Batavia Wrestling Finishes Season With 11th Straight State Visit

Batavia High School was represented for the 11th year in a row at the IHSA State Wrestling Tournament.

Sophomore Anthony Scaccia (138 lbs) took third place at the Glenbard North Sectional last week and qualified for state. Scaccia finished the season 38-8 after an 11-2 decision against Skyler Procasky of Belleville.

Scaccia fought hard to get to state, improving on a 1-1 record during the first day of sectionals to three straight victories on day two. Batavia's other sectional qualifier was sophomore Connor McKeehan (220 lbs).

Scaccia and McKeehan were joined by Charlie Smorczewski (132 lbs.), Mickey Watson (195 lbs.) and Alec Lyons (heavyweight) at regionals during the top of the month. Scaccia beat the #2 seed 9-3 in the semi-finals, eventually getting to a second-place finish.

McKeehan lost a close 5-3 decision in his first match of the day to end up in the wrestlebacks and fighting for third place and the last remaining spot in sectionals. He quickly regrouped and went on a remarkable run of three straight first-period pins, avenging his earlier loss.

None of the Bulldogs wanted to end their season early, especially Lyons during his senior year. Fortunately Lyons will be able to play in his other sport, football, at the college level. He and fellow senior Cole Gardner signed National Letters of Intent on Feb. 1. Gardner will attend Eastern Michigan University and Lyons will attend Indiana State University.

The season marked an overall improvement for the wrestling team, as they reached the top of conference standings after a dramatic showdown with Geneva in January.

This information is courtesy of Neil Rudd and the Batavia Bulldogs Wrestling website.