Carmi-White County senior Nelson Rider traveled to Champaign for the IHSA 1A State Finals last Thursday, looking for a trophy to cap off his historic senior season on the mat.
Rider qualified for state after finishing 4th in the 215 weight class at the IHSA 1A Vandalia Sectional.
After earning his trip to state, Rider could not have asked for a more unlucky draw in his first round matchup.
Rider was matched up with the undefeated 2-time (now 3-time) reigning 1A State Champion in the 215 weight class, Noah Wenzel from Dakota High School.
Rider gave Wenzel everything he had, but he would eventually be pinned in 3:38.
Despite the loss, Rider still had a chance to bring home some hardware.
Rider was sent to the 3rd/5th Place side of the bracket, where he then met Kaleb Abney from Phoenix Military Academy in Chicago.
This time, Rider came out victorious. Rider pinned Abney in just 1:34, becoming just the 3rd wrestler in CWC history to win a match at the IHSA State Finals.
Rider’s ride came to an in his next match, as he was pinned by Alejandro Duarte from Kewanee High School in 1:56.
Although Rider came home from Champaign empty handed, his legendary career at CWCHS has been one for the record books.
Rider’s 41 wins in his senior season breaks the record for the most wins in a single season by a Bulldog.
Rider is just the 5th wrestler in CWCHS history to reach 100 career wins.
Rider qualified for sectionals in back-to-back season and then qualified for state in 2024.
On top of all of these accomplishments, Nelson Rider is one of the finest young men you will ever meet.
He sets an outstanding example as to what it means to be a Bulldog.
Congratulations to coach Gholson, Nelson, and the Bulldogs on a great Wrestling season!
