JMS wrestler claims second at IESA State Finals
By Ryne Turke
Photos/Connor Godar
With a pair of dominant seasons on the mat under his belt, Jan “Vezy” Vezes McBride has made himself impossible to ignore across the entire Illinois middle school wrestling scene.
A seventh grader at Jacksonville Middle School, McBride first made history last year as the school’s first sixth grader to qualify for the IESA State Wrestling Tournament, ultimately placing fourth at 80 pounds. This season, he punched his ticket to state, competing at the Convocation Center in DeKalb on March 14.
Wrestling at 90 pounds on one of the sport’s biggest stages, McBride delivered a semifinal performance that perfectly captured who he is as a competitor.
After conceding an early takedown, he responded with an escape and a takedown of his own to swing momentum. In the second period, he controlled the match from the top, turning his opponent and racking up near-fall points. By the third, his opponent knew time was running out and spent the entire period trying to break him.
McBride stuck to his game plan as he fought off every attempt, giving up just two points while protecting his lead.
When the final whistle blew, McBride stood tall … victorious and state championship bound. In that moment, McBride not only achieved a goal he had set months earlier, but also became the first multiple state place-winner in JMS wrestling history.
Though the championship match ended in a 5-0 loss, the journey and the season’s accomplishments were undeniable.
JMS wrestling coach Jim Chelsvig reflected on McBride’s growth: “He finished his season 28-6. Five of those losses came during the regular season, mostly at heavier weights for dual meet purposes.
“He wrestled for his team above himself. Wrestling demands introspection, and Vezy consistently learned from each match, addressing weaknesses and maximizing his strengths.”
Chelsvig added that McBride exemplifies leadership not with words, but with actions.
“He quietly works hard. Always positive, always smiling, always in attendance. He volunteers, supports teammates, and excels academically. He even signed the national anthem in ASL for a packed JMS Bowl during our IESA Sectional Tournament.”
For McBride, the path to the state finals was not without challenges.
“The season was a roller coaster,” he admitted. “I found my strengths and weaknesses, but I was nervous heading into the postseason. At state, my adrenaline was at an all-time high. I calmed myself by listening to music and watching TikToks.”
Congratulations to Vezy and the JMS Crimsons on a historic season.
