CHAMPAIGN— In March 2023, Isaiah Martinez will be eligible for the Illinois athletic Hall of Fame. Wrestling coach Jim Heffernan has a suggestion: Get the letter ready now.
"They should have a pre-stamped envelope arrive at his home, waiting for him," Heffernan said. "He's already one of the most successful athletes ever to be on this campus. In any sport. That's a fact."
Martinez, the most dominant wrestler in the history of the program, completes his Illinois home career today at Huff Hall. The Illini host Wisconsin on Senior Day, with undefeated Martinez scheduled to face 18-2 Evan Wick in the 165-pound match.