Feel the energy! The crowd is loud, shoes squeak, and waiting for that first whistle. For young Illinois athletes, the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) State Championship is the top. It shows their hard work and dedication. This isn’t all strength. It takes technique, discipline, and real commitment. 

D/C (Dunlap Chillicothe) Wrestling supports youth wrestling. This year, 12 D/C wrestlers qualified for State! Being a State Qualifier is a big deal. The young wrestlers compete against others of similar size and age. The IKWF State Championship is the most important youth wrestling event in Illinois. It may open doors for future opportunities. It’s a chance for young wrestlers to learn dedication, sportsmanship, and discipline. 

D/C Wrestling Club uses certain training methods. Their coaches are experienced and caring. The club believes in hard work. They also focus on smart training. Coaches teach technique and strategy. They help wrestlers reach their full potential. They are dedicated. 

Head Coach Jeff Bybee is a three time IHSA State Qualifier for IVC High School with two 1st place titles and one 3rd place. 

In addition, D/C has 18 skilled and dedicated coaches who volunteer their time and wrestling skills. D/C coaches are: Billy Ware, Bridgette Bybee, Kris and Whitney Blayney, Levi Toliver, Steve Listwan, Levi Bannister, Rich Bloomgren, Jeff Allen, Cody Razo, Jim Heath, Troy Heuck, Derek Meeks, Randle Taborn, Joe Dill, Owen Moser, Zack Zeigler, Bob Bennett, Bret Cassidy and Jim Heath. 

On March 7th and 8th the D/C Bolts competed in the IKWF State Championship. 12 wrestlers entered the championship this year. It is tough, rewarding and tiring. These kids have done some hard work to get here. 

Out of the 12 who entered…4 went on to win a title. All of these wrestlers, including those who did not qualify, show the club’s success. Their hard work, and the club’s coaching, led to victory. 

D/C’s State Qualifiers were: Journee Bybee, Georgia Blayney, Hunter Voss, Eris Bybee, Jaxon Weiler-Ziegler, Roxanna Listwan, Araya Benedict, Griffin Heuck, Lennon Toliver, Laken Wears, Ashton Hardin and Brooks Placher. 

Journee Bybee – age 6 - with a record of 32-5, went on to win the girls Bantam Weight Class 45 division taking 6th place. 

Georgia Blayney – age 7 – with a record of 14-13, (2 time State Qualifier) went on to win the girls Bantam Weight Class 45 division taking 7th place. 

Hunter Voss – age 9 - with a record of 30-9, (2 time State Qualifier) went on to win the boys Bantam Weight Class 84 division taking 7th place. 

Lennon Toliver – age 10 - with a record of 26-5, went on to win the boys Intermediate Weight Class 148 division taking 4th place. 

And let’s not forget our other Chillicothe wrestlers! 

From the East Peoria River Bandits was Peyton Ladd – age 8 – with a record of 52-8, State Qualifier, took 7th place in the Bantam Weight 76 division. 

From TJ Training was Payton Willis - age 6 - with a record of 27-10, was a State Qualifier in the Bantam 45 lb division. 

Zoey Willis - age 8 - with a record of 53-6, (2-time State Qualifier) in the Bantam Weight 45 division took 3rd place 

Ryder Carroll - age 11 - with a record of 37-11, was a State Qualifier in the Intermediate Weight Class 64 division. 

Congratulations to all! They have worked long and hard to achieve this great accomplishment.