Knoxville has its first state wrestling champion in history.
Knoxville Jr. High School’s James Long won the 185 Class A championship at the Illinois Elementary School Association State Wrestling Tournament on Saturday at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb.
Long won by major decision over Luke McClaine (Port Byron Riverdale) (Maj 11-1) in the title match. Long finishes the season with a record of 50-1, avenging his only loss of the season to McClaine on Feb. 1 at the Orion Invitational.
Tommy DeRidder of ROWVA finished fourth at 275 pounds in Class A.
