By Mike Clark
BLOOMINGTON — Going downstate is the dream of any high-school athlete, and realizing that dream is always more fun with a friend.
So it was for a pair of Kelly teammates — junior Sara Martinez Lopera and sophomore Yazmine Garcia — who both won medals at the IHSA girls wrestling state finals at Grossinger Motors Arena on Feb. 28.
Martinez Lopera, who became the program’s first state placer when she was fourth last season, took second this year at 170 pounds. Garcia finished sixth at 115.
They were among three medalists from the Public League, joining Lane freshman Eila Barbour, who was fourth at 145.
“It was fun coming down here, team bonding,” said Garcia, noting another Kelly wrestler made the trip as her practice partner “Also being able to have this experience and share (it) with my teammates. … It’s like something I’ve always wanted.”
Martinez Lopera also appreciated the chance to share the state’s biggest stage both with Garcia and with Barbour, a fellow member of the Beat the Streets youth wrestling organization.
“She’s an amazing partner,” Martinez Lopera said of Barbour.
“It’s amazing seeing what Chicago girls have done,” Barbour said. “We have a legacy. We’re not better than the southern kids but we’re slowly, slowly proving that (legacy).”
Martinez Lopera, Garcia and Barbour all aim to move up the awards stand next season.
Martinez Lopera (34-5) fell 5-4 to Clifton Central’s Payton Temple in the 170 final.
“This is more motivation (going forward),” Martinez Lopera said. “I was down by one point, so it means that we are maybe (at the) same level. But the thing is, who (wanted) it more maybe? Maybe I have to want … this title (more).”
Barbour (36-7), who was third at the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation state meet last season, was glad to win a state medal in her high-school debut.
“I’m super grateful,” she said. “I put in a lot of work since last year.”
Barbour did have some nervous moments over the weekend.
“I was really scared my first match,” she said of a 10-6 loss to Lincoln-Way’s Ella Giertuga. “I did not wrestle my best. But after that, after that loss, I felt way better.”
Garcia (31-9) tried to stick with her routine, even at a tournament with bigger implications.
“I warmed up how I usually do and it calmed me down,” she said.
Now it’s back to the gym with an eye to next season.
“Wrestling is wrestling,” Garcia said. “If you want to win, you have to put in the work. You have to practice, you have to put your all into it. Whoever does the most work is going to be the one coming out on top.”
