Chambana Sun

The Illinois wrestling team concluded the Big Ten Championships at the XFINITY Center in College Park, Maryland. Redshirt junior Edmond Ruth became a Big Ten champion at 174 pounds for the first time in his career after Shane Griffith from Michigan medically forfeited. This victory marks Illinois' first Big Ten championship since Isaiah Martinez won at 165 pounds in 2018.

"I'm extremely proud of national qualifiers Edmond Ruth, Danny Pucino and Chris Moore," said head coach Mike Poeta. "Those guys and everyone on the team this weekend all wrestled their hearts out. Ruth is really starting to cement himself as a national title threat. Him becoming the first Big Ten champion for us since Isaiah Martinez is truly incredible."

Ruth achieved a record of 4-0 at the championships, improving his season record to 22-2 and extending his winning streak to ten matches. He defeated DJ Shannon from Michigan State, Rocco Welsh from Ohio State, and Andrew Sparks from Minnesota on his way to the finals.

True freshman Chris Moore placed sixth at 165 pounds in his debut appearance at the Big Ten Championships. In his fifth-place match against Antrell Taylor from Nebraska, Moore escaped early in the third period but could not secure a tying takedown, losing 4-1.

Redshirt sophomore Danny Pucino made it to the podium for the first time by placing eighth after competing against Vance Vombaur from Minnesota.

"Overall, as a team, it's a huge weekend here at the Big Ten Tournament," Poeta stated. "Other guys on the team saw that their dreams did not get fulfilled... It's a roller coaster; everyone worked hard but some are at the opposite end of the deal."

Despite some setbacks for other team members such as Justin Cardani and Tony Madrigal who were eliminated earlier in their respective categories, Coach Poeta expressed pride in their efforts throughout their careers with Illinois.

Next up for Moore, Pucino, and Ruth are appearances at the NCAA Championships scheduled for March 21-23 in Kansas City.