Munaretto Claims Third IHSA State Title; Murray Finishes Runner-Up as Saints Shine in Champaign

St. Charles East’s Fighting Saints Men’s Wrestling program turned in a banner performance at the IHSA State Individual Finals in Champaign, highlighted by a historic third state championship from Dom Munaretto at 120 pounds and a state runner-up finish from 215-pounder Cooper Murray. The strong showing on the state’s biggest stage continues an outstanding postseason for the Saints as they now turn their attention to the IHSA Team State Championships.

Munaretto once again proved why he is among the elite wrestlers in Illinois history, capturing the IHSA state title at 120 pounds and keeping his record perfect for the season. With the victory, he secured his third career state championship, a rare feat that firmly cements his legacy. Already the all-time wins leader in Saints history and now sitting second all-time in wins in Illinois history, Munaretto’s performance in Champaign added another chapter to an already remarkable career.

Throughout the tournament, Munaretto wrestled with the poise and precision that have become his trademarks. Whether controlling ties, finishing attacks, or managing late-match situations, he consistently dictated the tempo against high-caliber opponents. His final bout at 120 pounds served as a statement on the big stage, as he finished his undefeated run and stood atop the podium once again, drawing loud support from the Saints faithful who made the trip to Champaign.

Murray delivered a powerful run of his own at 215 pounds, battling through a deep bracket to earn IHSA state runner-up honors. His march to the finals showcased his strength, resilience, and late-season surge, as he navigated tough matches to secure a place in the championship bout. Finishing as state runner-up at 215 is a significant achievement and adds another major highlight to the Saints’ individual accomplishments this season.

The combined success of Munaretto and Murray reflects the standard that St. Charles East has built within its wrestling room. Their performances in Champaign not only added medals to the program’s history but also energized the entire roster heading into the team portion of the state series. The Saints have consistently risen to the moment this postseason, and the individual hardware earned at state is a testament to the preparation, coaching, and daily commitment behind the scenes.

Next up, the Fighting Saints will carry this momentum into the IHSA Team State Championships at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. With a three-time state champion leading the charge and a state runner-up anchoring the upper weights, St. Charles East heads into the team event with confidence and ambition. The Saints will look to translate their individual excellence into a complete team performance as they pursue a coveted IHSA team state championship and continue to make the Saints community proud.