Grinning, pinning machine: Addison known for smile, skill

A grin is never far from Marquell Addison’s lips.

He’s the kind of kid who likes to flash his straight white teeth. He likes to laugh.

The Sterling senior wrestler was doing none of the above last February when he walked off the mat at the Class 2A LaSalle-Peru Sectional.

Addison had just lost in the third-place match to Seth Bonic of Morris. That meant the then-junior was not going to make his first trip to the state meet.

That was bad enough. Then he realized one of his front teeth had come out in the match.

“Right before the regionals, I had my front two teeth knocked out in a pillow fight,” Addison explained. “They put fake ones in, but they came out during the sectional match.”

Addison is back this winter, flashing a smile full of teeth and ready to lead the Golden Warriors both on the mat and off.

“My dad has taught me to be a leader in every way that I can,” Addison said. “Whether that’s in the classroom or on the wrestling mat, that’s what I try to do.”

Addison has become more assertive entering his second season as team captain.

“Last year, I think he was more willing to sit back and be a co-captian,” Sterling coach Charlie Bishop said. “This year he’s going out his way to be a leader.

“At the meet against Oregon last week, there was an underclassmen upset and making noise after a match. Marquell went over and talked to him and told him how the team expects him to act.”

Addison went 31-9 a season ago at 119 pounds. He’ll be wrestling at the same weight once the postseason rolls around.

“I am focused on state this season,” Addison said. “I came close a year ago, and with this being my senior year, I am determined to go.”

He also hopes a good season will open some doors. Addison wants to study child psychology in college. He is currently involved in BLIND, an organization with which he mentors younger students.

“The goal is to wrestle in college,” Addison said. “I am going to wait to see how this season goes first before I make any decisions.”