Jacksonville Freshman Madeleine Cooley Qualifies for IHSA Girls State at 235 Pounds

Jacksonville High School freshman wrestler Madeleine Cooley qualified for the IHSA girls state tournament at 235 pounds after winning the regional at the Illinois School for the Deaf and advancing out of sectionals in Virden. Cooley pinned Carlinville’s Abbie Heusing by fall in 1 minute and 53 seconds to take the 235‑pound regional title at the ISD, a victory local reports credit as the start of her run to state qualification.

The regional at Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville served as a strong showing for area programs. Enquirer–Democrat coverage notes the Carlinville girls wrestling team competed at the ISD regional, where Abbie Heusing placed second in the 235‑pound bracket and advanced to sectionals after defeating Shelbyville’s Sophie Brown by medical forfeit. A Jacksonville Facebook post stated, "Five Jacksonville girls wrestlers advanced at the ISD regional, led by 235 champ Madeleine Cooley; sectionals will be held in Virden."

At the Virden sectional, Cooley faced a setback but recovered to secure her berth. The Intelligencer reports, "Cooley was pinned in her first match at sectionals but battled her way back, winning three consecutive matches with two pins and a 4-1 decision." That sequence of wins at sectionals, combined with her regional title, led to the outcome described in local coverage: "Jacksonville High School freshman wrestler Madeleine Cooley punched her ticket to the IHSA girls state tournament by advancing out of regional and sectional competition at the 235‑pound weight class."

Local coverage also highlights program momentum and family ties. A MyJournalCourier fragment says Cooley "follows brother Oliver's lead," noting family involvement in the sport while reporting Cooley’s regional pin of Heusing in 1:53. Facebook and local reports together indicate five Jacksonville girls advanced from the ISD regional, though the other four athletes were not named in the available posts.

Readers seeking confirmation of schedule and tickets can contact Jacksonville High School’s athletic department or check IHSA listings for the girls state tournament field and match times. For reporters and neighbors with tips, sources, or photos related to Jacksonville’s girls wrestling qualifiers, reach out to the Jacksonville High athletic office or the school’s coaching staff for interviews and verification of sectional opponents and specific match times; local outlets have identified follow‑up items including the names of Cooley’s sectional opponents and exact dates for the regional and sectional events.