An Illinois middle school wrestler who sucker-punched his opponent after losing a match has been charged with assault. The incident occurred on April 8th, when 14-year-old two-time state champion Cooper Hill defeated a wrestler from Maine West by tech-fall in the 125-128-pound division. Instead of shaking Cooper's hand, the wrestler punched him in the face, breaking his nose. 

“I remember there was this stinging in my face. I balled up and I checked for blood. I looked up to see my stepdad and mom checking me,” Cooper said, speaking with WGN News. After some deliberation, Cooper's family decided to press charges. “When we see these things happen, we need to take them seriously and get children the help that they need so that this will not continue,” Cooper's mother Jillian said. The Maine West wrestler received a local ordinance citation for assault and has been suspended from competition for a year. 

Hafid Alicea of Maine West (IL) throws a sucker punch at the line… #wtfpic.twitter.com/9m4HAxl2oF

— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) April 14, 2023