Springfield Area Wrestlers Qualify for State Finals

Eight individual sectional champions among boys and girls state qualifiers

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Springfield area produced eight individual sectional champions, with Chatham Glenwood leading the way with six state qualifiers, including five in the boys Class 2A tournament. The Petersburg PORTA/Havana co-op also qualified five wrestlers, including its first female state qualifier. The boys individual state finals will be held February 19-21 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, while the girls tournament is scheduled for February 27-28 at Grossinger Arena in Bloomington.

Why it matters

Wrestling is a popular high school sport in the Springfield area, and these state qualifiers represent the top talent from the region. Qualifying for the state tournament is a major accomplishment, and these wrestlers have the chance to compete against the best in Illinois and potentially bring home state titles.

The details

Chatham Glenwood will send six state qualifiers, including sectional champions Cooper Clarke (106), Pierce Bultmann (113), Jaxon Ferguson (120), and Cody Moss (285). Other area individual champions include Justin Zimmerman of Petersburg PORTA/Havana (165), Gunner Looker of Beardstown (175), and Casen Lyons of Sacred Heart-Griffin (190). The girls tournament will feature qualifiers such as Rilynn Younker of Litchfield (115) and Madeleine Cooley of Jacksonville (235).

  • The boys individual state finals run Thursday, Feb. 19 through Saturday, Feb. 21 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
  • The girls individual state finals proceed Friday, Feb 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 at Grossinger Arena in Bloomington.
  • Chatham Glenwood will additionally compete in the boys Class 2A dual team state finals that same weekend at Grossinger Arena.

The players

Cooper Clarke

A sophomore at Chatham Glenwood who won the 106-pound sectional title with a 4-3 decision. He is ranked ninth statewide in his weight class in Class 2A by Illinois Matmen.

Pierce Bultmann

A junior transfer to Chatham Glenwood who won his second straight sectional title at 113 pounds with an 8-3 decision. He is ranked ninth statewide in his weight class in Class 2A by Illinois Matmen.

Jaxon Ferguson

A senior at Chatham Glenwood who quickly pinned his opponent to win the 120-pound sectional title. He is ranked seventh by Illinois Matmen.

Cody Moss

A senior at Chatham Glenwood and the defending state champion at 285 pounds. He repeated as sectional champion with a pin in each of his three matches.

Justin Zimmerman

A senior at Petersburg PORTA/Havana who scored his first sectional title at 165 pounds with a pin. He placed fifth at last year's state finals at 157 pounds and is ranked third in Class 1A by Illinois Matmen.

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What they’re saying

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— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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