ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Trio of Wrestlers Starring at the Next Level

Josh Tardy Story/Josh Tardy Bio

Blake Santi Story/Blake Santi Bio

Blake Tisza Story/ Blake Tisza Bio

Three former Harper College wrestlers are making their names known at the NCAA ranks. Josh Tardy, Blake Santi, and Blake Tisza (/Thornton Fractional South), who all wrestled for the Hawks, were all recognized as College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Wrestlers of the Week in three consecutive weeks from late November to early December.

Tardy, who is currently a senior at North Central College, was the individual champion at 149 pounds for Harper at the 2013 NJCAA Nationals. He won the 157-pound bracket of the Elite Division at the Luther Open on Saturday, Nov. 14. As of Jan. 5, Tardy is ranked seventh in the 157 weight class at the NCAA Div. III level. He currently has an overall record of 21-3.

Tardy is majoring in sociology at North Central College. While he did not compete in the 2014-15 season, he had an excellent 37-13 record at 157 pounds, placed second at the CCIW Championships, and was a NCAA Division III National Qualifier.

Santi, who is currently a senior at Elmhurst College, was an All-American for the Hawks in 2014 at 149 pounds. He was named Wrestler of the Week for his performance at the Concordia (Wis.) Open Nov. 21, where he posted an unblemished 5-0 mark at 149 pounds.

Santi is majoring in accounting at Elmhurst College. As a junior, he posted a team best in wins with 24 at 149 pounds. He placed second at the CCIW Championships.

Tisza, who is a junior at Millikin University in Decatur, wrestled for the Hawks in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. He was named Wrestler of the Week after going 5-0 at 157 pounds during the Milwaukee School of Engineering Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 5. In its first season of competition since 2008, the Millikin wrestling team is currently ranked No. 30 in the nation. Tisza is ranked at 157 pounds and holds a 19-3 record for the Big Blue. He is majoring in biology.