Breaking down barriers was never the immediate concern of Batavia senior Sydney Perry.
Wrestling, for her, was as much a vocation and pursuit as it was a sport she excelled at.
“I think once you believe in yourself, everything kind of comes easy in this sport,” Perry said. “I think so much of the sport is mental, so I always just tried to stay level-headed before I wrestled.
“I definitely used to get really nervous before matches. Putting myself in position on the big stage in front of a lot of people just helped me gain confidence and learn how to wrestle under pressure.”
No matter the definition, no matter how tough the pressure, the Bulldogs could always count on excellence from Perry, the 2023-24 Beacon-News/Courier-News Girls Wrestler of the Year.
A trailblazer. A pioneer. A generational talent. All of that applies to Perry, a two-time area wrestler of the year who also capped off this season by winning her fourth straight state championship.
The accolades and achievements were part of a detail-oriented process. She went 41-0 as a senior, dominating previously unbeaten Alivia Ming of Goreville by technical fall in the 145-pound state final at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
Perry also has been the public face of girls wrestling since the sport was sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association. She went 96-0 the last three seasons, winning at 145 each time.
Sophomore Lily Enos, who finished third this season at 100 pounds for Batavia, idolizes Perry.
“She’s a great role model,” Enos said. “I think seeing her succeed and just being surrounded by her all the time has inspired me greatly. She shapes all of us as wrestlers.
“I don’t think I’d be as far as I am now without her. I truly believe she is one of the greatest resources any wrestler at my level could have.”
Perry, who’s recognized as one of the best female amateur wrestlers in the country, has competed in international events the last three years.
Her consistency, focus and drive have been her trademarks, regardless of quality or the nature of the opponent.
Batavia’s Sydney Perry, top, wrestles against El Paso-Gridley’s Valerie Hamilton during the 145-pound championship match of the girls wrestling state meet at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023. (Vincent D. Johnson / The Beacon-News)
“I think in order to be the best you have to seek out the best competition,” she said. “In order to be the best, you have to go up the street, as they say, and find the elite competition and see where you’re at.
“I think success only pushes you farther and farther, and you keep wanting more. I think for me, one of the most exciting things has been what I’ve done over my whole career. I can keep those memories, keep traveling and keep expanding.”
Her older brother Tyler, who finished second at 170 as a senior at Marmion, is now a sophomore wrestling at Northern Colorado. His early involvement helped kickstart her interest.
She was motivated, however, to make her own name and personalize her style. She began wrestling against boys in middle school, holding her own.
Perry is exploring her college options while preparing to compete in the national trials for the World Championships. Her success is not the sole province of Batavia’s girls program.
Her accomplishments have turned into a badge of honor for all wrestlers at the school, according to senior Aidan Huck, who finished fourth in the Class 3A individual state meet at 144.
“I believe everyone recognizes the significant impact she has made on our entire program and town,” Huck said. “Sydney is nothing short of an inspiration to the young kids seeking big goals.
“Without a doubt, she is the best female athlete we’ve ever had.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter with The Beacon-News.
