match,” Rude said.

A reversal in the second period and a takedown in the third ensured Rude would not be in trouble. It was the third win for Rude this postseason against Simmer, with the first being a 7-1 decision at the Sandwich Regional, then a pin in 3:18 at the Sandwich Sectional.

“It did give me a lot of confidence knowing I had beaten him twice before,” Rude said, “but also I tried to keep myself grounded, like ‘Don’t get cocky just because you’ve beaten him before.’ This is state, and anything could happen.”

A reception for Will Rude and fellow Newman state qualifiers Brady Grennan and Carter Rude will be held Friday at Triple P BBQ in Rock Falls, starting at 7 p.m.