CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois wrestling team is set to open the 2023-24 season against SIUE in State Farm Center (SFC) on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. CT with a very unique "Illini for the Kids" meet. The event will be ticketed and all proceeds will benefit the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF). The dual will be hosted in State Farm Center's theater-style configuration, showcasing the matches on a stage with spotlights and other lighting features. All seating will be on the west side and fans should enter through the main west entrance.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and can be purchased on FightingIllini.com. All UI students get free admission with their ICard. Parking is free for all fans.
"Alongside terrific partners like the University of Illinois, IKWF is proud to shine a light on the importance of youth wrestling," said Jim Considine, IKWF president. "We're grateful to the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Illini Wrestling program for providing IKWF with this incredible platform. The Illini for the Kids dual represents a special opportunity for youth wrestling in Illinois, and we want to pack the State Farm Center on November 2 to celebrate!"
Illini wrestling returns four NCAA qualifiers for the 2023-24 season. Redshirt junior Edmond Ruth (174 lbs.) and redshirt sophomore Dylan Connell (184 lbs.) qualified for 2023 NCAA Championships. Ruth held a 20-match win streak from Nov. 5, 2022 to Jan. 28, 2023 which was the longest active in-season streak of the year. Connell outscored his opponents 14-0 in his wrestlebacks at the Big Ten Championships to earn ninth and secure his spot at NCAA's.
Local products redshirt senior Justin Cardani (125 lbs., Champaign Centennial) and redshirt junior Luke Luffman (285 lbs., Urbana) make their returns to the lineup after missing the 2023 season due to injuries. Both qualified for the 2022 NCAA Championships.
"The IKWF holds a special place in my heart. While in elementary school, I idolized the IKWF state champions, dreaming of one day being part of the grand march and competing on the stage for the state finals," said Mike Poeta, Illinois wrestling head coach. "Im confident there's no other wrestling organization in the country as prestigious and well-organized as the IKWF. Its influence has undeniably contributed to Illinois' success at the NCAA level. Knowing that this dual meet can support the IKWF fills me with pride. It has given me so much, and this is our way of giving back."
About Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation: A certified 501(c)(3) dedicated to serving middle and grade school aged wrestlers, the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation has driven the sport's growth throughout the state and nationally since its inception more than 50 years ago. Authorized by USA Wrestling as the state's official kids program, IKWF remains dedicated to the physical education of Illinois youth, having built self-esteem and self-confidence for hundreds of thousands of boys and girls in the process.
