Morgan driven to excel on the mat

Hebior, Brenner earn acknowledgments

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Jake Morgan was a wrestling talent before he transferred to Wilmot Union High School as a sophomore from Carmel Catholic in Mundelein, Illinois.

The senior, who was an Illinois High School Association state qualifier as a freshman, added two state WIAA state appearances, with his most recent last year where he finished fifth at 138.

As a junior, he compiled a 33-3 record with 11 pins, but came up short in the semifinal match against Burlington’s Ben Hornickle (51-2).

Morgan, however, rebounded two matches later, when he pinned Isaac Lodise of Pewaukee.

Wilmot coach John Watson senses Morgan will perform at a higher level in pursuit of a WIAA Division 1 state wrestling title as a senior.

“A quality he shares with many of our past champions is simply an intense desire to succeed. He is driven to win every time he steps on the mat,” Watson said.

Along with his state appearances, Morgan is a three-time champion at the Oshkosh On the Water Invitational.

While Morgan has racked up state appearances and tournament titles, Watson believes he was always a sound wrestler, demonstrated by success in the 132- and 138-pound weight divisions.

“I would love to say that since he came to Wilmot, we have somehow improved him, but I think I can say that we allowed him to train and to get even better at what he already was,” Watson said.

With training and great equipment like a grappling dummy, plus conditioning, Morgan believes he can notch a fourth straight state appearance, and better his fifth-place finish last year.

“My technique and conditioning are what I have most confidence in,” Morgan said. “I am working on my cardio and conditioning to get better.”

Watson is impressed with Morgan’s technique, which include a double leg take-down, noted as the best he has seen.

“Jake has qualities that set him apart from the many great wrestlers to come through our program,” Watson said. “One is his explosive double leg take-down.”

Morgan was also credited with leadership, where he received the title of senior captain this year.

Watson said the senior leads by example, shown by extensive conditioning and weight training since he arrived to Wilmot.

While Morgan has an eye for another state berth, Watson said the wrestling program’s primary goal is to keep the senior healthy during his tenure at Wilmot.

“Our main focus has been to keep him healthy and help to ensure that he continues to get joy from this great sport,” Watson said.

Morgan agreed with Watson, stating that he has been fortunate for his three years at Wilmot Union High School.

“I am grateful to compete in the last three years of my high school career,” Morgan said.

Hebior runs wild

While one Jake has appeared at state every year, another athlete, Jacob Hebior of Westosha Central High School is deserving of recognition after capturing a sectional cross country title, which sent him to state in October.

Hebior is believed to be one of the best athletes that Falcons’ cross country coach Keith Olsen has ever coached.

“(Hebior’s) success stems from two things. One he is very competitive and motivated to succeed and two he works very hard to accomplish all that he sets out to,” Olsen said.

“He is definitely one of the hardest working kids, I have ever coached. He has more energy than many and just never seems to get tired,” the coach added.

The distance runner compiled his third consecutive Southern Lakes Conference title last season, and still has a track season on the horizon, where he wants to break Tony Escarcega’s 1,600-meter school record of 4 minutes, 13 seconds, according to Olsen.

Brenner a two-way star
After 6-foot-3 senior Bobby Brenner led the Southern Lakes Conference in sacks with nine for Wilmot, he traded the football for a basketball, where he has dominated the SLC.

In nine games for the Panthers’ basketball squad, he has tabulated 29.1 points per game, which include a 39-point performance against cross-town rival Westosha Central.

After his 39-point showcase, he had two more 30-point games, with his most recent against SLC rival Union Grove.

Success was not limited to the offense, snagging 9.1 rebounds per game.


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