Illini junior Mike Poeta won his second straight Midlands title in the 157 pound weight class and the team grabbed a fourth place finish with 100.0 points on Sunday, Dec. 30 at the 45th Midlands Wrestling Championships.

The No.1-ranked Poeta claimed the title by defeating third-seeded Matt Kocher (Pitt) with a 3-2 decision and boosted his record to a perfect 15-0 for the season.

Jimmy Kennedy (133) brought the Illini a fourth place finish and Gabe Flores (125) earned a fifth place finish. John Dergo (174) finished in sixth place.

Both Roger Smith Bergsrud (165) and John Wise (HWT) finished in seventh place to round out the six Illini place winners.

Next on tap for the Fighting Illini are the Virginia Duals in Hampton, Va., Jan. 11-12.