Lincoln-Way Central senior wrestler Aiden Hennings wrapped up an outstanding 2025-26 season by earning a third-place finish at the IHSA Class 3A State Finals at 285 pounds.
The state tournament took place Feb. 20-22 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, where Hennings competed among Illinois’ top heavyweights. After battling through the bracket, Hennings secured third place in the state, finishing the tournament with a decisive victory in the third-place match.
Hennings opened the state finals with a strong quarterfinal performance, defeating Sean Cook of Notre Dame by an 8-3 decision to advance into the semifinals. Although his championship run ended in the semifinals against Marmion’s Joseph Favia, Hennings responded with determination in the consolation bracket.
In the third-place match, Hennings sealed his state medal with an emphatic fall over Gavin Ericson of Montini in just 21 seconds.
The senior finished the season with an impressive 49-6 overall record and an 86 percent bonus win rate, meaning the majority of his victories came by major decision, technical fall or pin.
Throughout the season, Hennings proved to be one of the top heavyweights in Illinois, combining strength, composure and consistency on the mat. His third-place finish at the state finals highlights a memorable senior campaign and stands as a significant achievement for the Lincoln-Way Central wrestling program.
