Twin Groves Wrestler Captures State Championship

District 96 Twin Groves 8th-grade wrestler Lorenzo Frezza is the school’s first state champion.

To say that this 100-pound wrestler had a great season would be an understatement.

At the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) State Wrestling Finals, he prevailed against worthy opponents in every match, with only two points scored against him. Overall, Lorenzo finished the 2019 season with a stellar 30–1 record.

This modest young man follows in the footsteps of his older brother, a successful wrestler for Twin Groves Middle School and Stevenson High School, looking forward to wrestling in college. At Twin Groves, Lorenzo also leaves an enviable legacy.

Lorenzo looks forward to contributing at Stevenson, too. He acknowledges that wrestling is one of the most difficult things he has ever done and that benefits extend beyond the matches. When challenged in schoolwork, he’s found that the discipline of working hard as a wrestler helps him dig in and stay focused.

Indeed, staying focused is key to his success. His biggest challenge as a wrestler is to fix his thoughts solely on wrestling the match and not be distracted by a fear of making mistakes. To prepare, he takes a moment in a corner during normal warm-up to picture himself winning. He also acknowledges the importance of each one of his team members, who have fun together, but continually push each other to accomplish more.

Long-time Twin Groves Wrestling Coach Adam Greenberg led the Colts to their 10th consecutive Patriot Conference Championship this year. While many talented wrestlers have learned the fundamentals as 6th-8th grade Twin Groves Colts, Mr. Greenberg’s admiration for Lorenzo’s skill, determination, and discipline is apparent: “He truly earned everything he’s achieved.”