February 22, 2026 – Macon County was well represented at the Illinois High School Association Boys Wrestling Individual State Championships, held February 19–21 at the State Farm Center— and history was made in the process.
Of the five Macon County wrestlers who advanced to state competition, three placed, highlighted by Unity Christian’s Garrett VerHeecke, who captured the Class 1A state championship at 144 pounds. VerHeecke finished a perfect season at 45-0 and, according to those close to the program, becomes Decatur’s first state wrestling champion since the late 1960s.
His brother, Clinton VerHeecke, also delivered a standout performance for Unity Christian, earning a second-place finish at 150 pounds to cap an undefeated regular season at 42-1.
Warrensburg-Latham’s Charlie Whitmer placed sixth at 157 pounds. Whitmer closed his season with a 42-6 record after battling through the consolation bracket.
Also competing at the state finals were Warrensburg-Latham’s Graham Blackwell and Mt. Zion’s Keller Stocks, who advanced through sectional competition to earn their spots under the bright lights in Champaign.
A total of 672 wrestlers from 250 high schools competed across 14 weight classes in three divisions during the three-day tournament.
The girls state tournament will take place February 27–28 at the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, where Mt. Zion’s Sydney Cannon (37-0) will look to add to Macon County’s strong postseason showing.
For complete results and more information, visit IHSA.org.
