Lane Tech senior Max Schneider did something on February 18th that no Public Leaguer has done since the early ’50′s.
Schneider (40-0) became a two-time state wrestling champion as he defeated Glenbard North’s Brian Murphy in the class 3A individual state wrestling championship; becoming the first in the Chicago Public League to do so since Tiden’s Jack Monroe in 1952 and 1953, and the first from Lane Tech to ever reach the milestone. He is proud to represent the Public League with his stellar performance, and knows that this is just the beginning of the road for the league to dominate the state in wrestling once again.
” I think it’s awesome,” he said. “To be the first (two-time state wrestling champion at Lane tech) is awesome. We had quite a few placers from the city this year, and I think the city program is really on its way up; it can become a powerhouse again after I leave. I think my performance definitely helped the city get some recognition and I’m proud to be part of that movement.”
Schneider had already been familiarized with the state tournament and all that entails, as he won his first state title for his 145 weight class as a sophomore. This time around, being a senior, things were a little bit different.
“This time it definitely meant more for me,” he said. “Even before the match when I was in the tunnel, I came to the realization that this was going to be my last high school match ever. I went up to my coaches and I told them, ‘I know this is my last match, and whatever happens, it’s been cool wrestling with you guys.’ Ending on a high note like that was definitely way better than my sophomore year.”
Murphy had previously been unbeaten before taking Schneider on in the championship; and while Schneider usually feels the nerves when facing another undefeated opponent, he felt much more relaxed before this particular match.
“Usually I do feel a lot more nervous,” he said. “But for some reason, (the state) tournament just felt right to me. Every match seemed like it had already been played out in my head; and I had a feeling that I was going to win, so i wasn’t as nervous. I wouldn’t say I was confident, I just wasn’t nervous.”
Scneider’s illustrious high school wrestling career is now over; and as he gets ready to move on to collegiate competition, he wants to make sure he still stays in touch with his Lane Tech roots.
“I’ve grown so close to my coaches and the rest of my team,” he said. “I’m going to want to come back (next season) and step in the room and practice with them. I love Lane Tech as a school.”
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- Lane’s Schneider Staying Focused
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