Willowbrook senior wins IHSA Boys Wrestling State Tournament
Willowbrook senior Matt Rowland (center) celebrates with Willowbrook fans after winning the Illinois High School Association Boys Wrestling State Tournament in the 170-pound division. The tournament took place from Feb. 18 to 20 at State Farm Center in Champaign.
For more than 10 years, Willowbrook senior Matt Rowland has found a second home on the wrestling mat.
He began wrestling with Villa Park Young Warriors Wrestling when he was in second grade and recently accomplished his dream of winning a state title. On Feb. 20, he won the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys Wrestling State Tournament in the 170-pound division.
When Rowland was announced as the State Champion, a group of nearly 80 Willowbrook fans jumped off their feet and erupted in applause. They poured onto the wrestling mat to celebrate with Rowland. To watch Rowland’s win, go to https://youtu.be/Jn18NIi9RZc.
“After I won, I could hear the crowd chanting my name, and it gave me goosebumps,” Rowland said. “Taking 2nd place in state last year lit a fire under me, and I knew this year was my moment. But winning took a lot of hard work and support from my coaches, teammates, family, friends and the teachers and administrators at Willowbrook. I certainly didn’t get here alone.”
Now that his high school career is complete, Rowland is ready for the next step. He will wrestle at 174 pounds for The University of North Carolina. He said his goal is to win a national title at The University of North Carolina, where he plans to major in business.
And Rowland certainly has left his mark on Willowbrook wrestling. Head Coach Brandon Murphy said Rowland has set quite a few records and has had an amazing career filled with successes, including:
- IHSA record for fastest pin (22 seconds) in a finals match in 3A wrestling (2016)
- IHSA record for fastest technical fall in a semifinals match in 3A wrestling (2016)
- Willowbrook record for most wins (184; his high school career record is 184-18)
- Willowbrook record for most take-downs (career record is 598)
- Willowbrook’s sixth State Champion in wrestling
- 2nd place in the 2015 IHSA Boys Wrestling State Tournament
- 5th place in the 2014 IHSA Boys Wrestling State Tournament
Murphy and his dad, Bryan, have been Rowland’s wrestling coaches since Rowland began the sport. Murphy said he can’t describe the pride he felt as he watched Rowland take first place in the state tournament.
“The moment was bittersweet – I have known Rowland since he was 8 years old, and I have coached every single match he has had in a Willowbrook singlet,” Murphy said. “I have watched Rowland as he has matured into a fine young man on and off the mat. He is the fifth and youngest child of David and Anne Rowland, who are both Willowbrook alumni as well. So it has been a long time since there hasn't been a Rowland in the halls of Willowbrook. The school won't be the same. I'm very proud of Rowland, and all of his accomplishments are there because he earned them.”
Rowland said wrestling has always been a part of his life, and he plans to continue with the sport as a coach after college.
“I love the competitive aspect of wrestling,” Rowland said. “It’s an individual sport, so it’s just you out there one-on-one with your opponent.”
And Rowland isn’t the only Willowbrook wrestler who had a successful season. Sophomore Jack Jessen earned 3rd place in the 182-pound division of the IHSA Boys Wrestling State Tournament.
“Jessen is an extremely competitive athlete, and that's what makes him special,” Murphy said. “He hates to lose, and I don't believe he will ever lose again in high school. Jessen had an unbelievable season this year, and he has placed in state both years while in high school. I can't wait to see what his next two years are like as an upperclassman!”
Pictured are Willowbrook senior Matt Rowland (left) and sophomore Jack Jessen. "Jessen and I push each other every day and support each other every day," Rowland said. "He's going to have a phenomenal junior and senior year in wrestling."