Built by strong conference competition, Neal, Del Toro happy to end season with wins
- Jonathan Michel
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
CHAMPAIGN — Much is made of the 42 wrestlers across the state who end the season as state champions.
However, many wrestlers will tell you that ending the season on a win is nearly just as important. Just ask Metamora’s Grady Neal and East Peoria’s Alec Del Toro, two wrestlers who were forged by strong competition all year in the Mid-Illini Conference.
Both of their seasons ended with victories as Neal placed third in Class 2A at 157 pounds and Del Toro finished fifth in Class 2A at 215. Their smiles after their final match were just as big as those who won state titles on Saturday.
“I didn't get to be in the state [championship] but it's still a great feeling,” Neal said. “Third is way better than second, in my opinion. It's still cool to go and take second, but third, it's nice to end on a win.”
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