Oak Forest, IL - The Oak Forest High School Girls Wrestling program made history last weekend, earning the third-place state trophy at the IHSA Girls Wrestling State Finals in Bloomington. This marks the program’s first state trophy since the inaugural IHSA Girls Wrestling State Series and Championship during the 2021–22 school year.
In just the first five years of girls wrestling being officially sanctioned by the IHSA, the Bengals’ achievement stands as a remarkable testament to the program’s growth, talent, and determination amid the rapid expansion and increasing competitiveness of the sport statewide.
Oak Forest secured the third-place finish with a team score of 49 points, placing behind second-place Lockport and state champion Hampshire. The team’s success was powered by standout performances from Senior Alex Sebek, Senior Iyobosa Odiase, and Freshman Rain Scott.
Individual Highlights
Alex Sebek (100 lbs.)
Sebek entered the state finals with an undefeated 30-0 record. A Conference Champion, Regional Champion, and Sectional Champion, she advanced to the championship match and finished her season as the IHSA State Runner-Up. Her dominant season and leadership helped propel the Bengals to the podium.
Iyobosa Odiase (145 lbs.)
Odiase brought a 35-3 record into the state tournament. A Conference Champion and Regional Champion, she qualified for state and competed fiercely, finishing the tournament 1-2. Her consistent performance throughout the season contributed valuable team points toward the overall trophy finish.
Rain Scott (125 lbs.)
In an impressive freshman campaign, Scott entered the state finals with an 18-1 record. She earned Conference, Regional, and Sectional titles before advancing to the championship match, where she finished as State Runner-Up. Her breakout season signals a bright future for the Oak Forest program.
Head Coach Jamie Hubbard credited the athletes’ resilience and the dedication of the coaching staff for the historic finish.
“Coach Mike Rzab and I couldn’t be more proud of these girls—they’ve worked incredibly hard this season, and it truly shows,” Hubbard said. “We set some ambitious goals for them, and despite facing challenges like overcoming injuries, they’ve managed to come out on top, which is a tremendous achievement. Coach Maddy Sears and Coach Steven Strelow, both former Bengals, dedicated countless hours to help get the girls to where they needed to be.”
Earning a state trophy in the early years of IHSA-sanctioned girls wrestling reflects the dedication of Oak Forest’s student-athletes and coaching staff, as well as the continued growth of the sport across Illinois. As participation and talent in girls wrestling continue to surge statewide, the Bengals have firmly established themselves among the elite programs in Illinois.
This historic finish not only celebrates the accomplishments of this year’s athletes but also sets a new standard for the future of Oak Forest Girls Wrestling.