Eamonn Boyle first joined the Marist wrestling team two years ago as a sophomore.
With COVID restrictions limiting circumstances, the shortened season was held in the spring rather than the usual winter schedule, and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association coordinated the postseason meetings.
Although Boyle had absolutely no wrestling experience, he jumped into the sport head first.
“I was thrown into it. I was thrown in with the varsity guys,” Boyle said with a laugh. “I liked his competitiveness. Over time I picked up new things and got a feel for it. I picked up so much, and here I am now. I wish I had taken it sooner.”
From an inexperienced sophomore to a valuable member of the lineup as a senior, Boyle never stopped working on the newfound sport he loves. Helping Marist to a 47-19 nonconference doubleheader win Jan. 12 at rival No. Rice, Boyle won a thrilling 7-6 decision at 152 pounds.
The RedHawks have won 10 of 14 games, including 5 shutouts.
Boyle was a standout defender on the football team and also played basketball and volleyball at Marist.
As for wrestling, he knew nothing about the sport.
“My freshman year was just a feeling. Those were the basics,” Boyle said. “It wasn’t until my second year that I got some decent matches. This year, I feel like I put it together pretty well.”
For his senior season, Boyle figured he would be in the middleweight combine as part of a deep, super-talented Marist lineup. What could have been a supporting role was greatly expanded as the lineup was decimated by a wave of knee, shoulder and back injuries.
Fortunately, Boyle was up for the opportunity and ran away with it.
“I was happy to help out wherever I could fit in,” Boyle said. “I love it. The energy we have as a team, it’s something to live for. I love the sport so much. You can’t beat the energy, the camaraderie that comes with it. We’re a family. We’re always hanging out together, on the group chat, figuring out what we’re going to do.”
Marist coach Brendan Heffernan said Boyle had been a valuable addition to the team over the past three seasons.
“We talk about guys catching the ‘bug,'” Heffernan said. “Wrestling becomes an addiction. I can’t get enough of it. They are willing to learn and do not have any bad habits. They soak things up like a sponge. It’s fun to see them improve minute by minute, round by round, game by game. These are the kids who make this sport great.”
Boyle said the injury problem hasn’t slowed the team down. It was a next-up mentality for the RedHawks after every injury.
“Everybody is willing to step up and fill that role,” Boyle said. “We pushed each other in practice. It all comes down to getting the job done and getting the job done.”
As for the upcoming spring season, he wants to add another new sport to his resume.
“I haven’t played it before, but I intend to play rugby this spring,” Boyle said.
Other Marist winners vs. Br. Rice included sophomore Will Denny at 145 pounds (fall 2:24), senior Andrew Dado at 160 (7-3 decision), sophomore Ricky Ericksen at 170 (fall 3:10), senior Conor Phelan at 182 ( decision 11-4) , senior Luke Liberatore at 220 (fall 3:07), freshman Joe Bronske at 106 (fall 3:11), freshman Tommy Fidler at 113 (fall 1:53), sophomore Michael Esteban at 126 ( 21-6 decision, technical fall) ) and sophomore Tyrese Johnson at 138 (10-5 decision).
Phelan said he had a rough start to the year but has seen improvements in the past few weeks.
“A lot of it is mental toughness and consistency,” Phelan said. “For a large part of the year, he was pinned or will be pinned. I learned to push for matches that I couldn’t win easily.”
Phelan was a state qualifier as a junior at 182 pounds.
Fidler (St. Barnabas) was a mainstay in the lineup all season as a freshman. He said he has been wrestling since he was five years old.
“It was great to compete,” Fidler said. “As for me, I work hard. I knew I was going to have a spot somewhere, but I wasn’t sure if it was going to be 106 or 113. For the team going forward, it’s avoiding injuries because we had a lot.”
Heffernan said the team has responded well to the incredible amount of injuries that continue to crop up.
“I’ve been here 18 years and I’ve never seen anything like it. Kids are resilient,” Heffernan said. “We always say that the team will take care of itself as long as the individuals focus on themselves. Individually, all you can do is focus on yourself, live and train the right way. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Take care of that and we’ll be fine mentally as individuals.”