Marist senior Tommy Fidler knew he was going to being under the magnifying glass.
The senior 150-pounder confronted the double trouble Friday night of having to face a talented opponent from Mount Carmel along with the heightened expectations of his own family.
“Just looking at all of my brothers, there was no way I wanted to lose in front of them,” Fidler said. “Everybody, your friends, your classmates, are watching.
“You don’t want to be the guy who goes out there and loses.”
Fidler definitely didn’t lose, taking a 3-2 decision at 150 pounds over Mount Carmel junior Justin Williamson to power the host RedHawks to a 42-21 nonconference win in a dual meet in Chicago.
Marist (8-5) won nine of the 14 matches, with Fidler’s swing match punctuating a stretch of seven straight victories. Mount Carmel senior Liam Kelly, a defending state champion, posted a win by fall in the first period at 165 to lead Mount Carmel (8-3).
Marist’s Tommy Fidler, left, wrestles against Mount Carmel’s Justin Williamson in the 150-pound weight class during a nonconference dual meet in Chicago on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Nate Swanson / Daily Southtown)
Fidler’s identical twin brother, David, is a senior at Mount Carmel. Their three older brothers wrestled at St. Rita. Tommy is the first born of the twins. He’s also acutely aware of seeing double.
“The biggest separation between us right now is wrestling because he stopped doing it last year,” Tommy Fidler said of David.
Fidler, who improved his record to 29-7, scored a takedown in the second period to offset escapes by Williams during the second and third periods.
“I knew he was very good on top and I didn’t want to let him get there,” Fidler said. “I like to get my hands on people. I just wanted to wrestle hard.
Marist’s Tommy Fidler, right, competes against Mount Carmel’s Justin Williamson in the 150-pound weight class during a nonconference dual meet in Chicago on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Nate Swanson / Daily Southtown)
“I felt even toward the end of the match that I kept my pace on him.”
Fidler is ranked No. 5 at 150 by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association website. Williamson is ranked No. 4 at 144.
Two years ago, Williamson beat Fidler twice during the season, including at state. But Ethan Sonne, a senior ranked No. 2 at 157, called Fidler an emotional catalyst for Marist.
“Tommy is a big part of the team,” Sonne said. “He’s a great leader, the kind of guy who just brightens everybody’s mood. As a wrestler, he’s very aggressive.
Marist’s Tommy Fidler motions to his teammates after beating Mount Carmel’s Justin Williamson in the 150-pound weight class in a nonconference dual meet in Chicago on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Nate Swanson / Daily Southtown)
“He’s always on his toes, looking to break you down mentally and put you on your back.”
Marist coach Brendan Heffernan has marveled at Fidler’s growth from an uncertain freshman who made spectacular strides to become a three-time state qualifier.
“He’s just a tough, gritty kid,” Heffernan said. “He loves to hand fight, and he can do that with the best of them. He started to develop some really good and fun techniques.
“It’s been fun to just watch him enjoy the sport.”
Fidler is also a two-sport athlete who golfs. While wrestling is physical and intense, golf is more contemplative.
“I think when I golf, it’s just a good way for me to clear my brain,” Fidler said. “There’s not a lot of stress when I’m out there. I just get to play, and when I come here to wrestle, I get locked in.
Marist’s Tommy Fidler reacts after beating Mount Carmel’s Justin Williamson in the 150-pound weight class during a nonconference dual meet in Chicago on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. (Nate Swanson / Daily Southtown)
“They’re both similar in that you’re trying to compete with the guy right next to you.”
Fidler has not placed in any of the years he has qualified at state for wrestling, but beating Williamson is a sharp reminder of how tough and treacherous that part of the journey can be.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back to state because I haven’t really had the best career there,” he said. “I haven’t really done at all what I’ve wanted to since I’ve been down there.”
However, he’s ready to take on any challenge.
“There are no nerves this time,” Fidler said. “That’s the best part about being a senior. I love the environment and the experience. I’m ready this time.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/09/tommy-fidler-marist-mount-carmel-ihsa-boys-wrestling/
