BLOOMINGTON - Jeremy Mosier's wrestling philosophy is rigorous.

"We grind the kids out," the first-year Bloomington Junior High School coach said. "We work them like dogs."

The demanding effort from his players was easily embraced.

"They accepted it and it took them to new heights," Mosier said.

Less than one month after capturing an Illinois Elementary School Association state championship, several BJHS wrestlers will compete in the Middle School National Duals this weekend in Danville.

Participating in the tournament are Derrik Watts, Alex Bee, Bracky Kruse, David Watts, Demetrius West and Brady Kolb. Mahomet-Seymour wrestler Austin Armetta will also compete.

Teams from Ohio, California, Indiana and Wyoming as well as other various all-star squads will be in the field.

"I've worked a long time just to get where I am now," said Bee, who won an individual title at 135 pounds. "It's a small step to what's going to be a lot more (down the road)."

Mosier helped him reach that step.

After a short tenure as junior high coach at Petersburg Porta, Mosier returned to the area and continued the winning tradition at BJHS. The LeRoy native coached the Knights to their second straight state title, and he was named coach of the IESA all-stars.

"It's a huge honor," said Mosier, who wrestled collegiately at Millikin. "These kids went above and beyond what I expected because they bought in to the program. We push kids here physically and mentally. These kids really accepted that and it really took them beyond what a lot of people thought they could do."

The wrestlers hope their accomplishments will garner attention.

"I think if everybody goes out there and has fun and does what they can do, we'll do well," Bee said.

Mosier is confident as well.

"I think they can do fairly well," he said. "It's very difficult, I'll be honest. We're going to have to bring our best because this is the best against the best. It's going to take a monumental effort, but we got the kids who can really get the job done."

The Do It! page runs Mondays in The Pantagraph. Its stories will focus on the games that we play and on those who play them. If you have story idea, contact the sports department at sports@pantgraph.com or (309) 820-3255.