Fenwick wrestler grapples to state title

Junior wins at 103 pounds

Sunday, February 20th, 2011 11:22 AM

Updated: Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 10:00 PM

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Photo by ED PYNE

By Brad Spencer

Sports Editor

On his second straight visit to the Class 3A Individual State Wrestling Meet, Fenwick's Matt Garelli took home a state title trophy.

Garelli, a junior who qualified for state last season but suffered a knee injury, defeated Harlem's Jordan Northrup 5-2 in the title bout to win the 103-pound weight division on Saturday at Assembly Hall in Champaign. Garelli, who was ranked No. 1 in the state all season and fourth in the nation, finished the season with a 47-1 record, losing only to a wrestler from Iowa City, Iowa.

"I can't say enough about Matt; he's the real deal," said Fenwick head coach Jerry Ruffino of his third state wrestling champ. "Matt is a technician first and foremost, and he has kept his focus and dedication all year. He's not a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality like so many wrestlers. Matt's a smart kid and works hard."

Garelli, who hails from Elmhurst, is also an honors student at Fenwick with a 4.5 grade-point average. Ruffino predicted his light-weight grappler to return to state next season for a repeat performance.

"His body has caught up with his skill level and there's really no one who can stop him," said Ruffino. "Yeah, he should have a fun year next year too."

Garelli is the first junior at Fenwick to win a state wrestling title.