Lincoln-Way Central senior wrestler Jalen Byrd capped his 2025-26 season with a fourth-place finish at the IHSA State Finals, closing out one of the strongest seasons of his high school career.
The state tournament took place Feb. 20-22 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, where Byrd competed at 175 pounds against the top wrestlers in Illinois. Byrd battled through the bracket and secured a fourth-place finish to earn an IHSA state medal.
Throughout the season, Byrd consistently demonstrated dominance on the mat. The senior finished with an impressive 47-5 overall record while posting a remarkable 98 percent bonus win rate, meaning the vast majority of his victories came by major decision, technical fall or pin.
Byrd also delivered strong performances in major tournaments during the year. He captured the 175-pound championship at the Glenbard West Chris Chappell Invite on Jan. 10, defeating his opponent 3-0 in the title match after advancing through a competitive bracket.
Later in the season, Byrd added another title by winning the 175-pound Southwest Suburban Conference Tom Lahey Varsity Conference championship on Jan. 24, earning a 13-1 major decision in the finals.
Byrd’s consistent success throughout the season helped highlight a memorable year for Lincoln-Way Central wrestling, with the senior closing his career as a conference champion, tournament winner and IHSA state medalist.
