By Greg Halbleib and Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington High School has honored a state champion wrestler.
Savion Haywood won the 132-pound weight class in Class 2A in the individual wrestling championships last weekend in Champaign. The Purple Raiders honored the Old Dominion-bound senior during a Tuesday afternoon reception.
Haywood says he had to be mentally tough.
“I just had to believe in myself,” Haywood said. “I did that. I believed I was the best and I came out the best.”
Haywood is the first Bloomington High School wrestler to medal at state in all four years. This is his first state title.
Haywood hopes he left his mark at BHS.
“I’m glad I was able to kind of leave somewhat of a legacy here for other kids to follow,” Haywood said.
Haywood defeated Tyler Delaware of Washington 7-5 in overtime in Saturday’s championship bout. Haywood and Delaware will be teammates in the fall at Old Dominion.