IC Catholic sophomore Joe Bianchini has been on a redemption tour all season.
Despite making history as a freshman when he became the first wrestler in program history to qualify for state, his performance disappointed him.
“I thought I was capable of doing much more than I showed,” Bianchini said. “The experience has pushed me and pushed me to get on top of the podium this year.”
Bianchini continued his dominance by winning the 106-pound championship at the Class 1A Plano Sectional Saturday, Feb. 13, and earning a return trip to the state tournament Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 18-20 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
He is the top seed in his bracket and is ranked No. 7 by Illinoismatmen.
Bianchini (39-1) beat Coal City freshman Alex Friddle 4-0 in the sectional final. Friddle is ranked No. 3 and the two could meet again in the state semifinals.
“(The win) definitely shows me I’m capable of winning the state title and getting the job done,” Bianchini said.
Senior Pat Guinan (14-7) fell one win shy of a state berth at 170 pounds, but is looking forward to watching Bianchini compete at state.
“I think it’s incredible what he’s done,” Guinan said. “Joey is so talented and works hard. You can just tell by the way he wrestles that he’s very motivated and determined to show people what he’s made of. He wants to make up for last year when he didn’t do as well as he thought he could.”
Bianchini finished 2-2 at state last year. Fulton sophomore Tyler Fleetwood beat Bianchini 8-2 in the second round of wrestlebacks en route to a fourth-place state finish last year. Fleetwood, who is ranked No. 1, could face Bianchini in the state championship match if both advance that far.
IC Catholic coach Kevin Carver has much higher expectations for his star this time.
“I think his maturity and experience are the biggest difference,” Carver said. “He is in the right place physically and mentally to take home the title this year.”
Ken Ryan is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
