Coalers the only team sending 14 state qualifiers

For most programs, sending a handful of wrestlers to the IHSA state finals is a banner achievement. At Coal City, it’s becoming the standard.
For the second time in school history, the Coalers qualified all 14 wrestlers out of the IHSA Class 1A Sectional, a remarkable feat that underscores both the program’s depth and dominance.
Beginning Thursday in Champaign, Coal City will once again be fully represented on the sport’s biggest stage, with every weight class accounted for.
It’s not just about numbers — it’s about consistency, balance and a culture that has turned expectation into reality.
On Saturday, the Coalers crowned six sectional champions, had five runners-up, and placed all 14 wrestlers in the top four — the requirement to advance to state. And they showed class by starting the sectional with a somber moment to honor Wilmington wrestling coach Nick Dziuban who recently lost his battle with cancer. They wore shirts in support of Dziuban and held a raffle to give the proceeds to Nick’s family.
Leading the charge were dominant title winners:
Jake Munsterman (106, 43-3) cruised to a title with three falls before winning by injury default in the finals
Max Christensen (144, 42-5) controlled his bracket and secured a 12-6 decision in the championship.
Brody Widlowski (150, 33-1) overwhelming throughout, winning his final by technical fall.
Aidan Kenney (157, 43-1) steady and composed, finishing with an 11-5 decision in the title match.
Mason Garner (165, 37-4) dominant run capped by a 9-3 decision in the finals.
Cade Poyner (215, 42-3) powered his way to a championship with a fall in the finals.
Each brought a different style — from Munsterman’s quick pins to Widlowski’s relentless pace — but all delivered the same result: championships.
Just as important as the champions were the wrestlers who battled through adversity to secure their spots.
Gavin Roudis (113, 27-8) reached the finals with three pins before settling for second place.
Owen Petersen (126, 39-5) and Cooper Morris (132, 41-4) each powered into title matches before finishing second.
Brock Finch (175, 35-2) and Payton Vigna (285, 34-10) added runner-up finishes
Meanwhile, the Coalers showed their grit in the wrestlebacks:
Luke Munsterman (138, 40-6) and Evan Greggain (190, 33-9) both rebounded from semifinal losses to take third.
Tyson Price (120, 21-9) fought through the backside bracket to finish fourth and punch his ticket
From top to bottom, there were no gaps — just a lineup full of state-caliber wrestlers.
Qualifying all 14 wrestlers once is impressive. Doing it two years signals something more — a program built on development, accountability and depth at every weight class.
Just a year ago the Coalers had 13 state qualifiers and 10 in 2024.
Coal City’s ability to reload rather than rebuild has been evident all season. Whether it’s experienced upperclassmen like Kenney, Poyner and Widlowski or emerging contributors stepping into bigger roles, the Coalers have created internal competition that sharpens everyone.
That depth has already translated into team success, including an undefeated dual season and postseason dominance. Now, it sets the stage for something bigger.
Eyes on Champaign
With the IHSA Class 1A state finals set for Thursday through Saturday in Champaign, Coal City enters with momentum — and numbers no other program can match.
But numbers alone won’t win medals. The next challenge is turning qualifiers into placers — and placers into champions.
Once the individual tournament is done the Coalers will continue as a group in the dual team state finals starting Feb. 27 in Bloomington.