McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's wrestling team is preparing for the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Championships, which will take place on Saturday, February 15. Millikin University will host this year's championship at the Griswold Center in Decatur, Illinois, with opening bouts starting at 1 p.m.

Ten teams are set to compete in the CCIW Championships, including North Central College, which is ranked ninth nationally according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association's latest rankings. A total of 41 wrestlers from the conference are regionally ranked, representing all ten participating programs. Sophomore Austin Johnston from Normal West High School in Normal, Illinois represents Illinois Wesleyan University in the Region 5 rankings and is currently eighth at 141 pounds.

Last season, Johnston finished fourth in the 133-pound bracket at the CCIW Championships. This year he has moved up a weight class and enters the weekend with a record of 14-11, leading his team with six pins.

Senior Bobby Conroy from St. Louis University High School returns as Illinois Wesleyan's only All-CCIW honoree from last season after finishing third in the 184-pound category with a record of 4-1.

Sophomore Alexander Jackson from Bremen High School in Harvey, Illinois has made an immediate impact since joining late due to his football commitments. He recently finished second in the 285-pound weight class at Brown Terrell UD Invite on February 8. Competing in only his second meet of the season, Jackson achieved a record of 3-1 with all victories by pinfall and earned him CCIW Wrestler of the Week honors for his performance.

Jackson will join freshmen Chandler Gardner from Marian Central Catholic High School, Evan Carel from Hamilton High School, Jackson Castaneda from Oak Forest High School, and Elijah Villegas from Wells Community Academy as they make their first appearances at the CCIW Championship this Saturday. Sophomore Jeremy Olson returns for his second consecutive championship appearance.

The competition begins at 1 p.m., with admission fees charged as follows: $10 for adults; $5 for seniors (65+), students and children ages six and above; free entry for children five years old and under; current CCIW students can enter free upon presentation of a valid ID.

Live results will be available on TrackWrestling.com while a live stream can be accessed online. Final results will be posted on iwusports.com following completion of the event.