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IWCOA Feature Story – Niles West Holiday Open Big Success

by Mike Garofola

Niles West High School –

It wasn’t the 40-plus teams, and over 150 participants that impressed so much last week  at the Illinois High School Holiday Open – it was the excitement in the air from all those on hand that made this day so wonderful.

Sport has the power to teach and change lives – and it appears wrestling has done just  that for those on hand in the giant Niles West field house.

Wrestlers of all ages would compete on this day, and if the energy, passion and pride exhibited by these young women is any indication – then girls wrestling is headed into the stratosphere, and hopefully for all those involved, the next sanctioned sport of the Illinois High School Association.

145-pound Elite Division runner-up Adriana Demos believes so.

After being a part of a national championship in cheerleading, the Warren sophomore went in search of her next challenge, and it didn’t take long for Demos to realize where she belonged.

“After the first day I knew it was the sport for me,” admitted Demos, who was on Team Illinois last season, qualified for Fargo, and currently trains in the room with the boys varsity team.

“I did all I could in (cheer) – so when I got involved in wrestling, the thing I liked (was) you put everything you have as an individual out on the mat, and the physical and mental part of the sport is something I really enjoy.”

Demos, who was unable to participate at Fargo due to a concussion, goes 24-7 when it comes to training.

“Three days a week I go to Izzy Style from 5:00-8:30 to train, but I really like being in the room working with the varsity, and watching guys like Joel Vandervere, who is a real role model for me to follow,” says Demos of Vandervere, who is No. 1 in the IWCOA boys 3A  poll at 138 pounds.

“Joel is great because he’ll see something I’m doing and he’ll offer suggestions on how to improve and be better (and) it makes me feel like I am part of the wrestling program at Warren, and that’s important.”

Demos, whose older brother (Andrew) was a three-time state qualifier, and state medal winner (currently wrestling at the University of Nebraska-Kearney) sees the big numbers here at this tournament as a sign of future in her sport.

“We’re all here because we love the sport, and all of us are doing our best to get better to make it be the best it can be, and I want to see it become an IHSA sport before I graduate in order to compete for a state championship.”

Elgin High School freshmen, Ariana Luna, inspired by teammate Natalie Gonzalez, is thrilled to be a part of wrestling, and believes it is the sport for her.

“Natalie is the one who provided the inspiration for all of the girls at Elgin to be a part of wrestling, and because of her, and the respect given to us by the coaching staff, and the boys program, I know I am in the right sport,” says Luna, who would use a technical fall in her Novice 138-pound final to win top honors.

“It’s not about success, it’s more about effort and hard work, and that’s what keeps me in the sport, but I know if I continue to work hard and improve, I’ll have the success Natalie has,” added Luna, who will play soccer in the spring at Elgin.

For the record, Natalie Gonzalez is a two-time IWCOA state qualifier, and 2018 state runner-up, who also happens to be a starter on the boys varsity team.

“The success of Natalie has given girls wrestling a lot of exposure at Elgin, so when we go out to talk to girls in other sports, there’s more of an interest to participate than ever before,” echoed Elgin assistants, Jon DeCoste and Gary Parciak, who were on hand for the three girls here.

“We have five in the program right now, and we’ve ordered brand new two-piece singlets for the girls to make them feel a part of things (and) all of them train in the room with boys everyday, and I can tell you the guys make them feel like they belong in there (it’s) fun to see,” added Parciak.

Edwardsville made the near 300-mile trip north to be a part of this terrific tournament, and for coach Sarah Doty and her nine wrestlers, it was a road trip worth making.

“We came in the day before, stayed in a hotel, and it was a great way for the girls and families to bond and have some fun before going out there and competing,” said Doty, who brought an impressive resume to her new downstate ‘wrestling’ home.

Doty, who came to Edwardsville after stops in California, and most recently Missouri, is a former three-time college All-American, and obviously excited for the future of a sport that become such a big part of her life.

“The Edwardsville Wrestling Club (EWC) has 20 girls in the sport, all in middle school right now, and we’re growing, and thanks to the support of the boys program over at the high school, we feel like we’re a part of their program, which is the best way for everyone to grow and improve,” said Doty.

“Wrestling is a tough sport, but it’s one that will help all of these girls to learn a little bit more about life itself (the) ups and downs, and (knowing) that hard work and perseverance will pay off in the end.”

“Girls wrestling is on the rise here in Illinois and all around the country, and the girls that came here are a part of the future, and hopefully sooner than later, as a IHSA sanctioned sport.”

Thirteen-year old Rosie Sanders’ father and older brother have been in the sport, so Miss Sanders feels it’s the right sport for her as well.

“I’ve been wrestling for nearly ten years, and I cannot think of being in any other sport than this one,” said Sanders, who enjoys training at the high school alongside the boys program.

Sport is a great driver in gender equity, and in this particular one, it has the power to reach and change lives, regardless of gender – so says Oak Park and River Forest freshmen, Louise Calkins, who would finish second in the Novice 145-pound division at days end.

“Wrestling is obviously not a traditional sport for women, and I know there are those from the older generation who might feel we don’t belong (but) the younger coaches in our room do not feel that way, and the guys don’t either, but I think we all realize it still might take some time for us to earn total acceptance into the sport,” said Calkins.

Passionate about wrestling, Calkins has ben involved in basketball, swimming, dance, volleyball and soccer, and she knows this one is the right one.

“OPRF obviously has a great tradition, so that kind of brought me into the sport, but I’ve become addicted to (it), and have learned it builds character, makes you tougher, gets you in great shape, and as a female, it makes me and others part of history,” continued Calkins, who in her film class made a documentary on wrestling.

The affable Calkins, who was one of nine from OPRF here, trains twice per week at 6:15 in their own room, splitting off on other days to work-out with the freshmen boys team.

“It’s a little frustrating at times to wrestle and train with the boys because they have that genetic advantage over us (but) we all know it will make us better in the long run.”

Calkins and her teammates were part of the first girls dual-meet recently against Downers Grove South, and it was that ground-breaking event, plus this Holiday Open that gives hope to Calkins for the future of her new sport.

“All of us want to see wrestling to be a part of the IHSA, and to have the chance to compete for a real state title, and hopefully that will happen very soon.”

Kalia Del Toro has enjoyed plenty of success already in her young wrestling career, but the Taft High School sophomore believes this tournament, and others on the calendar ahead will have an impact on the shaping of the future of her favorite sport.

“Everyone is here because they love this sport, and they want to be a part of a sport that gives girls the same chance as the boys have (and) when I go to other tournaments, it’s pretty clear to me the sport is growing, and there’s a lot of girls who work hard, and want to see it get the attention it deserves,” said Del Toro.

Del Toro came in from Mixed Martial Arts, while also dabbling in boxing, and jiu-jitsu, but neither compare to girls wrestling according to the Elite 120-pound champ.

“I just love wrestling because it’s an individual sport, it pushes you in so many ways, and it’s hard, and I like the challenge of getting better at something.”

Better is something Del Toro has mastered in her career thus far: she was third at 111 pounds at the 2019 IWCOA Frosh-Soph State tournament last year, Chicago Public League champ at 113 pounds, was an All-American with her fifth-place finish at Fargo, then finished up with a third-place medal at the Illinois Girls Freestyle State championships.

“Wrestling is not a boys sport anymore, we (girls) can do this sport, we’re hard workers, and just as dedicated, so there’s no reason why it cannot be an IHSA sport, and one that we can compete for a state title.”

These are proud times in the sport of girls wrestling – and from the several interviews and chats conducted last week here at Niles West – the athletes involved are fully aware they are the future.

Rankings for the fifth week of the IHSA wrestling season have been posted. State rankings are presented by Rob Sherrill and sponsored by the Midwest Nationals Wrestling Tournament & the IWCOA.

View the rankings HERE!

History made at Niles West High School on December 23, 2019! 144 girls wrestled. 89 high school girls competed in the Girls Open and 55 girls competed in the IKWF Open. This is the largest in-season high school girls tournament in Illinois history! Here are some highlights from the high school open.

OPRF ON TOP AGAIN AT WHITLACH

by Mike Garofola

2019 Rex Whitlach Wrestling Tournament, Hinsdale Central High School

Perhaps the report of the disappearance of Oak Park and River Forest wrestling was just a bit premature.

True, the perennial state power was nowhere to be found among the top 10 in the recent IWCOA team poll after posting its 5-6-0 overall record in dual-meet action.

However, with its nicely balanced attack – fueled by a trio of individual titles – the Huskies broke free from the field (and) kept its lead down the stretch at the prestigious 55th Rex Whitlach Invitational to lift the championship trophy for the third straight season.

“We were never really lost – we just had not found ourselves yet,” said a proud Paul Collins, whose club will surely rise in the next IWCOA state poll after its convincing 22.5 point margin (221.5-189.0) over second place Lemont, then Minooka (179.5), Sandburg (167.5) and Barrington (166.0) who were clearly the next best three here.

“We’ve lost a lot of state champions, state medal winners, and state qualifiers during the past few seasons (including) last year with another state champ Eddie (Bolivar) – so it takes some time to sort things out in your starting lineup,” continued Collins, now in his 15th year in charge.

“But one thing that doesn’t change is the family atmosphere we foster, both in and out of the room, and how important it is to have great senior leadership, and in this group of six seniors, that’s exactly what we have.”

On of those seniors is Jake Rundell, who will be on his way to Purdue University next fall, where he will continue to compete, and study to become a civil engineer.

“This is a terrific win for our program – not only because it’s one of the best tournaments of the season, but it shows that the work we’ve been doing is beginning to pay off,” said Rundell (13-0) who was sporting a bag of ice on his shoulder after suffering a mild ‘stinger’ following his dominating performance during his 126-pound final over Neuqua Valley senior, Reece Martin.

“We have a very good room of guys who are willing to do the work – but it all starts with our coaching staff, who put in the time afterwards with plenty of extra work on an individual basis, so I know that it will pay off when it really counts down the road.”

Seniors Daemyen Middlebrooks (195, 14-0) and Danny Lingen (182, 8-0) collected championship trophies in addition to Rundell, with Middlebrooks earning the following praise from his head coach, whose growth both in the classroom and on the mats have been exemplary since entering the program.

“Daemyen had his struggles early on, but he’s worked hard to be better, and with the support of his teammates, particularly the leaders in the room during his first couple of years (he) himself has turned into a great leader, and a strong student-athlete,” said Collins.

Many might forget Lingen was a state qualifier last season, winning 20 matches at 170, but the two-year starter is fine with his ‘under-the-radar’ status as the new year approaches.

“I owe my success thus far to the hard work of our coaching staff, and being a part of the OPRF wrestling family (where) we support each other first before ourselves,” said Lingen, who was in early trouble in his final with No. 2 Justin Brown (14-3) of Grant before his stunning pin at 1:59 to wipe out a 4-1 deficit.

“I never felt like I was in trouble despite my rough start because I’m a six minute guy who likes to get after it and brawl (so) I knew I would be okay as the match went on,” admitted Lingen.

While the advancement of six Huskies into the final which led to its eventual championship celebration, there was plenty more for the big crowd inside Central’s iconic old gymnasium to watch.

Where to begin is all too difficult, however to look past the eventual O.W. would be a crime.

Junior Dean Hamiti from Joilet Catholic Academy turned in a magnificent performance during his two days of work by showing the type of attacking and defending ability that validates his place as the No. 1 man at 152 in the state, and in the nation, where he currently sits at No. 13 in the most recent InterMat poll.

The reigning two-time state champion was relentless as he pinned his way into the final where he then recorded a 13-2 major decision victory over No. 2 Josh Ogunsanya (13-1) from OPRF.

“I have never had anyone who works as hard, or has the work rate as high as Dean in my coaching career,” said head coach, Ryan Cumby, whose had plenty to compare Hamiti too after his time at Marmion Academy (2012-2015) where many elite wrestlers went through the Cadets room.

“His semifinal with (Isaiah) Parker was a wild one (big) scoring match in which he defended so brilliantly, and in doing so, turned Parker’s chances into points for himself – doing it all with so much composure, it’s a joy to watch.”

Hamiti was ahead 19-9 on Parker before recording the pin at 5:33, then really turned up the pressure on Ogunsanya, using his length, speed, quickness and innate use of angles and cat-like switches to add to his lead during an eventual 13-2 major decision.

“I’d like to think I can wrestle out of all positions equally well (always) pushing the pace, and doing it all with a lot of pace, energy and non-stop wrestling for six minutes,” opined Hamiti, whose gone from 5-4 as a freshmen to his current 6-0 frame.

While Hamiti dazzled the audience during his championship performance, it was the 160-pound final that had many anxious to see when the Nos. 2 and 3 Joe Chapman (OPRF) and Robert Major stepped onto the mat.

Chapman, as all know, is a two-time state medal winner, while Major, a junior from Downers Grove South, has come ‘this’ close to advancing downstate in his first two seasons under head coach, Sean Lovelace.

“Robert works so hard, but it’s been tough to see him fall just short in getting downstate (so) to see him go out and perform so well against a quality opponent like Chapman (13-1) made me super happy and proud,” said Lovelace.

The first period was played as if a chess match – each man sizing the other up in a 0-0 opener.

Major’s escape just after the whistle gave the Mustangs star a 1-0 advantage – which could have gone to 3-0 if he was able to finish a high single, which Chapman defended.

With the period drawing to a close, Major recorded a take-down near the edge, and that lead would hold up as he rode Chapman hard all throughout the final two minutes.

“I felt if I could take the lead into the third period (that) I was strong, and confident in my ability on top to beat an opponent as good as Joe,” said an exhausted Major (19-0) who has won (82) in his first two seasons at South, and one win away from going downstate both years.

There were three first time Whitlach champions crowned in the opening matches at the lower weights, beginning with Sandburg sophomore Sammie Hayes (17-0) who impressed from start-to-finish en route to his 12-1 major decision victory over Gylon Sims (14-2) the freshmen from Joilet Catholic Academy.

Hayes, the younger brother of former state and Whitlach champion, Louis Hayes (Virginia) used a pair of three-point near falls to make it 8-0 heading into the third period.

“It gets a little intense when Louie and I work out together, but I’ve learned so much from him whenever we have the chance to train,” said Hayes, who carries around a back-pack with his older brothers name emblazoned on the bag.

Geneseo sophomore Anthony Montez advanced into his final after edging Brian Beers (Barrington) in his semifinal (2-1) – then needed just a first period take-down against Lorenzo Frezza to win the 113-pound bout.

Montez (15-1) as he did with Beers, used his length to ride out Frezza in the second period, before using an escape and late take-down to seal his 5-0 victory.

“(Top) is my best position right now, and it really helped me in my last two matches today,” said Montez, who was fifth here a year ago.

“This is a big-time tournament, and the one that really gets things going for the second half of the year, so I am really happy to win here,” said Montez.

Belleville West junior Josh Koderhandt (15-1) who came into the weekend as the No. 3 man in the 2A class, showed why he’s been anointed his lofty spot in the IWCOA after recording four straight tech-falls at 120 pounds.

Koderhandt, the state runner-up a year ago to Colton Drousias (Mt. Carmel) at 113 pounds, left little doubt as to who the best man was in his weight class after his marvelous effort over four others.

“My approach to each match is to go out (there) and score as many points as I can, and just beat-up every opponent that I take on,” said Koderhandt.

“I feel like I’ve matured a lot since last year, and the goal is to get back in the final, and win it this time.”

There’s little doubt that’s the plan of Joel Vandervere, who through the early stages of this long season appears to be the front runner for the 138-pound 3A state title in Champaign.

Vandervere reduced to just (13) matches a year ago due to offseason ACL surgery, is now already 13-0 after a spectacular two days of play that saw the Warren senior bedazzle his division rivals, including a masterful effort in his final with No. 4 Nico Bolivar.

The No. 1 rated Vandervere used an early second period escape, followed by a nicely played take-down to build a lead Bolivar (8-2) was unable to take a bite out of when the Northwestern-bound Vandervere pushed the pace during the final period of this match.

“Being healthy is the key this season, and if I stay that way, there’s no reason why I cannot be No. 1 here in the state, and in the country as well,” says the Blue Devils star, who is No. 4 in the current InterMat national poll.

Cameron Domke at 132 gives Warren an elite one-two punch, and it was Domke who set the table for his teammate after he got off to a quick start with a big throw off the whistle in what would be a 9-4 decision over Ray Hernandez of Lemont.

“I’ve got the best work-out partner in the world with Joel (he) pushes me so hard each and everyday, and I’d like to think I do the same for him,” said Domke, sixth in the IWCOA, and a returning state qualifier.

“Last year the goal was to get downstate, but this year it has to be winning a state title, and I am going to work as hard as I can to meet that goal.”

Domke (16-0) who has applied for an Evans Scholarship, is set to attend Indiana University next fall.

“We were thrilled to get into the Whitlach this season (it’s) a great tournament, and a great way for us to measure ourselves against some of the top teams in and around the area,” said Warren head coach, Brad Janecek, who is taking his club to the Cheesehead in two weeks to help prepare his men for the second half of the season.

Barrington is also new to the Whitlach, after competing in the Niles West tourney last season.

The reigning MSL champions, who won the Moore-Prettyman, and last week the Downers Grove Mega-Duals, claimed fifth place (9) overall medals, and an individual title from No. 2 Luke Rasmussen (22-0) who pinned his way to the 170-pound crown.

“Luke is our thoroughbred – the top pony on our roster (and) he came here with the intent of coming away with a bracket board, and that’s just what he did,” said Barrington head coach, Dave Udchik.

“This was a terrific tournament to get into for us, we came here to see and wrestle the best, and even though we had some good results, it’s still clear we have plenty to work on in order to get ourselves ready for the last half of the year.”

The suburban Southside looks ready for the new year after the area controlled at 145, 220 and 285 at days end.

Kyle Schickel (145) and Apollo Gothard (220) key figures in a Lemont lineup that features several state ranked wrestlers – many of whom have collected their fair share of state medals already – each climbed atop the winners podium.

Schickel, No. 2 in the IWCOA polls, went easily through his division, scoring two majors in his last two bouts after a tech-fall and pin helped advance the three-time state runner-up into his final with Garrett Geigner of Lincoln-Way West.

His teammate Gothard (13-0) had his hands full in his final against Drew Gutknecht (14-2) – needing extra time to close out the Minooka big man – using a take-down to secure his 5-3 overtime victory.

Both Lemont stars chose to speak more about their club than themselves afterwards; with Schickel saying:

“This year, we’re trying to be at our best each day – pushing the young guys to do what they’re all capable of doing, and I feel like the team is finally beginning to believe in ourselves,” said Schickel, one of just (5) seniors.

Gothard, the No. 1 rated 220-pounder, adds the close bond the team shares with other is a major reason for the Indians 12-1 start, and No. 2 spot just behind top rated Marian Central Catholic.

“Most of us have know each other since we were 7-8 years old (we’ve) grown up together, wrestled with each other and hang out, and having a team that is ‘that’ close is a big deal, and it shows when we go out and wrestle quality opponents, or in tournaments like this one.”

Not to be forgotten was the accomplishments of Sandburg senior Mike Bosco (14-0) who came in as the No. 3 seed at 285, and would precede to defeat No. 2 Dustin Olmstead of Belleville West in his semifinal, before knocking off top seed Jake Shipla (11-2) from nearby Minooka, 5-2, in his final.

The top five clubs all would jockey for position from the opening whistle on the second day of play, but Minooka would relinquish its lead just after the semifinals to eventual champion Oak Park-River Forest, which built a 22-point advantage (194-172) over Lemont late in wrestle-backs and never let go.

“You learn not to put too much into early season results, especially when you have several guys new to the varsity roster, but I have to say I am very happy with this team championship today, and very proud of our group of seniors who continue to show the way, on and off the mats,” began Paul Collins.

“We’ve taken some tough losses here in the first half to: Downers Grove South, Aurora Christian, Lockport, Crown Point, Indiana, but the guys are staying with (it) and putting the work in that’s needed to survive the grind of a long season.”

“We’ll be at the Flavin next weekend, then it’s off to California for the Doc Buchanan, and that experience alone is something many have never had.”