Feature Stories

It’s been a long time since Lena-Winslow/Stockton faced any adversity on a wrestling mat. Almost a year to the day, in fact.

After losing to Coal City in the final of the 2018 edition of Abe’s Rumble, the Pantherhawks didn’t lose again, breezing to the 1A state title by dethroning defending champion Aurora Christian.

Having graduated just two starters from that team, Lena-Winslow/Stockton has blown away the field again to start this season. Only nine of their first 17 dual-meet victims this season managed to score in double figures.

But LWS was not the only story at the BoS Center in Springfield. An Abe’s Rumble field that co-organizers Jeff Hill of Petersburg Porta and Matt Grimm of Auburn expanded to a record 60 teams in 12 pools saw the top four teams in the IWCOA rankings, LWS, Coal City, Vandalia and Tolono Unity, dominate their way to the semifinals.

And it was Tolono Unity that prevented a fourth finals matchup between LWS and Coal City in as many seasons, rallying past the Coalers, 39-31 in one semifinal. In the pre-season, we wrote that the Rockets had the best group of upper weights in Illinois, whether you’re talking 3A, 2A or 1A.

That group propelled Unity to the championship match, and almost helped them accomplish the unthinkable. But LWS added a second Abe’s Rumble championship to the one they one in 2017, rallying from a 21-point deficit to beat the Rockets, 40-30.

In a semifinal that started at 160 pounds, Unity scored six points in five of the six bouts through 285. Pate Eastin (160), Micah Downs (182), Oran Varela (220) and Logan Wilson (285) scored pins and Connor Eastin (170) won by forfeit. Though 2A state champion Daniel Jezik racked up five takedowns in a 12-4 major decision over state finalist Cade Scott at 195, Tolono Unity still led 30-4, and the Coalers never climbed out of the hole.

The other semifinal featured a battle of unbeatens. Only 3A rival Belleville West, in the season opener, had come within 24 points of Vandalia heading into that match. But LWS won 11 of 14 matches in a 56-12 semifinal win.

With the final starting at 170, state placewinner Case Harmston beat Connor Eastin, 4-1 to give the Pantherhawks a 3-0 lead. Downs, Scott, Varela and Wilson then scored consecutive pins, and suddenly Tolono Unity led, 24-3.

From there on, despite the four consecutive pins, the question was whether the Rockets could break through for another win against an LWS lineup that combined for a 67-5 record at the BoS Center from 106 through 160.

They did – two of them. But decisions by Ben Gavel, 7-5 over Jaden Rice at 126 and 9-7 by Pate Eastin over Andrew Haas at 160 weren’t enough. That’s because LWS followed Wilson’s pin with three straight pins of its own – by Garrett Luke (106), Dillon Raab (113) and Zach White (120) – and Winston McPeek (138) and state placewinner Jason Hermann (152) added pins of their own. Vandalia scored six pins of its own to beat Coal City, 52-20 in the tbhird-place match.

Nearly half of the field – 28 of the 60 teams – entered the BoS Center ranked in the IWCOA.net top 25 rankings or honorable mention. How accurate were those rankings? The ranked or higher-ranked team posted a record of 120-29 throughout the two days, a success rate of 80.5 percent.

Some other teams that impressed:

Dwight – the honorable mention Trojans finished 13th, beating Mercer County, 48-36 and Heyworth, 37-30 in pool competition. Their final match was a 36-33 victory over another top 25 team, Tremont.

Erie/Prophetstown – the Cardinals beat top 25 opponents Monticello, 45-34 and Mount Carmel, 60-24 to win one of the tougher pools. Although the Aces got them back the second day, 36-35, honorable mention Erie/Prophetstown finished 15th.

Fithian Oakwood – the Comets started the tournament ranked No. 19, but beat two higher-ranked teams the second day. In the round of 16, they trailed Prairie Central, 33-11 with six matches remaining before ripping off three pins, a technical fall and a decision for a 37-37 tie, advancing with a 2-1 edge in technical falls. The Comets also beat Petersburg Porta, 46-33 to finish seventh.

Morrison – the Mustangs were the team story of the tournament, finishing the highest of any unranked team. Morrison went 7-2, beating top 25 schools Tremont, 42-33 to win its pool, Monticello, 45-36 to advance to the Gold pool and Fithian Oakwood, 48-30 the second day. They finished eighth with losses to LWS and Auburn.

Sacred Heart-Griffin – the unranked Crusaders went only 5-4, but all four losses were to top 25 teams – Sherrard and Seneca in pool competition and LWS and Prairie Central the second day. They rode their upper-weight trio of Mason Clem (182), Reece Edwards (195) and Jesiah Bradshaw (220) to wins over top 25 teams Robinson and Mount Carmel and two honorable mention teams to finish 11th.

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.”

By Gary Larsen

December 18, 2019

Existing among the ranks of the unranked can be advantageous for a wrestling team, but IC Catholic Prep coach Kevin Sliva knows his team’s days in that position might be numbered.

“I’d like us to keep flying under the radar,” Sliva said, “but I know that probably won’t continue if we’re winning tournaments.”

Sliva’s Knights had five individual champions and eight medalists at this year’s 19-team Plano Reaper Classic, winning the team title 180-163 over second-place G.C.-Melvin-Sibley.

Sandwich placed third, East Aurora was fourth, and Genoa-Kingston finished fifth at Plano.

IC’s five champions were made up of three sophomores and two freshmen, in possession of a maturity beyond their years.

“We all had the mindset that if we out-worked the other teams, we’d win the tournament,” Knights sophomore Nick Renteria said. “We’re all on the same mission, we have the same mindset, and we’re a family.”

Renteria was named the outstanding wrestler of the lower weights, after he beat three-time Class 1A state finalist and 2018 state champion Pauley Keane of Peotone, by 10-9 decision on the title mat at 126 pounds.

Renteria trailed 7-3 when he took Keane down twice to tie the score, and once more late in the third period to win the match.

Keane is ranked third in 1A at 126, and Renteria also beat sixth-ranked Cale Horsch of GCMS in their semifinal match via 10-6 decision. Renteria isn’t currently ranked, another fact that might soon be remedied.

“He defines ‘under the radar’,” Sliva said of Renteria. “I love to have kids that come in and develop the way he has. He’s a kid where the sky is the limit and he’ll only get better. I don’t think he ever had any sense of fear, not for one second, during the tournament.”

Renteria is also wrestling with a higher purpose this season. He is the cousin of former Oak Park and River Forest state champion Jason Renteria, whose father — Jason Renteria Sr. — recently lost his battle with cancer.

“He coached me since I was six years old and he’s a big inspiration to me,” Nick Renteria said. “He taught me that if you outwork other people, you can beat anyone. I’ve taken that into my mindset this year and everything I do this year is for him.”

The lone Knight ranked heading into the Plano tournament was sophomore Brandon Navarro, who won his title at 160 in four matches without giving up a single offensive point, capped by a 9-4 win over Phoenix Military Academy’s Jalyne Goree.

“I just wanted to score and keep scoring because that’s how I wrestle,” Navarro said. “(Goree) was hard to get out of position but at the end of the day, my conditioning is as good as anyone’s and I think that made the difference.”

Sliva applauded the two-day’s work Navarro put in at Plano.

“He’s super strong, incredibly skilled, and I don’t think there’s a move he doesn’t know,” Sliva said of Navarro. “And he’s never going to give up anything out there. He’s very hard to score on and has a strong mindset for someone his age.”

Also winning individual titles for IC were Saul Trejo (106), Michael DiBennedetto (113), and heavyweight Isaiah Gonzalez. Joe Scott (195) and Jadon Mims (220) each placed third, and Finn Barney (120) finished fifth for the Knights.

“I’m just really excited and happy for the whole team, and all of our champions really impressed me,” Sliva said. “I know they’re good but they just keep getting better. Each of the five of them are getting better every time they step out on the mat, and it’s amazing to me how much they’re improving, especially this early in the season.”

Second-place Gibson City had a pair of individual champions in Cole Maxey (132) and Payton Kean (195) among its eight medal-winners, with Kean winning 6-4 on the title mat against Sammy Dale of Sandwich.

Like many seniors, Kean has turned up the attacking heat in his final season as a high school wrestler, courtesy of a four-year varsity education on the mat.

“My eighth grade year I did pretty well but as a freshman, I got my butt whooped,” Kean said. “I think I saw the biggest change as a junior, when I did a ton of working out in the off-season and became more confident. I started to hit some things I wasn’t hitting before and now I’m confident now in taking just about anybody down.”

Gibson City coach Josh Carter confirmed Kean’s assessment.

“He definitely has gotten more aggressive on the mat,” Carter said. “He trusts himself and he’ll show up and give you everything he’s got.”

The senior Maxey posted a pair of tech fall wins before winning a 3-1 decision on the title mat at 132 against Braulio Flores of Sandwich.

“(Flores) was good,” Carter said. “Cole wrestled a smart match and didn’t do too much to get himself out of position. He hit an ankle pick in the second period and that was the difference in the match.

“Cole has matured a lot since his freshman year. He’s had growth on the mat as well, but it’s been his growth in terms of leadership and being a good teammate and that sort of thing that stands out.”

Carter also got a second-place finish from Andrew Ferguson (120) and thirds from Cale Horsch (126) and Kaden Gream (145) among Gibson City’s eight medalists.

“I feel like we got some good, solid kids and the goal is just to get better each time we get on the mats,” Carter said. “Cale bounced back from a tough loss and both he and Gream came back to win big matches for us.”

Like IC and Gibson City, third-place Sandwich sent eight wrestlers to the awards stand, spearheaded by the second-place finishes of Flores (132) and Dale (195). Sandwich also got thirds from Aidan Linden (138) and Jackson Murphy (170) among its core of eight medalists.

Remaining champions:

For a team that wasn’t close to fielding a full lineup, sixth-place Genoa-Kingston had a nice success ratio at Plano. The Cogs had three individual champions in Luke Bennett (138), Jesse Torres (145), and Erik Garcia (220), and Tristan Mangum reached the title mat at 182 for coach Chad Wilmarth.

“I thought it was great,” Wilmarth said. “We only brought eight kids and we’re young, with a lot of sophomores. So to take sixth and place right behind East Aurora, I was very happy with that and with how we wrestled from top to bottom.”

Bennett won an 8-3 decision on the title mat at 138 against Winnebago’s Hayden Faworski, while both Torres and Garcia won by fall in their title matches.

“Luke is one of the most talented kids on his feet but he’s a well-rounded wrestler,” Wilmarth said. “With guys like him it’s those little changes that make the difference in those big matches, and he made them.

“That’s the best I’ve seen (Garcia) wrestle. He wrestled smart, under control and he stayed focused. And Jesse is on a mission this year. He was second at Richmond-Burton wrestling up a weight and it was nice to see his mental approach at Plano, in terms of walking himself through his match and knowing what to do and when to do it.”

At 120 pounds, Yorkville Christian freshman Jackson Gillen seemed to pick up steam as Plano’s two-day tournament unfolded.

Gillen opened with a 4-3 decision win, then a 6-2 decision win before winning by fall in the semifinal round. Gillen capped his tournament with a fall on the title mat against Gibson City’s Andrew Ferguson.

The freshman Gillen has plenty of funk in his style and he’s working to become a complete wrestler.

“I’ve been funky the whole time I’ve wrestled so it’s always been there,” Gillen said. “This year I’ve been trying to shoot more and not be so defensive, but I know if I ever get into bad positions that I’ll be okay.”

Gillen had another chief quality that helped carry him to a Plano title.

“He’s got a huge gas tank,” Yorkville Christian coach Mike Vester said. “He can go three periods and look like he’s ready to go another match. He pushes the pace, keeps good positioning, and he’s able to weather the storm early.”

Peotone’s Sam Bierdon won a Plano title at 182 with a pin over Genoa-Kingston’s Mangum, and Jason Ramos of Kelly won the title at 152 with a pin over Somonauk’s Joey Rowan.

The outstanding wrestler of the upper weights at Plano was East Aurora’s Jaycee Gonzalez. Gonzalez posted two pins and a major decision at 170 before winning in sudden victory on the title mat against Winnebago’s Bryce Faworski.

Coach Frank Davidson has a top-flight chain wrestler on his hands in Gonzalez, a senior in his first season wrestling at East Aurora.

“We’re just excited to have hm,” Davidson said. “He’s a very confident kid and a good kid to be around.”

Faworski was awarded a late escape to send the title match into overtime. Gonzalez earned a takedown in the first overtime to win a 9-7 decision.

“He’s pretty well-rounded and he’s good on his feet,” Davidson said of Gonzalez.“I haven’t seen anyone hold him down yet, and he can pin people. He doesn’t lose composure and he’s just a very good chain wrestler.”