Charles Walker, First State Champion Since 1998

Kevin Fitzgerald

On February 9th 2025, senior wrestler Charles Walker earned 1st place in his weight class at sectionals. This led to him winning a place in the IHSA state championship in Champaign, Illinois for the 3rd consecutive year. On Thursday, February 20th Walker won by a pin after being down 10-1 leading him on to the semi state finals. The next day Charles won his semifinal match by 6-1 moving him up to the finals, competing to earn the title of state champion! Before doing his big match Charles was walked by Coach McGovern in the Grand March. After winning his final match 7-5, Charles earned the big title of Illinois State Champion for the 215 lbs weight class. “I was just happy to be there, to look in the corner and [see] my two coaches, happy to see those guys, I’ve grown to love those guys, they are like family. I was just happy to be able to represent and see in the crowd that my mom is there watching me” stated Walker when asked about his great win. This was not the only time that Charles had gone to state. He started his wrestling career as a freshman at Central and earned his first spot in state as a sophomore, then junior and senior year. Charles has shown dedication and motivation to the sport since he started as a freshman. On December 19th Charles received his 100th win, showing true Steelmen power and  showing wrestlers to never give up and accomplish great things even if they seem impossible. “Wrestling definitely made me tougher, I won’t just give up for anything that’s hard, like wrestling got me to be comfortable being uncomfortable” said Charles. Charles has shown to never give up even if you are trying something new and to always give your all. Charles had a huge impact in the athletic part of Joliet Central by winning state for the first time since 1998. Charles hopes to accomplish even greater goals in his future college career and wrestling career. “ I definitely plan on wrestling in college. I’m looking at a couple schools like University of Missouri, University of Michigan, UVI and a couple more.”  Charles has shown great determination not only to Joliet Central but to himself. He accomplished great things at Central and is happy to represent his up-coming accomplishments.