Purdue commit Zach Stewart makes move as Marmion tops Mount Carmel. But it’s not defending. ‘Win another one.’

Marmion senior Zach Stewart doesn’t just know how to shift gears. He revels in it.

The Purdue recruit is a two-time individual state finalist who understands how to change his perspective to fit the immediate interests of the Cadets and their bid to repeat as state champs.

“Before the individual state finals, there’s an expectation that you’re going to do well,” Stewart said. “If I were to lose now, it could affect my mindset heading into sectionals.

“You don’t want that doubt creeping in. I went out there and did it for the team and wherever they needed me. It wasn’t about me. It was about what was best for us.”

Stewart moved up two weight classes to 150 pounds Thursday night and posted a 12-4 major decision over Justin Williamson as the host Cadets rolled to a 46-23 win over Mount Carmel in the Class 3A Marmion Dual Team Sectional.

Marmion (13-3), the reigning 3A state champ, (13-3) will face Joliet Catholic in a 7 p.m. quarterfinal on Feb. 27 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

Marmion’s Zach Stewart, right, takes down Mount Carmel’s Justin Williamson during the 150-pound match of the Class 3A Marmion Dual Team Sectional in Aurora on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Troy Stolt / The Beacon-News)

Stewart captured the 138-pound championship last Saturday at East Aurora in leading a wave of 10 individual regional champions for the Cadets.

A team captain, Stewart uses his leadership as a stabilizing force for a deep and versatile roster, according to junior Preston Morrison, who won Catholic League and regional titles at 113.

“He’s so easy to work with,” Morrison said of Stewart. “Anything you need to ask him, he’s there for you. He’s had a big impact on my life. He’s always worked with me and showed me moves

“His win boosted everybody up in our entire lineup.”

Senior heavyweight Joey Favia, an Air Force commit, confirmed that Stewart’s wiry elusiveness makes him imposing at any weight class.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a kid move as easily as Zach does,” he said. “He has such an unusual skill set with his ducks and the way he moves people off the line.

“The way he gets into his offense is so special. I think his style is going to translate very well for us this season and at the next level in the Big Ten.”

Dual meets are frequently strategic chess matches where coaches move around their best pieces to optimize team strengths.

Marmion’s Zach Stewart, right, tangles up with Mount Carmel’s Justin Williamson during the 150-pound match of the Class 3A Marmion Dual Team Sectional in Aurora on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Troy Stolt / The Beacon-News)

Stewart is the top-ranked wrestler at 138 in 3A by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. Williamson is No. 3 at 144.

Stewart nullified the size disadvantage with his speed and relentless style.

“Conditioning is my advantage,” he said. “I train every day. Even if I don’t score early, I know I’m going to break guys. They can’t keep that pace. Once they come to me, it’s over.

“At the end of the day, if you can’t do it for yourself, do it for someone else. That sends a message. There’s no better way to lead than by example.”

Marmion’s Zach Stewart, right, looks for an opening on Mount Carmel’s Justin Williamson during the 150-pound match of the Class 3A Marmion Dual Team Sectional in Aurora on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Troy Stolt / The Beacon-News)

Stewart has immediate experience with the difficulties of repeating.

After winning the state championship at 132 as a sophomore, Stewart was leading Fremd’s Evan Gosz in the 138-pound state final last season when he got caught on his back.

“That match was the first time in a month that I got scored on offensively,” he said. “I learned not to give up on positions too early. In the moment, it stung. You work so hard for that. But I’m not upset.

“Everything happens for a reason.”

An injury his freshman season derailed an opportunity to place at state and he also missed out on dual team state as the Cadets dropped a narrow decision in the final to St. Charles East.

“With team state, we’re not defending anything,” he said. “That’s the mindset. We’re not defending a title — we’re going to win another one. We’re going out to dominate even more than last year.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/06/zach-stewart-marmion-purdue-wrestling/