Hot Shot: Evergreen Park's McLain Honored as Top Winter Sports Athlete

Jesse McLain, Evergreen Park, junior, wrestling

* McLain was an individual champion at the Lisle Invitational and was named the tournament's most outstanding wrestler.

* He was an individual champion at the Guerin Prep Invitational.

* He was a conference and regional runner-up and a sectional qualifier in the 125-pound weight class.

* He earned team MVP honors for the third year in a row. He also set a pin record (25) and pushed his three-year varsity record to 93-15.

"When I look back, I will remember the Winter of 2010-11 and I will be able to remember how it felt to win my thrd straight championship at the Lisle tournament. At this tournament, I beat two ranked wrestlers and I won my very first Outstanding Wrestler Award. I will also remember helping and watching my teammates get better with every meet they competed in throughout the season."

"When I think of all Jesse has accomplished, I am proud of the dedication and drive this young man demonstrates on the mat and in the classroom. He is a great example for all of his teammates and fellow student-athletes of how to balance academics while striving to be the best competitor he can be. I am looking forward to Jesse’s senior year as he attempts to reach some important milestones in the sport of wrestling.

McLain plans on attending a four-year university and pursuing a degree in education. He also plans on continuing with athletics. He holds a grade-point average of 3.6 and ranks 34th in a class of 222. McLain says he admires his parents and that they have pushed him to be where he is now. He said he was inspired by his former coach, Mike Urwin.

“He has always been there for me and he has taught me a lot," McLain said of Urwin. "We did a lot together and we always had fun and he inspired me to get better. He is one of my heroes and I will never forget what he has done for me. Coach Urwin means everything to me and he was always in my corner when I needed him. He is not just a coach but he’s also my friend."

McLain said he has learned many things from sports.

“One thing I have learned is how far I can push myself," he said. "I also have learned that nothing in life is easy and if you want something you must work hard to get what you want. I learned how to play on teams and be an individual through wrestling. Sports teach you teamwork, communication skills, hard work and, most importantly, to never give up."