Senior wrestler Tommy Tourdot has had Rochelle coaches in his corner since his childhood, when he represented the Hubs as a member of the Rochelle Wrestling Club. That trend will continue at the collegiate level, where Tourdot will compete for a Rochelle Township High School wrestling legend as well as one of the top coaches in all of NCAA Division III.

Tim Fader was one of many special guests on hand for the Rochelle Hub varsity wrestling team’s home opener against Lena-Winslow/Stockton and Stillman Valley this past Thursday. An RTHS Hall of Famer and former IHSA state finalist who wrestled for his father, RTHS Hall of Famer Pete Fader, Tim has established himself as an elite wrestling coach at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he’s recorded over 300 dual victories over eight seasons.

It was Fader who Tourdot said gave him a new perspective on wrestling. That connection also inspired Tourdot to announce his commitment this past Thursday to continue his academics and his wrestling career at Wisconsin-Eau Claire next year. Tourdot is already off to a strong start this season, earning a 10-1 individual record while leading Rochelle to a 7-1 dual record.

“A big part of the decision was the school setting because I loved the campus, but what really motivated me to go there was coach Fader,” Tourdot said. “When he talked to me, he changed my whole mindset on wrestling and he’s really made a big impact on how I view wrestling now. Wrestling has been a big part of my life for 14 years and I’m excited that I’ll be able to wrestle for four or five more years and do what I love. I’m going to work as hard as I can everyday.”

Tourdot emerged onto the varsity wrestling scene during his freshman season, where he made an immediate impact at the 106-pound weight class with a 21-3 record and All-Conference honors in the Interstate 8. Tourdot returned as a sophomore and finished 26-14 while placing second in the conference and recording a top-6 finish at the sectional tournament.

Tourdot elevated his skills during his junior season, winning his first conference championship as well as his first regional title at the 113-pound weight class. Tourdot also medaled at the sectional meet and became a first-time IHSA state qualifier, finishing with a 20-9 record. Tourdot said his goals for his senior season include becoming a state placewinner or a state champion.

“I’ve always had great practice partners and amazing coaches who’ve pushed me to become the person I am,” Tourdot said. “Everyone wants to get better, day in and day out… We had a rough meet to start the season, but we’re on track now and we’re wrestling pretty well. It’s going to take the extra work and the extra hours in the room if we want to accomplish our goals.”

Tourdot intends to study physical education while wrestling at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Tourdot said that RTHS head football coach Kyle Kissack and RTHS head wrestling coach Alphonso Vruno have inspired him to pursue physical education and become a teacher and coach.