Junior Vandell Dudley’s first-place finish at 138 pounds led Leo to a third-place showing in the IHSA Class 1-A Wrestling Regional at Chicago Military Academy on Saturday, January 31. 

Five other Lion wrestlers placed second or third in their respective weight classes and will join Dudley in the 1-A Sectional meet at Coal City February 13-14.

Leo collected 112.5 points to place third in the 12-team regional field, behind Phillips (188 points) and Corliss (145.5) Host Chicago Military Academy was fourth with 96 points.

Dudley is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the Leo program. His championship performance featured a pin in the second period of his semifinal match and a 21-5 technical fall victory in the finals.

Freshman Robert Nickson (126 pounds) and senior Khamari Carter (190 pounds) advanced to the sectional by virtue of runner-up finishes at the regional. Senior Aiden Bright (150 pounds), junior Jubril Kannicke (215 pounds) and freshman Roman Maddox (285 pounds) advanced by placing third. 

Competing but not advancing were freshmen Major Sturgis at 144 pounds and Kristin Cato at 175.