The 2012-2013 Taylorville High School wrestling team stands as the most accomplished team in the history of Taylorville wrestling, a program that began in 1968. Their season was nothing short of historic, as they shattered school records, dominated opponents, and left a lasting impact on Taylorville athletics. Their success not only set new benchmarks for the program but also cemented their place among the greatest teams in Taylorville High School sports history. 

Season Recap 

The Tornadoes began their season with dominating victories over Hillsboro (74-3) and Clinton (57-14) but quickly suffered an early season loss against Mahomet-Seymour (42-27), a perennial powerhouse. Rather than letting the loss define them, the team used it as motivation. What followed was an unprecedented 21 consecutive dual meet victories, demonstrating their ability to rebound and dominate throughout the season. 

Taylorville quickly turned things around and showed their depth and versatility in the line-up with a dominating win vs. state powerhouses Auburn (55-15). They followed with wins vs. Deer Creek-Mackinaw (60-12), Williamsville (64-0), Shelbyville (49-21), Rochester (66-15), Decatur MacArthur (81-0), Litchfield (37-29), Warrensburg-Latham (54-22), Mt. Vernon (52-12), Richland County (58-18), Robinson (63-9), Decatur Eisenhower (78-3), and Carlinville (81-0). In the Central State 8 Conference, they rolled through the competition, taking down Springfield High (49-22), Jacksonville (57-13), Lincoln (64-7), Springfield Lanphier (54-15), Springfield Southeast (60-9) and Sacred Heart-Griffin (66-6) in key Central State Eight Conference matchups. 

In addition to dominating on the dual match scene, the Tornadoes showcased their versatile team line-up in tournaments as well, including at the national level. That year, the Tornadoes competed in the nationally recognized and respected Mid-State Wrestling Classic at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where they faced powerhouse teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois and finished a respectable top ten (8th) out of 40 teams. Furthermore, the team won all three of its in-state wrestling tournaments they entered, proving their dominance across Illinois. 

Heading into the postseason, Taylorville closed out the regular season dual action with a monumental (52-12) victory over in-state powerhouse and CS8 rival at the time Glenwood High School, sealing their undefeated conference championship at 7-0. 

In the regional tournament, the Tornadoes continued their dominance, clinching the Class 2A Regional Championship for the second consecutive year, finishing as back-to-back regional champions. They secured the title at the Mt. Zion Regional with a team score of 153 points, edging out powerhouse Troy-Triad (143.5), Mattoon (129.5), Mt. Zion (126), Highland (114), Civic Memorial (111.5), MacArthur (48), Charleston (36), and Effingham (29). This victory

highlighted the team’s depth and competitive edge heading into the sectional championship and the ‘Super-Sixteen’. 

In the sectional, the Tornadoes used heroic efforts by Aaron Herkert, Brock Letcher, and Jake Hamell to upset and defeat #8 ranked Cahokia H.S. 40-29, punching their ticket to the IHSA Dual Team State Tournament for the first time in school history. 

The journey ended in late February of 2013, in Bloomington, IL. at the US Cellular Coliseum at the IHSA Dual Team State Quarterfinals, where the Tornadoes fought valiantly but fell to Sycamore in a hard-fought quarterfinal battle 38-33. The team finished the season ranked 6th in Illinois, according to IllinoisMatmen.com and to this day, is considered the most successful, most talented, and most decorated team in THS Wrestling history. 

Team Accomplishments 

● Central State Eight Conference Champions – The Tornadoes went undefeated (7-0) in league duals, securing just their second-ever conference championship. ● Regional Champions – The team captured the Class 2A Regional title for the second consecutive year, finishing as back-to-back regional champions. 

● IHSA Dual Team State Qualifiers – For the first time in school history, the Tornadoes advanced to the IHSA Class 2A Dual Team State Tournament. 

● Team Sectional Champions – Taylorville defeated Cahokia 40-29 in the team sectional, punching their ticket to state. 

● 23-2 Overall Record – The Tornadoes compiled an incredible season record, the best in program history. 

Community and School Impact 

The impact of this team extended far beyond the wrestling mat. Their accomplishments united the Taylorville community and reignited a school spirit for wrestling. Following their sectional championship victory, the team was honored with a celebratory fire truck and police escort through downtown Taylorville, a moment that has come to signify our school's greatest athletic achievements. The overwhelming support from the student body and local community was a testament to the team’s influence and the pride they brought to Taylorville High School. 

Beyond their accomplishments on the mat, what truly set this team apart was their bond. The friendships forged among these wrestlers were unbreakable, and their chemistry was built through rigorous off-season training and their annual trip to the Malecek Team Wrestling Camp/Duals in Wisconsin Dells. Each summer at this camp, the Tornadoes squared off against some of the toughest high school wrestling teams in the Midwest, including top programs from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan. This experience elevated their competitive edge and prepared them for the season’s battles. 

Head coach Lee Mateer, himself a Taylorville alumnus and THS HOF member, reflected on the journey, stating, “This team didn’t look too far ahead. They set goals, accomplished them, and then moved on to the next challenge. They earned every bit of their success.” 

The 2012-2013 Taylorville High School wrestling team set a new standard of excellence for Taylorville Wrestling. Their success became the measuring stick for future teams, inspiring a culture of dedication, resilience, and hard work for our wrestling programs. Their induction into the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor, commemorating a season that will forever be remembered in the annals of Taylorville athletics.