Tony Wright submitted the report and photos.
Mustang Wrestlers showed their fortitude and grit this past Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the IHSA 1A Regional in Port Byron, IL. The team won their first wrestling Regional title in school history while earning five individual titles along the way. It was a full team effort however, as the many other team members contributed to the team’s winning point total.
Cael Wright (120 lbs) set the tone in the final round for the Mustangs. Wright, coming off of two previous round pins, found himself in a hole as Newman’s Javen Reyes scored a takedown and nearfall in the second period. Trailing 6-10 entering the third period Wright’s resolve proved too much. He earned an escape followed by a takedown and nearfall to secure a 14-10 victory and Regional title.
Eli Modglin followed suit in the very next weight class (126.) He faced another Newman standout, Zhyler Hansen. Not to be outdone by Wright’s dramatic victory, Modglin gave up a first period takedown and nearfall to find himself down 0-7, early in the second period. Without any panic, Modglin methodically got right back to work in the neutral position and scored his own takedown and a rideout to close the second period. Still trailing 3-7 in the third period, Modglin’s pace took its toll as he caught Hansen off-balance and bulldozed him to his back. Modglin was able to transition to a headlock and pin Hansen in dramatic form, to claim his own Regional title.
Two weight classes later (138) Patrick Schaefer maintained the Mustang stampede. Coming off a pin and a technical fall the two previous matches, Schaefer kept his neutral prowess on point. He scored six takedowns in his finals match. Schaefer wrestled a tactical match–not engaging in rolling scrambles on the mat. He picked his opponent apart in the neutral position, as he set up multiple high crotch attacks, transitioning to double leg takedowns, and securing control of his opponent. Schaefer’s dominance on his feet secured him a 19-12 victory and his own Regional title.
In the 150 lb. weight class Caleb Modglin faced rival Tristan Hovey of Erie, IL. The two grapplers have a history wrestling each other, each with victories over the other. Like his brother (Eli) and Wright before him, Caleb found himself in an early hole, versus Hovey, giving up two takedowns and trailing 2-6 at the end of the first period. And like his two teammates before, Modglin showed his grit and resolve. With a glow in his eye and a gesture to Coach Wright in the corner, Modglin indicated “I got this!” He was right; Modglin got right back to work scoring an escape and a takedown of his own. Tied 6-6, Modglin rode Hovey out the remainder of the second period. Hovey chose neutral to start the third period. Modglin, having made some key mid-match adjustments, scored another takedown and rode Hovey out to earn his Regional title.
Noah Stout rounded out the finals for the Mustangs. He decided he had had enough with the match drama of his teammates. Matching up against Cooper Thomas of Sherrard, IL, these two foes had beaten each other earlier in the season. Stout with the excitement of a Regional title secured, snapped his opponent to a front headlock, hit a spinning cement mixing move, and pinned his opponent in 0:47 seconds!
Other Mustangs contributed to the team title, falling just short of qualifying. Mason Grismore (144) scored two pins on the day, placing fourth place and an Alternate for the Individual Sectional Tournament. Grismore battled valiantly and almost pinned his third place opponent, but it wasn’t meant to be. Likewise, Caleb Carroll (215) earned two victories and a pin himself. In both matches Carroll lost he took an early match lead, putting himself in a winning position, but he was unable to hold his lead. Randy Gerlach and Ethan Bush also contributed to the Mustangs’ winning tally. Both warriors earned two victories of their own to lift their team to victory.
It was a great day for Mustang Wrestlers, with a great fan base to cheer them on! They will be in action in Oregon, IL, on Thursday, February 5, at 6:00 p.m. The Mustangs face the #5 ranked Dixon Dukes for a chance to qualify for the Dual Team State Tournament. Individual qualifiers will also compete at the IHSA Sectional Tournament on February 13-14, at Byron, IL, High School.