Wrestling Regional Champs

By: Emily Saddoris

On Saturday 4th 2023, the Riverdale Wrestling team had a very successful day at regionals. Riverdale hosted the IHSA Class 1A Wrestling Regionals. Our Riverdale Rams marked the beginning of a very successful postseason. The team faced off against Erie-Prophetstown, Orion, Rockridge, Rock Falls, Fulton, Alleman, West Carrol, Sherrard, Morrison, and Sterling Newman. The Rams secured first place as a team! Placing first in their weight classes were Dean Wainwright, Tharren Jacobs, Brock Smith, Collin Altensey, and Zac Bradley. Placing second in their weight classes were Kolton Kruse, Eli Hindi, Alex Watson, and Iyezayha Hill. All nine of these wrestlers will be advancing to Sectionals. Seniors, Brock Smith and Collin Altensey earned their third regional titles in the past three postseasons. Overall the Riverdale Rams took first with a score of 219 points. Coach Keppy was recognized before the final matches in honor of his last home meet. He has been coaching at Riverdale for the past 35 years. Our wrestlers will be advancing to Sectionals in Oregon on February 21st. They will be facing off against the 2nd ranked team in the state, Yorkville Christian. Our team is currently ranked 3rd in the state! The Riverdale Wrestling team has worked very hard all season and continues to move forward through the postseason.