The Mekeel family has cemented its status as trailblazers among the IHSA wrestling and officiating communities.

The family first made history at the 2015 IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals (click for story), when patriarch Don was joined by son Ryan in officiating the state tournament. The assignments marked the first father-son tandem to officiate the IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals in the same year.

The family made more history on February 25, 2017, when Don and Ryan were joined by Ryan’s (above left) younger brother Chris (above right) in officiating the 2017 IHSA Dual Team Wrestling State Finals. Don is a native of Sterling, where he coached his sons, who now reside in Chicago.

For more on the historic occurrence and significance of the three rejoining at state wrestling, read Sauk Valley Media’s story here.