Varsity Lake Park Wrestling athletes have accomplished yet another impressive feat. This year, three students, Bryce Mensik (LP ‘25), Sergio Hernandez (LP ‘25), and Nick Merola (LP ‘26), have all qualified for the IHSA State Tournament, the last of whom, Merola, being a back-to-back qualifier.
“It was not by mistake that these three wrestlers qualified for state this year,” said Lake Park varsity wrestling coach, Mr. Luke Badger. “It was the culmination of several years and a full season of hard work.”
Mensik, being a regional finalist, experienced his first time going to state. Sergio Hernandez, a conference finalist as well as a regional finalist, had his first state appearance too.
Nick Merola, a now two time state qualifier, had displayed an impressive performance this year as well. “He battled through the tough IHSA tournament and we are happy with his performance this year,” Coach Badger said. “Experiencing the IHSA state wrestling meet is like nothing else, so having Nicky qualify for the second time was a great accomplishment.”
A State Spirit March was held for them at West Campus on Thursday, February 27. They were joined by state qualifiers in boys swimming and math team.
Coach Badger made it clear that he is looking forward to the upcoming wrestling seasons and is excited about where the team is headed.
“LP Wrestling is still on the rise and we look forward to next year’s wave of LP wrestlers! ” He said. “We will have a solid group of returning athletes that will lead the next wave of LP Wrestling success.”
