PDA

View Full Version : Reynolds Wrap - End of an Era...


MR TWISTER
03-28-2008, 09:22 PM
http://www.illinoismatmen.com/images/wrestlers/reynolds.gifThe era ended in Feburary on a quiet note. The last of a family stepped off the highest of podiums Illinois has to offer and moved on to a collegiate career at the University of Illinois. The father, always beaming and positive gave one last approving smile. He was able to coach all of his son's to a special place in the Illinois wrestling record books.

It is not that common for a whole family to succeed in a sport as tough and grueling as wrestling. Don Jr., Sean and Brian Reynolds are one of the most decorated families in Illinois wrestling history with 17 State Medals. In addition, all three brothers had the thrill of experiencing the pinnacle of all high school sports “The Grand March.” When thinking of brothers in triples, only the Williams brothers Steve, Joe and Timothy (T.J.) of the Harvey Twisters and Mt. Carmel Caravan come to mind as a comparison. That is pretty lofty company for the Reynolds brothers to be in.

With over 470 IHSA victories, the Reynolds brothers of Providence Catholic have done just one thing - WIN!

The numbers are daunting considering the tough competition the state of Illinois provides. This total includes wins over 14 different State Champions with a total of 22 Championships, and numerous All State medalists. Although all three were very different wrestlers, the results were the same.

Here is a profile on each of these young athletes.

Don:
Signature Move: High-Crotch
Highlights:
-Top 10 in IHSA Wins with 178
-2x State Champ
-2x State Medalist
-4x Regional Champ, 4x Sectional Champ, 3x Geneseo Champ, 3x Dvorak Champ, 3x CCL Champ
-4x Dual Team Champ
-Chicago Tribune / WGN Athlete of the Month 01/02
-Sport Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” 04/02
-Star Publications Athlete of the Year 2002
-Tony Lawless Award Outstanding Senior Wrestler of the Year Chicago Catholic League
-Asics and Wrestling USA All-America Team
-2003 Fila Junior Freestyle National Champion (Placed 7th in World Championship Istanbul, Turkey)
Defining Moment: Beat 3x Iowa State Champ Johnny Galloway @ Geneseo Tournament

Sean:
Signature Move: Front-Headlock
Highlights:
-Top 10 in IHSA Wins with 179
-2x Undefeated State Champ
-All State Medalist
-103 Straight Victories to end High School Career
-2x Star Publications Athlete of the Year 2004, 2005
-Chicago Catholic League Finalist
-4x Freestyle All-American (Fargo), including Finalist
-2005 Dave Schultz Excellence Award (Illinois recipient) and recognition in the National Hall of Fame
-Asics and Wrestling USA All-America Team
Defining Moment: Beat 3x Indiana State Champ Andrea Hernandez @ Conant Tournament. Beat Montini's 4x IHSA State Champ Chase Beebe @ 2002 Dvorak (Sophomore year)
In Freestyle beat 2002 NCAA Finalist Dylan Long and High School Dream Team member Cyler Sanderson

Brian:
Signature Move: Sweep-Single
Highlights:
-2x All State Medalist, including Finalist
-3x Geneseo Champ
-Chicago Catholic League Champ
-2x Regional, 2x Sectional Champ
-2x Joliet Herald 1st Team All-Area
-2x Member Freestyle Junior National Dual Team Champs
Defining Moment: Beat Eric Pretto (Sandburg / SIU-Edwardsville) in Sectional Individual and Dual Tournaments

This is a Reynolds Wrap to quite an impressive resume. Congratulations gentlemen, we will miss you.