By Brendan Arnold ´23

On February 18, sophomore Bobby Conway ‘25 got a chance to put his name in the books. In what was anticipated to be an early exit for the young mat man, he fought differently.

“Going into the match I wasn’t worried about losing because I was such an underdog throughout the state tournament,” said Conway.

Bobby defeated all odds and truly showed how to wear the maroon and orange.

“I knew I was going to make it to the finals but it wasn’t going to be easy.”

Heading into the biggest stage of his life so far, Bobby had no doubt. Having his teammates and coaches at his side reminded him why he was there. He had been preparing all season long for this one match to determine whether he brought the gold back to 99^th Street.

The match was a dog fight going back and forth between points, eventually leading Bobby to be down in the 3rd and final period 13-15. However for the kid from the south side of Chicago, he knew it wasn’t over.

“I was just having fun and was hyped for the ending of the match. Just knowing that you’re 2 minutes away from greatness is a weird feeling.”

Bobby brought that dog out from inside him and began to show that Crusaders don’t quit.

When the clock hit zero Bobby’s body went numb.

“Just imagine you set a goal, accomplish it, then you start to hear the crowd chant your name. It was just a crazy and wild moment.”

Filled with emotions, Bobby knew that all the work he had put in finally paid off. He had written his name in school and state books.

Your 2023 126 pound state champ, Bobby Conway.