The quest for four state wrestling championships is over for Israel Martinez. The West Aurora senior has been dismissed from the team.
“Officially, all I can say is he was dismissed for violating team policies,” said West Aurora Athletic Director Randy Konstans. Neither Martinez nor coach George Dyche could be reached for comment.
The season got off to a rocky start for Martinez, who was one of the top 10 college recruits before the season.
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Martinez was involved in an incident last summer that violated school rules and was suspended until the second week in December.
He wrestled two bouts early in the season, winning both to bring his career record to 116-1–his only loss coming in his first match as a freshman on an illegal slam.
Martinez recently has had problems making weight at 152 pounds. He had promised his coach he would wrestle at 152 this season because of the team’s strength at 160-171. Martinez has won state titles at 112, 130 and 145.
Martinez and Machesney Park Harlem’s Cal Ferry came into the season with three straight championships.
Only Andrew’s Joey Gilbert (1986-89), Mt. Carmel’s Joe Williams (1990-1993) and his brother T.J. (1993-96), who also wrestled at Mt. Carmel, have won four straight titles in Class AA.