MC is no stranger to state victories. Wrestling has provided at least one individual championship each over the past four years, with team victories in 2022 and 2024. This time, though, it’s special, as two Caravan wrestlers recently won individual state championships at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) on Friday, February 21, with one of them becoming a four-time individual champ.

For junior Liam Kelly, this year’s tournament marked his first state championship title, while it was seemingly just another day at the office for senior Seth Mendoza. In every year of high school, Mendoza has secured a state title. The Chicago Tribune’s Steve Millar called him “one of the most dominant performers in the history of state finals.”

For Mendoza, he owes much of his success to his coaches and how they have helped him keep his eye on the prize.

“Obviously, you have to stay focused,” Mendoza said. “My coaches have really helped me do that.”

Beyond the grueling workouts, practices, and film analysis, much of his ability to stay grounded comes from his role as a team leader. Mendoza has always been more than just a wrestler. His role as a mentor and motivator has made a huge impact on the entire team.

“Seth really is a great leader,” said Kelly. “He makes sure everyone’s on track, you know, doing what they’re supposed to do. His work ethic sets the tone for the rest of us.”

Mendoza’s leadership has been central in shaping the team’s mentality. He takes the time to guide his teammates, ensuring that everyone remains focused on their individual and collective goals. Whether it’s helping a teammate through a tough practice or offering advice on technique, Mendoza’s presence is felt beyond just his performance on the mat. His consistency in winning state titles is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, not only for himself but for the program as a whole.

This year’s victory marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Mendoza has become a role model for younger wrestlers like Kelly, showing them that success doesn’t come overnight but through persistence and discipline. His achievements are a reminder that leadership and focus go hand in hand with winning at the highest level. The road to success is never easy, but with the right mindset, Mendoza has proven it’s possible to be at the top year after year. He’s just the third MC wrestler to accomplish this feat and the sixteenth in Illinois history.

“The overall consistency and hard work and dedication of the last 365 days,” said head coach Alex Tsirtsis. “That’s really gotten them what they’ve wanted to achieve.” The victories aren’t just a result of talent but also the continuous effort that spans an entire year.

Looking to the future as he eventually fills Mendoza’s role as team leader, Kelly sees the next generation of leaders stepping up, too. 

“I think we got myself, my cousin Danny Lynch, and a bunch of other guys coming up that could be great leaders,” Kelly said. 

With his first title under his belt, Kelly is already thinking about continuing the tradition of excellence in the program.

“It’s not being complacent with just winning for Seth and Liam,” said Coach Tsirtsis. “It’s that competitive nature that really shows on the mat.”  

The hunger for success never dies, and it’s this competitive spirit that drives them to continue pushing themselves and the team to success.

“I think just being around Seth for the past four years just shows the guys what it takes,” Coach Tsirtsis said. “Even if they’ll never be at his level, they’ll see what got him there.” 

This mentorship from Mendoza over the past four years has been valuable for the younger wrestlers, showing them the level of commitment required to reach the highest level in the sport.

As Mendoza reflects on his legacy, his confidence in the team’s future is clear. 

“I think we can really make some leaps and bounds,” said Mendoza. “I’m excited to see what they can do next year without me.” 

The team will compete at UIUC for a team state title this weekend, the last time Mendoza will wrestle for the Caravan. With his leadership laying a strong foundation, the team looks ready to continue their success after he leaves and can use the success of Mendoza and Kelly as models.