2 Ramblers wrestlers achieve the state finals for the third season in a row

Before 2022, the Loyola Academy Boys wrestling only had a state placer and no finalists in the program history.

But the Ramblers were on the advance and on Saturday evening, February 22nd, in the State Farm Center in Champaign, they had two finalists in class 3a for the third season.

However, the pride in the continued success of the program was alleviated by frustration about the results of the title fight.

The junior 215 caterpillar Kai Calcutt, who was looking for his second state title in his third final appearance, fell 7: 5 against Charles Walker by Joliet Central.

The newcomer Nico Odiotti, whose brother Massey (now in the northwest) won the first state title of the Ramblers two years ago, lost 4: 1 against MJ Rundell from OAK Park-River Forest in the 106-final.

“It's something about this arena. … I wrestled here a few times and the atmosphere comes to you a bit, ”said Ramblers coach Matt Collum. “As a trainer, we as a trainer have to do better work to ensure that our boys are ready to go to these final games.”

Calcutt, who ended the season with a 37-1 record, and Odiotti (30-3) will use the results as a fuel for next year.

“I didn't exceed him”. “”

It is the same scenario with which Calcutt was confronted after he ended the runner in his first preparatory season. The following year he won the second state title of the Ramblers.

“I have it for the first year,” he said. “Not something else, do the same and bring in more work. Outwork everyone should be good for the next season. ”

Odiotti, who has a success story at the youth level, aimed to end his studies on the prices.

“Obviously, the goal was to be a state champion all year round,” he said. “I didn't make it.

“But still a really good tournament, a really good environment. I am glad that I have to experience it. ”

Although it was his first IHSA season, Odiotti had a good idea of ​​what to expect from his brother.

“I just got used to the environment,” he said. “I have the feeling that the lights are (also) bright for some people. But when I saw a few times, I could get a feeling of it and realize how it would be when I was there. ”

Nevertheless, it is not quite as if it is on the floor of the arena before the greatest quantities.

“I think I have a little goosebumps before every game, a little nervous,” said Odiotti. “But I think I rank well until the final.”

Collum was not surprised that Odiotti was a title in his first high school season.

“He is a multiple-time fargo Nationals All-American,” said Collum. “So I knew he had it in him. He came in with many references. He works extremely hard. He is just a great child. ”

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