QND’s Darnell to chase state podium through wrestlebacks, while Illini West’s Watkins, Pittsfield’s Cook do the same

Quincy Notre Dame's Ryan Darnell, right, locks up Woodstock Marian's Dan French during their opening round match at 215 pounds in the Class 1A state wrestling tournament at the State Farm Center in Champagn, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The luck of the draw wasn’t on Ryan Darnell’s side. A runner-up in the Class 1A Clinton Sectional, the Quincy Notre Dame senior wrestler drew a spot at the top of the 215-pound bracket at the Illinois state wrestling championships, which began Thursday at the State Farm Center on the University of…

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Schuckman: Darnell’s pursuit of state wrestling glory happening with his dad right by his side

Quincy Notre Dame senior Ryan Darnell, who has won more than 100 matches in his career, will try to add a state medal to his collection this weekend in the Class 1A state championships at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As he sat down to talk about his looming trip to the state wrestling championships, Ryan Darnell tussled his sweaty mop of hair and asked if the interview was going to be recorded for video purposes. You could sense the relief when he was told it wasn’t. “Good,” the Quincy Notre Dame senior…

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QND’s Darnell, Illini West’s Watkins Jr. qualify for state wrestling championships

Quincy Notre Dame senior Ryan Darnell earned a spot in the Class 1A state wrestling championships by finishing second at 215 pounds at the Clinton Sectional. | Muddy River Sports file photo

CLINTON, Ill. — Ryan Darnell and Shawn Watkins Jr. will end their prep wrestling careers on the state’s biggest stage. It took some tenacity and resilience to get there. Darnell, the Quincy Notre Dame senior wrestling at 215 pounds, finished as the runner-up in the Class 1A Clinton Sectional, pinning his first two opponents before…

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‘It’s one big position’: QND leaning on offensive linemen to pave way deep into postseason

The play of the Quincy Notre Dame offensive line has been key to the Raiders' 8-1 record and No. 3 seed in the Class 2A playoff bracket. | Photo courtesy Jessica Genenbacher

QUINCY — Each member of the Quincy Notre Dame football team’s offensive line has unique individual strengths, but the individuality ends there. “It’s not five different positions,” senior left guard Ryan Darnell said. “It’s one big position.” With one big goal in mind. The Raiders want to plow the road. Heading into the Class 2A…

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Countdown to kickoff: Raiders show ‘some fire to them’ that stokes desire to be playoff team

Senior running back Ivan Hun will play a critical role as the workhorse in the Quincy Notre Dame football team's backfield. | Shane Hulsey photo

Coverage of the QND football program is brought to you by: QUINCY — Ryan Darnell is quick to point out the competitiveness taking place during the Quincy Notre Dame football team’s practices isn’t limited to the players. “The coaches are getting after each other, too,” the senior lineman said. It explains why the atmosphere is…

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Iron sharpens iron: QHS’s Newbold, QND’s Darnell, Pittsfield’s Cook benefit from head-to-head competition

Quincy High School's Bryor Newbold, right, controls the leg of Quincy Notre Dame's Ryan Darnell during Wednesday night's dual at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tucker Cook understands it may be a while before he can get a tattoo, especially one of any significant size, but he already has a plan for what he wants it to look like and say. The words “iron sharpens iron” will be prominent. “I believe in that,” the Pittsfield junior wrestler said.…

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