Senior members of the wrestling team were recognized during Senior Night activities Honored for their contributions to the team were—Landin Benson, John Keigher, Culan Lindemuth, and Alec Waliczek.
In his four years as a high school wrestler, Culan Lindemuth is a three time state qualifier and on the books as an all-time career win leader. Coach Mark Masters said, “Culan is a great leader in our practice room and an awesome workout partner for our lower weights. We will definitely miss his leadership in the practice room next year.” Culan was accompanied on Senior Night by his parents, Cyle Lindemuth and Denise Johnson. His future plans are to attend Carthage College to study nursing. “ Culan is a hardworking young man who will be successful in whatever he chooses to do in the future,” Masters said.
Landin Benson is the defending 165 pound Illinois State Champion and is a top ranked wrestler in his weight class. This is his fourth year as a high school wrestler and he was recently named to the school’s 100 Win Club. Along with wrestling, Landin also participated in football for four years earning numerous accolades including selections as a two-time all state running back. “Landin is an intense competitor who is always ready for the next opportunity to prove he belongs with the best. He is one of the most powerful and explosive athletes I’ve coached,” said Coalers Coach Mark Masters. In addition to athletics, Landin participates in Future Business Leaders of America, Coalers with Character, Coaler Creations and is a member of National Honor Society. On Senior Night, Landin was accompanied by his parents, Keith and Stacy Benson. His future plans are currently undecided, but he would like to continue his athletic career at the next level. “Landin has a bright future ahead of him wherever life takes him,” Masters said.
John Keigher is in his second year of wrestling with the Coalers and is currently ranked in the top 10 within his weight class. “John is one of those guys that makes it look like he’s having fun at practice. He is highly competitive and makes our practice room better with his pace and energy that he brings daily,” Coach Masters said. Along with wrestling, John played linebacker for the semi-final state qualifying Coalers football team in the fall. John was accompanied by his dad, Greg Keigher, on Senior Night. His future plans are to continue his football career at the collegiate level and study education. “John has what it takes to be successful in the education and coaching field in his future,” Masters said.
In the words of his wrestling coach Mark Masters, Alec Waliczek “is a young man of high character.” Alec has been wrestling for the Coalers for the past three seasons. Masters shared that Alec is an athlete that, “puts his teammates and others before himself.” Along with wrestling, Alec participated in football and was a captain for this year’s semi-final qualifying team. He earned all-conference honors for his work on the football field. “Alec is driven to succeed in whatever he is doing. He is ultra competitive in the athletic arena, as well as the classroom, and will be great in whatever he chooses to do,” Masters said. Alec’s plans are to continue his education at a four year university to study finance. In addition to his participation in athletics, Alec is a member of the school’s National Honor Society and Coalers with Character. He was accompanied on Senior Night by his parents, Bill and Jaime Waliczek.