THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT OUR ATHLETES

Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete Of The Month: Southwestern’s Zack Bean Builds Wrestling Momentum After Strong Regional

Bean’s season with the Southwestern Piasa Birds featured steady improvement and a notable postseason finish. That combination helped earn him community recognition and praise from his coaching staff.

Dan Brannan, Content Director

Jul 3, 2026 3:35 PM Jul 3, 2026 3:50 PM

Save

Listen to the story

Wrestler Zack Bean.

PIASA - Zack Bean of the Southwestern Piasa Birds wrestling team was named an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month after what coaches described as a year of significant improvement, including a fourth-place finish at the IHSA 1A East Alton-Wood River Regional.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Bean, who competed in the 113-pound class during the 2025-2026 season, finished fourth at the regional. He lost 27-12 in the third-place match to Eli Quartz of Freeburg. Jacobi Cobbs of Althoff placed first in the 113-pound category at the wrestling regional at East Alton-Wood River, and Trey Skelton of Roxana was second.

Southwestern assistant wrestling coach Kimberly Kessinger said Bean’s progress stood out this season.

Athlete of the Month is sponsored by

“He showed a lot of improvement this year,” Kessinger said.

Kessinger also said Bean has strong potential in the sport.

“Zack loves the sport of wrestling,” she said. “He had an excellent performance in the IHSA Regional, and I look forward to him moving up higher next year with another year of work on his technique.”

Bean was described as a wrestler with "great future potential" for Southwestern after making a mark during the 2026-2026 season.