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Lemont Wrestling Dominates Batavia Invite

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 20:46 GMT by Chicago Tribune
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Batavia, IL - January 27th, 2026 - The Lemont High School wrestling team is sending a clear message to the Illinois wrestling community: they are a force to be reckoned with. The Indians decisively won the Batavia Invite this past Saturday, demonstrating a remarkable level of depth and execution that left competitors in the dust. Their performance has catapulted them into a position as a serious contender for the upcoming state championships.

The dominance displayed at the Batavia Invite was undeniable. Lemont amassed a staggering 265.5 points, leaving second-place Kaneland trailing by a significant margin of over 100 points. This wasn't a narrow victory; it was a statement of intent. As head coach Bill Reed stated, "I'm really proud of the effort. We've been working really hard. The kids came in here with a plan and they executed it."

Individual performances certainly contributed to the team's overall success. Senior Cory Zator anchored the team's efforts, claiming first place at the 195-pound weight class. His impressive 3-0 record culminated in a hard-fought 7-3 victory over York's Ben Wine. Coach Reed highlighted Zator's dedication, noting, "Cory had a great day. He's been wrestling really well. He's got a goal in mind and he's doing everything he can to reach it." Zator's focus and drive exemplify the team's commitment to excellence.

Beyond Zator's individual triumph, junior Dylan Patterson shone brightly, securing first place at 126 pounds. Patterson's confidence leading into the competition proved well-founded. "We knew we had a tough road ahead of us," he commented, "But we came in here with a lot of confidence. We knew we could do it." Senior Tommy Knowles also made a substantial contribution, finishing as the runner-up at 143 pounds.

The true strength of Lemont's team, however, lies in its remarkable depth. A staggering ten wrestlers achieved top-six placements, a testament to the team's overall talent and the commitment of the entire roster. This breadth of skilled wrestlers allows the team to weather injuries and challenges throughout the demanding season. Coach Reed emphasized this strength, saying, "It's a testament to the depth of our team. We're not just relying on one or two guys. We're getting contributions from everyone." This collaborative spirit and the consistent performance from multiple wrestlers are key factors in their success.

Looking ahead, Lemont's next challenge awaits them at the upcoming DVC Invite next weekend. This event presents another opportunity for the team to showcase their abilities against a different set of competitors and further solidify their position as a top-tier wrestling program. The team's current trajectory suggests that a strong showing at the DVC Invite is highly probable, potentially positioning them favorably for the postseason.

The Batavia Invite victory isn't merely a win; it's a confirmation of the hard work, dedication, and strategic planning that have defined the Lemont wrestling program under Coach Reed's leadership. With a strong foundation built on depth, individual talent, and a unwavering team spirit, the Indians are poised to make a significant impact on the Illinois wrestling landscape throughout the remainder of the season, and perhaps even contend for a state title.