Mount Carmel wrestler Liam Kelly’s quest for another IHSA state title hit an unexpected snag on Jan. 31.
Kelly, the top-ranked Class 3A 165-pounder according to Illinois Matmen, was ruled out of the Morton Regional for medical reasons by Morton officials even though Kelly had a doctor’s note clearing him for competition.
“The Mount Carmel administration is working with the IHSA to see if this can be remedied,” Caravan athletic director Phil Segroves said.
The 165-pound bracket at Morton had just three entries. Per IHSA rules, all three advanced to the Hinsdale Central Individual Sectional on Feb. 14.
Mount Carmel officials hope to have Kelly designated as the sectional alternate at 165. That would allow him to wrestle at the sectional if any of the top three qualifiers from Morton were unable to compete because of failing to make weight or any other reason.
Kelly, an Illinois recruit, won the Class 3A 157-pound title last season. He took first 165 at the Catholic League Tournament on Jan. 17.
Emails sent to the IHSA and Morton athletic director Daniel Woulfe seeking comment were not immediately returned.