After coming up empty last season, St. Rita’s Jack Hogan keeps eye on the prize. ‘Definitely gives me hunger.’

St. Rita’s Jack Hogan discovered a bittersweet lesson about how much past performance means.

After finishing third as a sophomore at 106 pounds in Class 2A, he was ready to move up higher on the podium last season. But he went 2-2 at 120 and ended up outside of the medal round.

“That definitely gives me hunger,” said Hogan, who’s now a senior in his final high school season. “I’m constantly chasing the goal of being a state champion. It’s something I think about every day.

“Honestly, it’s been on my mind for the past three years.”

Humble and motivated, Hogan is the top-ranked wrestler this season at 144 pounds in Class 2A, according to the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association website.

All of the defeats for Hogan (28-4) this winter have come against Class 3A wrestlers. He went 2-2 Saturday, taking fourth place in the Catholic League Meet at De La Salle in Chicago.

Micah Spinazzola, a senior ranked No. 4 at 165 for the Mustangs, has been impressed by Hogan.

“Jack is a hard-working individual who really does his own thing and doesn’t care what anybody thinks,” Spinazzola said. “His discipline shows inside and outside of the wrestling room.

“He has great energy to be around, and he’s a natural leader.”

Luke Pappalas, a senior who’s ranked No. 9 at 138 for St. Rita, called Hogan relentless.

“His best quality is that he never gives up any position and he finishes every move at 100%,” Pappalas said. “He works hard and he has integrity. His grit and determination are amazing.

“Not just to strive for his own goals but to help everybody else.”

Defeat is sometimes inescapable part, but that hasn’t detracted from Hogan’s larger goals.

“Going against tougher guys is important,” Hogan said. “You don’t want to lose, but not every match goes your way. I use them as learning experiences instead of just marking them down as losses.”

Lean and angular, the 5-foot-9 Hogan has grown into his frame. His length is like a force multiplier. He generates aggressive offensive actions from distance and lessens vulnerability at his end.

“I didn’t really get this length until my sophomore year,” Hogan said. “It’s still kind of new to me, and I just try to stay in a good position and create space.

“I use it to my advantage with my shots and my leg riding on top.”

His older brother, Kevin, also was a state qualifier for St. Rita. He’s now a senior wrestler at Central College in Iowa. The brothers were introduced to the sport by Jim Ferguson, an uncle who wrestled at Rutgers.

Jack Hogan, meanwhile, is an avid outdoorsman who also loves to swim at the family pool. It marks a strong contrast to physical and psychological demands of wrestling.

“The mental side is huge,” Hogan said. “It takes a toll on your body and your mind. Working through that every year helps you deal with situations — not just wrestling but life.”

Hogan has won tournaments at Addison Trail and Plano and the Al Dvorak Invitational at Harlem. He has already defeated the wrestlers in his weight class ranked No. 2 and No. 3.

“I feel like I’ve earned that spot,” Hogan said. “I know there’s a target on my back, but I’m not worried about protecting it. I want to keep pushing myself and not overlook anyone.

“Even if you beat someone earlier in the season, you still have to go out and win.”

His quest for an individual state title begins on Jan. 31 in the Class 2A Ag Science Regional.

The time, for Hogan, is now.

“I’d say I’m aggressive but patient,” he said. “I wait for what’s there and take my shot when it opens. I want to be the guy nobody wants to wrestle. No matter the situation, I want to come out on top.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.