Kyle Jilovec wrestles Zach Fuessley of Center Point-Urbana at sectionals on Feb. 4. Jilovec will wrestle at the state meet today in Des Miones. (Ashley Ruden photo)

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By Ashley Ruden, Mount Vernon sophomore

MOUNT VERNON – When you think of twins, what normall  comes to mind is same size, same weight.

Now imagine twins wrestling on the same team. Same size, same weight would be a problem, right? Not for Kyle and Mitchel Jilovec, juniors at Mount Vernon High School.

Kyle, weighing in at 120 pounds, is 60 pounds lighter and two inches shorter than his twin  Mitchel, who weighs 182 and stands 5-foot-9. They never had to worry about competing against each other on the mat.

Both grew up with a desire to wrestle and, living in the same house, always had a practice partner. They often had wrestling matches in their house, but according to Mitchel, even though he was bigger, Kyle was always the winner.

When the season starts, the focus primarily is on the match of the week  or the tournament for the upcoming weekend. However, there always is the “holy grail” in a wrestler’s mind, which is Des Moines in February.

Mount Vernon twins Mitchel and Kyle Jilovec pose together on Feb. 15. Mitchel wrestles at 182 pounds, Kyle at 120. (Ashley Ruden photo)

The hardest thing for twins with the state wrestling tournament is if one makes it and the other doesn’t. This year, the Jilovec twins are in that situation. After last week’s district tournament, Kyle was the one who made it to state.

“I am very proud of my brother and he deserves it,” Mitchel said. “I just wish I hadn’t been thrown.”

Wrestling Coach Aaron Truitt said “the main difference between the two is size. They both have a good work ethic, put in the time, and have a good attitude.”

Kyle had several thoughts on his bid for the state title, which begins today.

“It’s more than I ever thought it would be,” he said. “It’s been a huge dream of mine. Coming out on the short end of the stick last year really motivated me.”

Kyle, who missed a trip to state last year after a one-point loss, has not had an easy road this season. He was plagued with a virus that kept him from competing in a couple of tournaments. Then, when he recovered, he was diagnosed with a skin infection that delayed him from competition even longer.

Despite those obstacles, Kyle has a strategy that he adheres to in order to prepare for the state tournament.

 “My strategy is sticking to the moves that have made me successful,” he said. “Mental and physical toughness is the key. I take advantage of every opportunity I get, whether it is wrestling, weightlifting, or just running. You need to have a strong work ethic.”

Regardless of the outcome this weekend, Mitchel will be Kyle’s biggest fan. In Mitchel’s own words: “He was tough.”

The Mustangs will have four wrestlers competing today: Trey Ryan, district champ at 145; Kyle Jilovec, runner-up at 120; Tyler Rawson, runner-up at 170; and Josh Cannon, runner up at 220. Kyle is set to wrestle Dylan Peters (Denver-Tripoli) in the first round.

Check out more Mount Vernon talent at http://themustangmoon.com/