Incoming Willowbrook wrestler wins fourth consecutive State title

Jack Jessen has been on the wrestling mat since he was in kindergarten.

Now an incoming freshman at Willowbrook, Jessen (who attends St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard) has quite an accomplished résumé as a wrestler with the Villa Park Young Warriors. In March, he won his fourth consecutive State Tournament title with Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF) and received the Outstanding Wrestler Award during that competition. He also won the 156-pound division at the recent Tulsa National Tournament and is ranked No. 5 in the country pound for pound.

“Jack adapted to wrestling really quickly and developed a passion for the sport,” said Jessen’s mom, Blanca. “His father, Dennis, and I have always told him to work hard, be humble and go after your dreams.”

Dennis attended Willowbrook as well and graduated in 1986, and Jack’s aunt, Alma Villegas, works at Addison Trail. Willowbrook's new wrestling head coach Brandon Murphy has worked with Jessen through Young Warriors and is thrilled to have him join the Willowbrook team next year.

“As the saying goes, ‘hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard,’” Murphy said. “Jack makes it very hard on his opponents. He is extremely talented, but he works even harder. Jack is an athlete who is committed to his goals, and he works tirelessly at achieving them. Jack, his family and the entire community should be very proud of his accomplishments. By winning his fourth State title, he has put his name in the record books with the elite in Illinois wrestling. I believe this young man has a bright future, and I look forward to watching him work toward achieving his next goals.”