Feature Stories

By Mike Garofola for the IWCOA

IC Catholic Prep was considered a force in class 2A long before a trio of stars arrived through the transfer portal. But in the minds of those already there, and the new faces in the room, it was clear that coach Danny Alcocer was the missing piece of the Knights’ puzzle.

Alcocer was the head coach of a highly-successful program at 1A power Aurora Christian until the school closed its doors. That closing sent Deven Casey and Pat Mullen from Aurora Christian to the IC campus in Elmhurst. 

Then Brody Kelly made the move from Marmion Academy to give the Knights starting lineup even more of a boost.

“We are all very fortunate to have someone like (Alcocer) here,” senior Michael Calcagno said. “He brings so much knowledge and first-hand experience, and I can tell you the difference in our room from a year ago is amazing.”

Calcagno was one of 11 wrestlers who lifted regional championship trophies to help the Knights win their third regional title in program history. IC Prep overpowered the field in Arlington Heights at the Forest View Educational Center, which hosted this year’s 2A Wheeling Regional.

The Knights amassed 268.5 points – 107 more than second place Deerfield (161.5) followed by Wheeling with 158.5.

Fenton was fourth with 123.5, followed by Vernon Hills, Lake Forest, St. Viator, and Elmwood Park.

“I can tell you first-hand after being around coach Alcocer that we’re all very lucky to have him here at IC,” Casey said. “He will make this program even better than it was.”

IC senior Joe Gliatta agreed.

“We had a good staff here before, but I was really excited with coach (Alcocer) coming here, plus the other three guys who transferred,” Gliatta said. “We’re all working harder than ever before.”

Gliatta,  Foley and Calcagno are also key figures on the Knights football team.

IC Catholic will send 13 into the highly competitive Grayslake Central sectional; Deerfield and Wheeling are next with eight a piece. Fenton (5) and Vernon Hills and Lake Forest each advanced three.

Second-place Deerfield got an individual regional title from Luke Reddy (126), while Lake Forest’s Seth Digby (157) and Fenton’s Thomas Klos (285) were also regional champions.

Here’s a closer look at each weight class:

106- Dominic Pasquale, IC Catholic Prep

IC Catholic Prep was fast out of the blocks when freshman Dominic Pasquale (23-14) won a regional title after his 7-2 decision over Wheeling sophomore David Perez.

Both advance into the Grayslake Central sectional, as will Deerfield freshman Jorey Becker (21-15) who beat Quentin Rodriguez (Elmwood Park) in the third-place bout by a score of 15-9.

Perez would pin his way into the final, while Pasquale recorded a major decision victory to secure his spot in the final, where he won the first major title of his young career.

113- Kannon Judycki, IC Catholic Prep

Kannon Judycki (22-14) would follow Pasquale onto the top of the podium in fine fashion when he registered a pin at 3:50 over Wheeling freshman Frankie Katz in the 113-pound final.

The freshman Judycki, listed in the Honorable Mention section of the most recent state polls,

claimed his first major title after a fourth-place medal won at the CCL conference tournament two weeks ago.

Katz advanced after stunning Saint Viator’s top-seeded Elliot Heckard with a pin midway through the second period.

“I was looking for my duck-under but really worked my overhooks on his left side, so when there was an opening, I went for it,” said Katz, who came into the weekend at 105 pounds.

Charlie Biddle (27-16) from Deerfield beat Anthony Bigham (Fenton) 8-1 in the third place match to advance.

120- Deven Casey, IC Catholic Prep

With the addition of Deven Casey, IC Catholic Prep welcomed an instant state qualifier with a pair of third-place state medals to his name, and a desire to finish on top in his junior year.

“It’s been an easy transition here from (Aurora Christian), and to have our coach from there is great for me, and great for this program,” said Casey, now 27-4 following his pin at 2:22 over Adrian Cohen (33-9) from Deerfield.

The No. 2-rated Casey has his eyes squarely on the reigning state champion and No. 1-ranked Drew Davis of Glenwood  as this post-season moves closer to ending in Champaign.

“Davis beat me 3-2 in my state semifinal two years ago, so I want the chance to see him again at state, hopefully in the final. But I’m not looking past anyone from here on out,” Casey said.

Miguel Lopez (Wheeling) is a first time sectional qualifier thanks to his 12-10 decision over Vernon Hills sophomore Sabir Aliev.

126- Luke Reddy, Deerfield 

Deerfield senior Luke Reddy is one-half of the Warriors’ dynamic duo along with Jordan Rasof, and the No. 4 rated 126-pounder is using his two trips to Champaign to inspire a better result than before.

“(Twice) I’ve lost in the blood round at state. It was hard the first time, but really tough last season,” said Reddy, who lost to Daniel McGhee (Rock Island) 9-8 to dash his hopes for a state medal.

“I am much better on both my top and bottom, and I know with Jordan in the room and our coaching staff pushing me each day, things will be better for me at state,” said Reddy, now 38-2 on the season after his pin at 49 seconds over Max Katz from Wheeling gave him 20 on the season.

Reddy, a two-time regional champion, also won a sectional crown a year ago, ending his season at 34-10. Reddy currently sits with 132 career victories.

Joey Pontrelli will join his IC Catholic Prep teammates at sectionals after his 14-10 victory over Anthony Diaz (Vernon Hills) in the third place match.

132- Omar Samayoa, IC Catholic Prep

It was No. 7 versus No. 8 in the 132-pound final, and when it was over, IC Catholic’s No. 7 Omar Samayoa would further solidify his spot just above Deerfield’s No. 8 Jackson Palzet after his 11-7 victory.

“I’m just taking one match at a time this year, looking forward to sectionals, and not letting how things have gone for me in the past distract me at all,” says Samayoa, 24-14 overall.

“We have a real solid room, team and coaching staff, and even though I’ve made it to state my last three years without coming home with a state medal, it’s all about going out and just doing the best you can,” said Samayoa, who has Elmhurst University, Cornell (Iowa) and Wabash College among those schools he will consider for next year.

Wherever he lands, it will likely have him go the pre-med route with a career as an anesthesiologist.

Palzet, who missed time early on to an injury, is now a sparkling 18-3.

Rene Reyna (Fenton, 18-7) is headed to sectionals following his 11-4 victory over Alex Nesterenko of Wheeling on the third-place mat.

138- Bryson Spaulding, IC Catholic Prep

An early takedown typically sets the tone during an important wrestling match, but for Bryson Spaulding (28-10) it just meant the IC Catholic Prep senior needed to stay focused in order to get himself back on track.

After Deerfield’s No. 2-ranked Jordan Rasof (33-6) had the first takedown of their title match, No. 5-ranked Spaulding halved the lead with an escape, before going on to add points en route to a well-deserved 6-2 victory.

“He (Rasof) obviously was a very good opponent, but this was just another opponent and another wrestling match, and state rankings have never meant anything to me,” said Spaulding.

The Knights senior would endure a marathon semifinal match with Jack McGowean (23-5) that saw the Vernon Hills senior needing several injury time minutes in order to get himself back on the mat. The match ended in a 7-6 decision for Spaulding.

“It wasn’t my best effort of the season,” Spaulding said of his one-point win over McGowean.

“That extra long injury time was a factor for sure, but not an excuse. I hope (McGowean) is okay for sectionals,” added Spaulding, who continues to sort out his college destination while viewing a variety of areas of study from physical therapist to pilot.

A valiant effort from McGowean would later end in a positive way for the 2023 sectional qualifier as he won his third-place match with a pin over Austin Berger from Wheeling.

144- Pat Mullen, IC Catholic Prep

This weight class was top-heavy with talent, so it was no surprise that the No’s. 4- and 7- rated men would face each other in the final.

Both Pat Mullen (19-7) and Mark Martinez (25-2) from Deerfield easily cruised into the title match, but it was Mullen who prevailed in a hard fought 11-6 contest.

“It was an easy call to transfer here to IC for me after Aurora Christian closed, it’s a great small school, and our program staff room are all about keeping things highly competitive to help us stay confident in what we do,” Mullen said. “For me, I’m ready to get after it this season, and get onto the podium.”

His opponent in the final also made a move during the offseason – just over five miles to Deerfield after spending his first three years at nearby Highland Park.

“There is so much quality in our room beginning with our coaching staff, and the type of teammates that will challenge each other every time we come into the room,” said Martinez, 

who was a state qualifier a year ago with a 32-4 overall record.

Josh Dickeson (Fenton) advanced after his pin over Rocco Giuliani (St. Viator) in the third place match.

150- Brody Kelly, IC Catholic Prep

IC Prep sophomore Brody Kelly (27-6) was an easy winner at 150 pounds, using just under three minutes to dispatch a pair of rivals to draw closer to his second straight state appearance.

“It was tough coming over from a great program like Marmion, but we are so much closer to school from my home in Roselle, and I really like the room and our coaching staff here as well,” said Kelly, No. 3 in the state behind David Mayora (Montini) and Zach Montez (Geneseo) both of whom are two-time state qualifiers.

“I learned a lot from my first experience at state last year, and from dual-team state where we finished second behind St. Charles East, so from that and the extra work that I’ve been putting in, the plan is to make a run at a state title this year,” added Kelly.

Charlie Cross (Deerfield, 33-11) moves on after his 5-2 decision in the third place bout with Omar Diaz (22-7) of Fenton.

157- Seth Digby, Lake Forest

For some, two losses to the same opponent in two straight weeks might be enough to shake the very foundation of someone whose dream is to stand atop the podium in Champaign.

Not so for Lake Forest’s Seth Digby (35-2), who in just 80 seconds pinned both of his rivals to cruise to an easy victory at 157 and a well-deserved top four seed at sectionals.

“(Warren’s top-ranked) Aaron Stewart is a great wrestler but in my only two losses of the season – both to him – I learned a lot, and definitely closed the gap against him,” Digby said.

“This will be a very tough weight class at state, but I feel like I’m so much better-prepared than my last two times. The experience of competing in a big arena in front of a big crowd is something I’ll be ready for this time around.”

Digby hopes to major in marketing next year, with West Virginia, and NIU among the colleges he has shown an interest in attending.

Dylan Moncayo (Vernon Hills, 19-8) beat Luca Davila (Deerfield) for third place at 157.

165- Joe Gliatta, IC Catholic Prep

The 165-pound weight class featured a trio of marvelous wrestlers, two of whom moved up a weight class for the state series to join Upstate Eight Conference champion Jovany Zuniga (33-4) of Fenton.

IC Prep senior Joe Gliatta (34-6) proved to be too much for this terrific group when he pinned Zuniga in their semifinal match, then won by fall over Ilia Dvoriannikov (Vernon Hills, 26-5) to win his third major of the season.

“After last year’s disappointing finish at state where I lost in the wrestle-back quarterfinals, I made the commitment to put the extra time in during the offseason, and work on the areas that I needed to improve on,” admitted Gliatta, who is a three-time state qualifier and placed sixth at 145 in 1A two years ago.

Gliatta, who also plays for the Knights football team, was the No. 2 man in the state polls at 157 pounds before bumping up, while the aforementioned Dvoriannikov was fifth overall in the same division.

Zuniga went on to place third against Wheeling’s Miguel Guerrero.

175- Nate Brown, IC Catholic

IC Prep’s Nate Brown would get his feet wet during the two-day, high profile CCL tournament recently by winning his first match of the event before losing and then seeing his time end soon thereafter in the wrestle-backs.

His regional plight followed a different script. The Knights junior gave his club its ninth individual title on the day when he pinned Fenton senior Rulin Palacios (27-9) just twenty seconds before time ran out.

Brown opened with a pin, then sent Deerfield’s top-seeded Chris Mauer (30-15) out of the front draw with a 9-3 decision. Palacios upended No. 2-seeded Jonny Dominguez (16-14) to move into the 175-pound final.

Dominguez topped Mauer via 7-6 decision to earn third place at 175.

190- Foley Calcagno, IC Catholic Prep

Foley Calcagno (29-6) continued to validate his No. 2 state ranking when the IC Prep sophomore pinned his way to the 215-pound title.

Calcagno, sixth at 182 last year in 1A, pinned Phu Truong from St. Viator at 2:19 for the title, after needing just under 90 seconds to secure his place in the final.

“The most important thing that I worked on since the end of last season was my fitness,” Calcagno said. “It wasn’t anywhere near to what it needs to be in order to get myself ready for those tough six minute matches, and it will be the biggest thing for me if I want to be on top of the podium.” Calcagno sits just behind No. 1-ranked Andrew Marquez from Rock Island, the returning state runner-up in 2A at 195 pounds.

Calcagno, who is a fullback and linebacker for the Knights football team, recently finished third overall at the CCL Conference tournament.

Deerfield senior Kevin Sabau will compete at sectionals following his pin of Sebastian Wrobel (Fenton) in the third place match.

215 – Michael Calcagno, IC Catholic Prep

Two-sport star Michael Calcagno has been an immovable force all season long for head coach Danny Alcocer and the high-flying Knights from IC-Catholic Prep.

The No. 1 man at 215 pounds squashed a pair of opponents here on Saturday to win his fourth major tournament of the season. Calcagno (44-4) further solidified his determination to win a state title in Champaign.

“(Alcocer) has pushed us all to succeed,” Calcagno said. “He just drives us to be better, and the type of guys we have in the room will help us all during the state series.”

The 2022 1A state champion at 182 pounds was denied a chance to repeat last season after he suffered an ACL injury just after the fall football season, which saw the Knights win the 3A state football championship.

Calcagno is currently looking at North Carolina, Northwestern, and Penn as his new address in the fall. 

CSL champion Max Drumke (Deerfield, 36-8, 22 pins) earned his first sectional appearance with his 7-3 defeat of Ryan Hutchins (25-16) from St. Viator.

285- Thomas Klos, Fenton

Junior Thomas Klos (19-6) gave Fenton its lone individual title on the day when he needed just 47 seconds to record a pin over Pablo Morales (20-17) from Wheeling.

Klos, who recently finished second at the UE8 conference tournament, used just 60 seconds on the mat to secure his regional crown, and an automatic first-round bye at sectionals.

Jackson Ramos from IC-Catholic Prep made it 13 Knights on their way to the Grayslake Central sectional, following his 5-1 decision over Alexander Berry from Deerfield in the third place match.

Wheeling Regional championship match results:

106- Dominic Pasquale (IC-Catholic) D 7-2 David Perez (Wheeling).

113- Kannon Judycki (IC-Catholic) F 3:50 Frankie Katz (Wheeling).

120- Deven Casey (IC-Catholic) F 2:22 Adrian Cohen (Deerfield).

126- Luke Reddy (Deerfield) F 0:49 Max Katz (Wheeling).

132- Omar Samayoa (IC-Catholic) D 11-7 Jackson Palzet (Deerfield).

138- Bryson Spaulding (IC-Catholic) D 6-2 Jordan Rasof (Deerfield).

144- Pat Mullern (IC-Catholic) D 11-6 Mark Martinez (Deerfield).

150- Brody Kelly (IC-Catholic) F 1:37 Nicholas Montesinos (Wheeling).

157- Seth Digby (Lake Forest) F 0:26 John Scanlon (Wheeling).

165- Joe Gliatta (IC-Catholic) F 4:59 Ilia Dvoriannikov (Vernon Hills).

175- Nate Brown (IC-Catholic) F 5:50 Rulin Palacios (Fenton).

190- Foley Calcagno (IC-Catholic) F 2:19 Phu Truong (St. Viator).

215- Michael Calcagno (IC-Catholic) F 0:15 Yaree Sandifer (Lake Forest).

285- Thomas Klos (Fenton) F 0:47 Pablo Morales (Wheeling).

3rd place results:

106- Jorey Becker (Deerfield) D 15-9 Quentin Rodriguez (Elmwood Park).

113- Charlie Biddle (Lake Forest) D 8-1 Anthony Bigham (Fenton).

120- Miguel Lopez (Wheeling) D 12-10 Sabir Aliev (Vernon Hills).

126- Joey Pontrelli (IC-Catholic) D 14-10 Anthony Diaz (Vernon Hills).

132- Rene Reyna (Fenton) D 11-4 Alex Nesterenko (Wheeling).

138- Jack McGowean (Vernon Hills) F 5:56 Austin Berger (Wheeling).

144- Josh Dickeson (Fenton) F 1:16 Rocco Giuliani (St. Viator).

150- Charlie Cross (Deerfield) D 5-2 Omar Diaz (Fenton).

157- Dylan Moncayo (Vernon Hills) D 10-6 Luca Davila (Deerfield).

165- Jovanny Zuniga (Fenton) F 3:19 Miguel Guerrero (Wheeling).

175- Johnny Dominguez (Wheeling) D 7-6 Chris Mauer (Deerfield).

190- Kevin Sabau (Deerfield) F 1:34 Sebastian Wrobel (Fenton).

215- Max Drumke (Deerfield) D 7-3 Ryan Hutchins (St. Viator).

285- Jackson Ramos (IC-Catholic) D 5-1 Alexander Berry (Deerfield).

Team Results:

IC-Catholic Prep 268.5, Deerfield 161.5, Wheeling 158.5, Fenton 123.5, Vernon Hills 71.5, Lake Forest 54.5, St. Viator 47.0, Elmwood Park 8.0

By Dave Surico for the IWCOA

2A regionals that feed into the Sycamore individual sectional

2A Metamora Regional – team champion Washington

Washington rolled to the title with 264 points. Morton took the runnerup spot with 192 points. Dunlap (112), Metamora (86.5) and Limestone (62.5) filled out the top five.

The Panthers took their 10th regional-title in a row behind championships from seven grapplers: Noah Woods (120 pounds), Eli Gonzalez (126), Timmy Smith (132), Wyatt Medlin (138), Peyton Cox (144), Zane Hulet (175) and Josh Hoffer (190). Zed Hulet (106), J.J. Rokey (150), Cruise Brolley (157), Cael Miller (165) and Sean Thornton (285) posted second place finishes. Logan Makiney (113) and Wyatt Leman (215) won their third place bouts to give Washington top three finishes for all 14 of its combatants. the Panthers are in pursuit of their second-consecutive Class AA championship and sixth since the 2015-16 season.

Morton received titles from Noah Harris (106), Harrison Dea (113), Steven Marvin (150), Clayton McKee (157) and Benjamin Chaffer (215). Dunlap was represented in the winners’ circle by Nick Mueller.  

Jose DelToro was a champion for East Peoria at 285.

Championship matches

106 – Noah Harris (Morton) F 4:15 Zed Hulet (Washington)

113 – Harrison Dea (Morton) MD 9-1 Cooper Chester (East Peoria)

120 – Noah Woods (Washington) MD 20-8 Caleb Lenning (Morton)

126 – Eli Gonzalez (Washington) MD 11-0 Joshua Bousek (Richwoods)

132 – Timmy Smith (Washington) D 5-0 Caiden Robison (Morton)

138 – Wyatt Medlin (Washington) TF-1.5, 0:00, 25-7 Conner Graham (Metamora)

144 – Peyton Cox (Washington) TF-1.5, :00, 16-0 Grady Neal (Metamora)

150 – Steven Marvin (Morton) F :00 J.J. Rokey (Washington)

157 – Clayton Mckee (Morton) F :00 Cruise Brolley (Washington)

165 – Nick Mueller (Dunlap) M. forfeit Cael Miller (Washington)

175 – Zane Hulet (Washington) MD 9-0 Gabe Martinez (Richwoods)

190 – Josh Hoffer (Washington) F 3:13 Adam Sloan (Metamora)

215 – Benjamin Chaffer (Morton) D 9-2 Taylor Dixon (Limestone)

285 – Jose DelToro (East Peoria) D 4-0 Sean Thornton (Washington)

Third place matches

106 – Christian Johnson (Limestone) walkover

113 – Logan Makiney (Washington) F :00 Kaiden Capranica (Limestone)

120 – Zach Bumeter (Metamora) F :00 Devon Swope (Dunlap)

126 – Lincoln Yerby (Morton) F :00 Daniel Weidner (Dunlap)

132 – Rikyis Doss (Richwoods) MD 14-1 Tristan Mosack (Dunlap)

138 – Colton Mosack (Dunlap) MD 11-1 Carter Jones (Morton)

144 – Chris Walker (Peoria) F :00 Jack Maston (Dunlap)

150 – Gabe Hodges (Limestone) F :00 Jacob Allen (Dunlap)

157 – Jayden Schmick (Dunlap) D 10-8 Seth Shaw (Metamora)

165 – Colton Mckee (Morton) F :00 Dalton Oakman (East Peoria)

175 – Tyus Almasy (Morton) F :00 Bruce Ryder (Limestone)

190 – Joseph Weeks (Dunlap) D 3-2 Sargent Maubach (Peoria)

215 – Wyatt Leman (Washington) D 8-4 Alec DelToro (East Peoria)

285 – Ty Dykes (Metamora) F :00 Shaun Anderson (Richwoods)

Crystal Lake Central regional

Yorkville Christian’s three individual regional champions and eight sectional qualifiers earned the Mustangs their third straight team regional title.

Yorkville won 190-160 over host Crystal Lake Central, followed by Plano (110), Morris (103) and Prairie Ridge (97) to round out the top five finishes. Central (94), Crystal Lake South (91) and Kaneland (75) completed the eight-team field.

Yorkville Christian got regional titles from Aiden Larsen (113), Ty Edwards (132), and Robby Nelson (157), and a runner-up finish from Jackson Allen (175).

The Mustangs’ four third-place finishers were Tristan Gleason (126), Grason Johnson (138), John Isaac (150) and Garrett Tunnell (285).

Second-place Crystal Lake Central advanced six wrestlers to the sectional, led by regional champions Alessio Pezzella (150), Cayden Parks (190) and Tommy McNeil (215).

Third-place Plano had no regional champs but advanced seven wrestlers, led by second-placers Antoine Gilford (138), Caidan Ronning (150) and Prince Amakiri (190).

Fourth-place Morris got individual regional titles from Owen Slater (106) and Tyler Semlar (144).

Other individuals winning regional titles were Kaneland’s Kamron Scholl (120), Prairie Ridge’s Mikey Meade (126), Central’s Austin Lee (138) and Johan Chavez (165), and Crystal Lake South’s Caden Casimino (175) and Andy Burburija (285).

Championship matches:

106 – Owen Slater (Morris) D 1-0 Jackson Marlett (Burlington C)

113 – Aiden Larsen (Yorkville Chr.) D 5-0 Jake Lowitzki (Prairie Ridge)

120 – Kamron Scholl (Kaneland) med. fft. Brandon Anderson (Morris)

126 – Mikey Meade (Prairie Ridge) D 4-3 Alex Gochis (Kaneland)

132 – Ty Edwards (Yorkville Chr.) F 2:57 Doug Phillips (Burlington C)

138 – Austin Lee (Central) D 7-2 Antoine Gilford (Plano)

144 – Tyler Semlar (Morris) F 1:38 Brett Campagna (CL Central)

150 – Alessio Pezzella (CL Central) D 10-4 Caidan Ronning (Plano)

157 – Robby Nelson (Yorkville Chr.) F 2:55 Xander York (Prairie Ridge)

165 – Johan Chavez (Central) F 4:22 Tyler Porter (CL Central)

175 – Caden Casimino (CL South) F 1:41 Jackson Allen (Yorkville Chr.)

190 – Cayden Parks (CL Central) D 12-11 Prince Amakiri (Plano)

215 – Tommy McNeil (CL Central) D 8-2 John Fallaw (Prairie Ridge)

285 – Andy Burburija (CL South) med. fft. Walter Pollack (Prairie Ridge)

Third-place matches

106 – Shane Downs (Plano) F 1:16 Christopher Talbert (CL South)

113 – Brock Claypool (Morris) D 8-3 Dylan Ramsey (CL Central)

120 – Payton Ramsey (CL Central) D 9-3 Eli Foster (Yorkville Chr.)

126 – Tristan Gleason (Yorkville Chr.) F 5:15 Daniel Snow (CL Central)

132 – Carter Skoff (Morris) F 3:00 Juan Viveros (CL Central)

138 – Grason Johnson (Yorkville Chr.) D 10-4 Nick Zuehlke (CL Central)

144 – Trevion Gilford (Plano) D 6-3 Tiras Lombardo (Yorkville Chr.)

150 – John Isaac (Yorkville Chr.) F 3:48 Kyle Rogers (Kaneland)

157 – Luis Ballesteros (Plano) D 7-2 Tommy Tommasello (CL Central)

165 – Timmy Young (Plano) D 4-2 Caden Vanik (Kaneland)

175 – Apollo Gochis (Kaneland) D 6-2 Brandon Mancera (Burlington C)

190 – KC Brichta Bachar (CL South) F 2:29 Hayden Wheeler (Yorkville Chr.)

215 – Dominic Ariola (CL South) MD 11-3 Xander Oliver (Yorkville Chr.)

285 – Garrett Tunnell (Yorkville Chr.) F 1:20 Tyler Mast (Plano)

2A Rochelle Regional – team champion Rochelle

Rochelle got the job done at home with four champions and 190.5 points. Rockford East earned runnerup honors at 173. Sycamore (146), Woodstock (139) and Harvard (88) followed to fill out the top five.

The Hubs took the third regional title in school history and captured the first since back-to-back plaque-winning efforts in 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Freddie Hernandez (106) Xavier Villalobos (126), Grant Gensler (165) and Kaiden Morris (215) took titles for Rochelle. Deegan Schabacker (132), Brenden Voight (144) and Brock Metzger (190) received runnerup honors.

Keagan Albers (113), Tommy Tourdot (120) and Roman Villalobos (175) won third place honors.

Regional runnerup Rockford East was represented on the top step by undefeated Donald Cannon (132), Dana Wickson (144), Ty Smart (157) and Lee Smith (285).

Third place Sycamore saw championships from Michael Olson (113), Tyler Lockhart (120) and Jayden Dohogne (138).

Harvard boasted champions Daniel Rosas (150) and Blake Livdahl (175). Zach Canaday took the 190-pound title for Woodstock.

Championship matches

106 – Freddie Hernandez (Rochelle) D 7-2 Charlie Olson (Sycamore)

113 – Michael Olson (Sycamore) D 7-24 Reymundo Romo (Harvard)

120 – Tyler Lockhart (Sycamore) D 5-1 Joseph Young (Rockford East)

126 – Xavier Villalobos (Rochelle) TF-1.5, 5:44, 19-3 Taqi Baker (Woodstock)

132 – Donald Cannon (Rockford East) F 1:48 Deegan Schabacker (Rochelle)

138 – Jayden Dohogne (Sycamore) D 7-1 Daniel Bychowski (Woodstock)

144 – Dana Wickson (Rockford East) F 3:05 Brenden Voight (Rochelle)

150 – Daniel Rosas (Harvard) MD 11-1 Donavyn Fernandez (Freeport)

157 – Ty Smart (Rockford East) F :25 Maddox Olson (Freeport)

165 – Grant Gensler (Rochelle) 34-5, Jr. over Malachi Cannon (Rockford East)

175 – Blake Livdahl (Harvard) TB-1 7-6 Kaden Combs (Woodstock North)

190 – Zach Canaday (Woodstock) D 5-3 Brock Metzger (Rochelle)

215 – Kaiden Morris (Rochelle) MD 10-2 Gable Carrick (Sycamore)

285 – Lee Smith (Rockford East) F 3:45 Riley Vest (Harvard)

Third-place matches

106 – Dominic Osinski (Woodstock) F 1:22 Tyler Gentry (Rockford East)

113 – Keagan Albers (Rochelle) MD 10-0 Thomas Olson (Freeport)

120 – Tommy Tourdot (Rochelle) F 4:54 Owen Vail (Harvard)

126 – Thomas Lind (Sycamore) F 5:54 Lucas Nelson (Polo)

132 – Noah Carlson (Sycamore) SV-1 6-4 Landyn White (Woodstock)

138 – Chase Bremmer (Polo) F 1:50 Cameron Terronez (Rockford East)

144 – Dayvion Fernandez (Freeport) D 7-4 Gabe Sarnella (Woodstock)

150 – Draven Zier (Polo) 26-16 F 1:23 Ayden Dobler (Woodstock)

157 – Logan Wisner (Woodstock) F 3:28 Kaenyn McCarren (Polo)

165 – Adam Carrick (Sycamore) SV-1 18-14 Sajjad Abdulrazzaq (Freeport)

175 – Roman Villalobos (Rochelle) D 9-5 Cooper Bode (Sycamore)

190 – David Randecker (Woodstock North) F 3:49 Mekhi Byrd (Rockford East)

215 – Andrew Ryan (Woodstock) F 3:23 Orion Losiniecki (Rockford East)

285 – Everett Flannery (Woodstock) D 4-3 Sami Odeh (Freeport) 

2A Rock Island Regional – team champion Geneseo

Champion Geneseo squeaked past Dixon 186-184 to take its second-straight regional and 10th overall. The host school finished third, just 16 points off the winner. Galesburg (147) and Sterling (100) rounded out the top five.

The Maple Leafs won the day with championship pins from Malaki Jackson (144), Zachary Montez (150), Kye Weinzierl (157) and Brayden Franzen (285). Second place finishes came from Tim Sebastian (113), Devan Hornback (126), Grady Hull (132) and Izaac Gaines (138). Colten Mooney (215) earned the third step. Logan Palmer finished fourth at 190.

Runnerup Dixon claimed titles from Jayce Kastner (165) and Will Howell (215). Third place Rock Island led the tournament with five champions: Truth Vesey (113), Daniel McGhee (126), Antonio Parker (138), Amare Overton (175) and Andrew Marquez (190).

Galesburg saw Rocky Almendarez (120) and undefeated Gauge Shipp (132) win their weight classes. Nicholas Pollett won at 106 for Streator.

Championship matches

106 – Nicholas Pollett (Streator) F 4:54 Jack Ragan (Dixon)

113 – Truth Vesey (Rock Island) MD 12-3 Tim Sebastian (Geneseo)

120 – Rocky Almendarez (Galesburg) TF-1.5 5:51 16-0 Zyan Westbrook (Sterling)

126 – Daniel McGhee (Rock Island) D 10-5 Devan Hornback (Geneseo)

132 – UDGauge Shipp (Galesburg) TF-1.5, 6:00, 17-1 Grady Hull (Geneseo)

138 – Antonio Parker (Rock Island) D 7-5 Izaac Gaines (Geneseo)

144 – Malaki Jackson (Geneseo) F 2:26 Jayden Weidman (Dixon)

150 – Zachary Montez (Geneseo) F 3:19 Josiah Carter (Galesburg)

157 – Kye Weinzierl (Geneseo) MD 1202 Isaiah Mendoza (Sterling)

165 – Jayce Kastner (Dixon) MD 11-3 Gage Tate (Sterling)

175 – Amare Overton (Rock Island) F 2:45 Steven Kitzman (Dixon)

190 – Andrew Marquez (Rock Island) MD 18-6 Nick Makwala (Galesburg)

215 – Will Howell (Dixon) F 3:56 Oswaldo Navarro (Sterling)

285 – Brayden Franzen (Geneseo) F 1:54 Dylan Bopes (Dixon)

Third-place matches

106 – Maricio Parker (Rock Island) F 1:08 (LaSalle-Peru)

113 – Ivan Munoz (Ottawa) TF-1.5, 5:05, 16-0 Riley Parades (Dixon)

120 – Merrick Stockwell (Rock Island) F 1:10 Ayden Rowley (Dixon)

126 – Christian DeLaCruz (Galesburg) D 10-4 Jacob Renkes (Dixon)

132 – Wyatt Wheeler (Ottawa) F ):27 Temar Hudson (Rock Island)

138 – James Simpson (Dixon) F 1:27 Caleb Johnson (Galesburg)

144 – Elijah Venegas (Rock Island) SV-1 6-4 Malachi Snyder (Ottawa)

150 – Marek Duffy (Ottawa) F 2:27 Cade Hey (Dixon)

157 – Steven Goplin (Streator) F 4:28 Anthony Makwala (Galesburg)

165 – Nathan Maloy (Galesburg) F 1:56 Walter Haage (LaSalle-Peru)

175 – Wyatt Reding (Ottawa) D 5-4 Tatum Allen (Sterling)

190 – Zack Clevenger (Dixon) F :51 Logan Palmer (Geneseo)

215 – Colten Mooney (Geneseo) D 3-1 Aydan Radke (Streator)

285 – Larry Randolph (Galesburg) F :19 Charlie Reyes (Sterling)

2A regionals that feed into the Mahomet-Seymour individual sectional

2A Civic Memorial Regional – team champion Glenwood

Glenwood (232) outpaced host Civic Memorial (209) for its fourth-straight IHSA regional title. Triad placed third at 114.5 points. Jacksonville (113.5) and Rochester (107) rounded out the top five.

The champion Titans received titles from Tyler Clarke (106), undefeated Drew Davis (120), Bradley Dollus (132), John Ben Maduena (138) Anny Williams (144), Justin Hay (175) and Max Wiezorek (190). Elijah Smith (165) posted Glenwood’s only runnerup finish. Owen Ottino (126), Braxton Warren (157) and Cody Moss (215) captured their third place matches. Jaxon Ferguson finished fourth at 113.

Runnerup Civic Memorial celebrated titleists Avery Jamie (113), Bryce Griffin (157) and James Wojcikiewicz (165). Third place finisher Triad saw Colby Crouch (126) reach the top step.

Tyson Rakers (150, Highland) and Jacksonville’s Oliver Cooley (215) and Aiden Surratt (285) rounded out the champions.

Championship matches

106 – Tyler Clarke (Glenwood) D 6-2 Will Kelly (Triad)

113 – Avery Jamie (Civic Memorial) F 2:55 Shane Seip (Triad)

120 – Drew Davis (Glenwood) D 8-3 Bradley Ruckman (Civic Memorial)

126 – Colby Crouch (Triad) INJ :01 Caleb Scott (Civic Memorial)

132 – Bradley Dollus (Glenwood) F 1:41 Brody Smith (Triad)

138 – John Ben Maduena (Glenwood) TF 1.5, 5:03 16-0 Ben Baumgartner (Triad)

144 – Anny Williams (Glenwood) D 4-3 Nathen Herrin (Civic Memorial)

150 – Tyson Rakers (Highland) D 11-4 Joe Reif (Jacksonville)

157 – Bryce Griffin (Civic Memorial) F 1:18 Ethan Fordham (Rochester)

165 – James Wojcikiewicz (Civic Memorial) D 7-0 Elijah Smith (Glenwood)

175 – Justin Hay (Glenwood) D 6-2 Luke McCoy (Civic Memorial)

190 – Max Wiezorek (Glenwood) F 4:17 Ethan Greenwald (Highland)

215 – Oliver Cooley (Jacksonville) D 4-2 Ashton Zobrist (Highland)

285- Aiden Surratt (Jacksonville) D 5-1 Jake Herrin (Civic Memorial)

Third-place matches

106 – Pierce Bultmann (Rochester) D 7-0 Jayce Evans (Jacksonville)

113 – Conner Carroll (Rochester) F 5:16 Jaxon Ferguson (Glenwood)

120 – Deshawn Armstrong (Jacksonville) MD 13-4 Glen Henry (Triad)

126 – Owen Ottino (Glenwood) F 3:57 Dalton Balint (Highland)

132 – Josh Harkey (Civic Memorial) F 3:36 Nick Mrozowski (Rochester)

138 – Walker Quimby (Rochester) F :42 John Harper (Jacksonville)

144 – Drake Pfeiffer (Rochester) F 5:50 Trevor Tucker (Jersey)

150 – Anthony Michelon (Civic Memorial) MD 16-6 Nicholas Hartley (Jersey)

157 – Braxton Warren (Glenwood) F 3:56 Gavin Woolverton (Triad)

165 – Eric Anderson (Rochester) F 3:21 Kaleb Miller (Jacksonville)

175 – Thomas Mitchell (Highland) TF 1.5, 4:04; 15-0 Joeseph Tappel (Triad)

190 – Kevahn Flannigan (Civic Memorial) SV 1, F :00 Bobby Patterson (Triad)

215 – Cody Moss (Glenwood) F :23 Kale Hawk (Civic Memorial)

285 – Colton Kalka (Taylorville) D 7-3 Landon Busch (Triad)

2A Bloomington Regional – team champion Lincoln

Lincoln took the top honor with a 195.5-point day. Bloomington (164) took second on its home mat. Normal West (third with 146 points), Springfield (129) and Southeast (76.5) completed the top five.

The Railsplitters, who won their first IHSA regional since the 2019-20 season, received championships from Lakin Adams (138) and Jake Lawrence (144). The majority of the team points came from second place finishes from Braiden Barrish (106), Ethan Maynard (113), Cort Pentecost (120), Aiden Frye (157), Dawson McConnell (165) and Caleb Zirklebach (215). Karter Hild (126), Cam Bell (132), Ryne Metelko (150) and Logan Wachendorf (285) won third place matches. Paytan Bunner (190) finished fourth.

Bloomington got championship performances from Jaylen Sandy (106), Javier Enriquez-Lynd (126), Maddox Kirts (165), Kenner Bye (190), Chet Swank (215) and Stephen Carr (285).

Third place Normal West saw Dylan McGrew (113), Abram Rader (120),  Evan Willock (157) and Gus Schreiber (175) ascend to the top step.

Brayden McBride (132 pounds, Southeast) and Cody L. Stevens (150, Springfield) rounded out the championship roster.

Championship matches

106 – Jaylen Sandy (Bloomington) F 3:39 Braiden Barrish (Lincoln)

113 – Dylan McGrew (Normal West) F :38 Ethan Maynard (Lincoln)

120 – Abram Rader (Normal West) F 5:59 Cort Pentecost (Lincoln)

126 – Javier Enriquez-Lynd (Bloomington) F 3:22 Kayson Duffney (Eisenhower)

132 – Brayden McBride (Southeast) D 10-6 Mason Wood (Normal West)

138 – Lakin Adams (Lincoln) D 7-6 Gabriel Ruvalcaba (Springfield)

144 – Jake Lawrence (Lincoln) F 3:35 Bryce Bryant (Springfield)

150 – Cody L. Stevens (Springfield) D 10-3 Collin Lowery (Normal West)

157 – Evan Willock (Normal West) F :40 Aiden Frye (Lincoln)

165 – Maddox Kirts (Bloomington) MD 12-0 Dawson McConnell (Lincoln)

175 – Gus Schreiber (Normal West) F 2:26 Jaylen Crowder (Lanphier)

190 – Kenner Bye (Bloomington) D 5-0 Keyshaun Harris (Springfield)

215 – Chet Swank (Bloomington) MD 11-2 Caleb Zirklebach (Lincoln)

285 – Stephen Carr (Bloomington) F 2:46 Matt Hanold (Normal West)

Third-place matches

106 – Nicholas Waggoner (MacArthur) walkover

113 – Tyler Barlow (Bloomington) F :23 Jamarius Meyrick (MacArthur)

120 – Karson Beenenga (Southeast) F 3:54 Eli Taylor (Springfield)

126 – Karter Hild (Lincoln) 34-13 F 4:25 Tanilyn Reed (MacArthur)

132 – Cam Bell (Lincoln) F 5:06 Chace Majerus (Lanphier)

138 – Christopher Rose (Bloomington) F 2:15 Austin Schnitker (Lanphier)

144 – Logan Alvarez (Normal West) D 6-3 Surya Singh (Bloomington)

150 – Ryne Metelko (Lincoln) TF 1.5, 2:47, 15-0 Matthew Maggard (Lanphier)

157 – Anthony Steskal (Lanphier) F 3:41 Levi Biggs (Springfield)

165 – Trieontez Williams (Springfield) D 7-2 over LaTayvion Drew (MacArthur)

175 – Shamar Brownlee (Springfield) F 3:12 Dom Porter (Southeast)

190 – Chris Hull (Southeast) TF 1.5, 5:43, 27-12 Paytan Bunner (Lincoln)

215 – Gabe Lobmaster (Southeast) F 4:35 Ryan Taylor (Springfield)

285 – Logan Wachendorf (Lincoln) F 2:50 Armanze Lewis (Springfield)

2A Marion Regional – team champion Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon (156 points) made it back-to-back regional titles with the win at Marion. The host school filled the runnerup spot 12 points behind. Waterloo (135), Mascoutah (126.5) and Carbondale (110) completed the top five teams.

Dillon White (138), Maddux Randall (175), Mason Randall (190) and Jhymear Smith-Henson (215) captured titles for the Rams. Malakai Mays collected second place foints at 157. Jack Clark (113), Justin Hamilton (126), Gavin Pedigo (132); Sean Harrington (150) and Jesse Mills (285) garnered fourth place points.

Marion’s lone champion was Riddick Cook at 120.

Waterloo saw Matthew Deutch (106) and Bladen Sease (157) raise their arms in triumph.

Cahokia 113-pounder Nicholas Scott, Centralia 126-pounder Nate LeCrone, Carbondale’s 132- and 165-pounders Isaac Smith and Thomas Imboden, Mascoutah’s 144-pounder Brock Ross, and East St. Louis’ 150- Pierre Walton and 2805-pounders Mekhi McDowell also took home gold.

Championship matches

106 – Matthew Deutch (Waterloo) F :00 Brylan Guthrie (Centralia)

113- Nicholas Scott (Cahokia) D 8-7 Jkwon Williamson (Marion)

120 – Riddick Cook (Marion) F 2:48 Konnor Stephens (Waterloo)

126 – Nate LeCrone (Centralia) D 8-6 Ty Kinzinger (Waterloo)

132 – Isaac Smith (Carbondale) F :55 Demarious McGill (Cahokia)

138 – Dillon White (Mt. Vernon) F 1:52 Jordan Sonon-Hale (Mascoutah)

144 – Brock Ross (Mascoutah) F 1:51 Lonnez Smith (East St. Louis)

150 – Pierre Walton (East St. Louis) F 3:24 Caden Frey (Marion)

157 – Bladen Sease (Waterloo) MD 9-1 Malakai Mays (Mt. Vernon)

165 – Thomas Imboden (Carbondale) F 1:11 Tate Miller (Marion)

175 – Maddux Randall (Mt. Vernon) D 7-0 Jackson Deutch (Waterloo)

190 – Mason Randall (Mt. Vernon) D 3-2 Jaxson Mathenia (Waterloo)

215 – Jhymear Smith-Henson (Mt. Vernon) D 7-4 Quinterrous Jones (Cahokia)

285 – Mekhi McDowell (East St. Louis) F :57 Zane Williard (Carbondale)

Third-place matches

106 – Juelz Elliott (Marion) F 0:51 Orion Weisburg (Carbondale)

113 – William Toliver (Carbondale) 18-14, Jr. over Jack Clark (Mt. Vernon) 8-28, Fr. (Fall 4:58)

120 – Marcus Nobles (Mascoutah) D 11-6 Jamarcus Agnew (Cahokia)

126 – MacQuire Leck (Mascoutah) D 14-10 Justin Hamilton (Mt. Vernon)

132 – Jayden Wilkinson (Mascoutah) F 3:50 Gavin Pedigo (Mt. Vernon)

138 – Hunter Gibb (Marion) F 4:49 Anthony Winters (Cahokia)

144 – Jon Martin (Carbondale) D 7-0 over Marc Norris (Cahokia)

150 – Sean Murphy (Mascoutah) F 2:50 Sean Harrington (Mt. Vernon)

157 – Justin Murphy (Marion) F 1:15 John Sullivan (Mascoutah)

165 – Corey Robinson (East St. Louis) D 10-9 Tyler Messner (Mascoutah)

175 – Evan Francis (Marion) F :39 Connor Daly (Carbondale)

190 – Joseph Moore (Mascoutah) walkover

215 – Bryan Madinger (Marion) F :40 Kody Lyles (Mascoutah)

285 – Drew Glowacki (Waterloo) F 3:08 Jesse Mills (Mt. Vernon)

2A Mattoon Regional – team champion Mahomet-Seymour

Mahomet-Seymour squeaked by host Mattoon 211-208.5 to extend its IHSA regional streak to nine. Centennial took third with 133 points with Champaign Central (115) and Danville (73) in tow.

The Bulldogs boasted champions Lukas Altstetter (106), Gage Decker (157) and Brock VanDeveer (190). Talin Baker (113), Colton McClure (120), Corey Bell (132) and A.J. Demos (165) earned second place medals.

Third place matches were taken by Justus Vrona (126), Talon Decker (138), DeAndre Hughey (150), Cale Hillard (175) and Noah Daniels (215). Kaleb Collins (144) finshed fourth.

Mattoon led the meet in championship wins thanks to Tristan Porter (120), Vincent Gibson (126), Ben Capitosti (138), undefeated Korbin Bateman (144), Aidan Blackburn (150), Ean Freeman (165) and Mitchell Clapp (215).

Centennial got its championship from undefeated Jack Barnhart at 285.

Talin Baker (113 pounds, Champaign Central), Ty Rangel (132, Danville) and Phillip Shaw IV (175, Danville) joined the championship circle.

By Bobby Narang for the IWCOA

Marmion Academy didn’t mind the change in venue.

A year ago, the Cadets stormed to the Class 3A regional title on their home mats, pulling away from the competition with 279 points compared to 151 points for Batavia. On Saturday, at the Class 3A Glenbard West Regional, the Cadets followed a similar path by getting a number of outstanding performances, especially in the lower weights.

The Cadets captured six weight class titles to round out a memorable showing with a first-place tally of 212 points. Host Glenbard West finished in second place with 156 points, Batavia claimed third with 126 points, Downers Grove North got fourth with 122 points. 

Overall, Glenbard East placed fifth with 93 points, Lyons snagged sixth with 83 points, Wheaton Warrenville South ended in seventh with 46 points and Willowbrook earned ninth with 37.5 points.

In winning their 11th team regional title in program history, the Cadets showed their dominance from the outset of the finals. Logan Conover (106), Nicholas Garcia (113), Donny Pigoni (126), Zach Stewart (138), Joseph Favia (215) and Mateusz Nycz (285) all won individual regional titles.

With the top three placers from each weight class all advancing to next weekend’s Hinsdale Central Sectional, the Cadets picked up runnerup finishes from Ashton Hobson (144), Christian Favia (157) and Vincenzo Testa (175).

“All of the guys wrestled really hard,” Marmion coach Nathan Fitzenreider said. “We’ve been dealing with a lot of bumps and bruises and injuries, but all the guys are peaking at the just the right time. We’re looking forward to next week.”

Glenbard West rode titles from Tony Shadid (157) and Elliot Torres (150) to a runnerup finish in the team standings.

“Both are seniors,” Glenbard West coach Pat McCluskey said. “Both of them have worked hard in the room this year. For them to come out here today in their home gym is fantastic. They both gave a great effort and we expect them to keep working hard next week. They have both settled in nicely this year. This was a tough regional. The team did outstanding. We knew it was going to be tough to beat Marmion. We have nice guys going to sectionals, which is outstanding. We’ve kept building depth in our program and are building every week to be better.”

Batavia coach Ryan Farwell had six qualify for sectionals, including four regional champions. Imo Garcia (120), Jack Duraski (132), Aidan Huck (144) and Ben Brown (190) all won regional titles.

“The guys wrestled great and prepared for it, and we put six in the finals to have a chance to put somebody through to sectionals in the third-place match, so we feel pretty about about how we did in this tough regional,” Farwell said. “We had six guys in the finals. Imo Garcia capped off a strong day. Jack Duraski wrestled tough and Aidan Huck came back strong. It was a good match for Aidan. He deserved that win. It’s exciting to move into next week. We always try and push more through, but we’re happy with this. I’m really grateful for the coaching staff that I have. They are pushing these guys and are a great group.”

Other regional champions at Glenbard West were Lyons Township’s Gunnar Garelli (165) and Wheaton Warrenville South’s Sedeeq Al Obaidi (175).

3A Glenbard West Regional championship match results: 

106 – Logan Conover, Marmion

Logan Conover fell into an early hole in this title match on Saturday afternoon. Down 5-0 in the first period, Conover stayed poised and bounced back in his typical steady fashion. The freshman turned things around in the second period, pinning Glenbard East’s Waleed Binmahfooz to win the title at 106 pounds.

“The key for me was to keep my composure,” Conover said. “I knew I could wrestle back and told myself if he could get five points in the first, I could get five in the second. I was surprised a bit. All of a sudden, I was behind. I had never wrestled him before. I’m just trying to get momentum for state.”

Conover (27-13) said it’s been a whirlwind first season on the varsity.

“I kind of had confidence for this year,” he said. “I realized in my second match of the season at Lockport after winning a good match, that I can do anything.”

Glenbard West’s Aidan Ortega advanced to sectionals by pinning Downers Grove North’s Logan Luftus.

 113 – Nicholas Garcia, Marmion                                          

Marmion sophomore Nicholas Garcia expected a big showing on Saturday.

That’s because Garcia made a big showing as a freshman, riding a strong regular season to a Class 3A fourth place state showing at 106 pounds.

“I feel much better this year,” Garcia said. “I think I got a lot better in the summer. My pace is better and my attacks are better. Last year I was thinking about state. This year I’m thinking nationally-wise. Fourth at state last year wasn’t even what I wanted. I was looking to make the finals. This year I’m looking to go all the way. I’ve had some nagging injuries in my shoulders and chest, but other than that I’ve been pretty healthy.”

Garcia (38-7) took a big step toward his goal by notching a tech fall victory over Downers Grove North’s Tyler Tiancgo in the finals.

“I just tried to get to my offense, get as many takedowns as possible,” Garcia said.

Willowbrook’s Miteku Branch won his third-place match over Glenbard East’s Lorenz Rios via tech fall.

120 – Imo Garcia, Batavia

Senior Imo Garcia, of Batavia, took a few memories away from the Glenbard West Regional. Besides his first-place medal at 120 pounds, Garcia took a shot from an opponent to his face to leave a bloody cut.

Garcia (21-5) showed his experience with a thrilling 3-0 win over Lyons sophomore Griff Powell in the 120 final.

“It really was a tough one,” Garcia said. “I know him personally. He’s a good wrestler. I just had to keep up my shots and my pace. I couldn’t let him score because he would’ve capitalized. I haven’t wrestled him in a match, but I used to practice with him. I had to keep up my shots.”

Garcia, a two-time state qualifier, is aiming to top his sophomore achievement of placing fourth at state at 106 pounds.

“I lost a few matches that I’m not really proudest of,” Garcia said. “I didn’t think I wrestled my best in those losses. But I feel good now. I’m really pushing it in practice. My coaches and practice partners are really helping me out. I’m trying to make it all the way this year.”

Glenbard West’s Carson Prunty claimed a 7-0 decision over Marmion’s Adam Kopcio for third place.

126 – Donny Pigoni, Marmion

Marmion senior Donny Pigoni (26-11) came out strong in his finals match, riding the momentum from his earlier matches to a tech fall victory over Glenbard West’s Alejandro Aranda in the 126 final.

“I just wanted to work on some stuff, like outside carry a lot,” Pigoni said of his finals strategy. “I just tried to get to my offense as fast as possible.”

Pigoni, who has yet to commit to a college, said he’s aiming to avoid a repeat of his past two trips to the state tournament.

“I’m really motivated after losing in the blood rounds both times at state,” he said. “I don’t want to let that happen again. One of the big things for me is I was too closed off in my (state) matches, so I just have to open up.

“Everything has been going well for me. I’ve had some tough matches. I’ve been focusing on my offense more this year.”

Glenbard East sophomore Ismael Chaidez is finishing his season in a strong manner, earning a 12-0 major decision victory over Batavia’s Kyle Pasco in the third-place match.

132 – Jack Duraski, Batavia

Batavia junior Jack Duraski did everything required to win the 132-pound title match on Saturday.

Duraski and Glenbard West junior Ulises Rosas were locked in for a must-see match, which included several wrestlers lining up along the ropes to get a front-row view.

In the end, Duraski pulled out a 1-0 victory to win his weight class.

Or, he thought he did.

The announcer accidentally declared Rosas the winner, until quickly reversing and barking out the actual winner.

“I kept on trying to improve my position and just tried to show the ref that I kept on moving,” Duraski said. “My conditioning was everything. If you don’t have good conditioning, you don’t win a tight match like that one. I actually won a 1-0 (match) in Granite City this year. I just kept on pushing and wanted it more.”

Duraski (25-8) said he’s looking to avenge his blood round loss at sectionals in his sophomore season.

“I feel way better this year,” he said. “It’s been all about practice and getting runs in after practice and doing extra stuff.

Lyons junior Jack Kutchek defeated Downers Grove North’s Adian Cummings 9-5 win to snag the third-place medal.

138 – Zach Stewart, Marmion

Marmion sophomore Zach Stewart had a challenging and a long match in his finals’ bout against Downers Grove North’s Caden Chiarelli.

Stewart (24-7) had to endure three blood timeouts, watching trainers clean off the blood from Chiarelli’s nose. During the timeouts, Stewart walked around the mat, joked with his coaches and even watched Glenbard West’s Brennan Myra pin Wheaton Warrenville South’s Cooper Hollis for the third-place medal.

Stewart eventually made the most of his long wait, earning a technical fall victory over his opponent.

Even Stewart had a small cut on his right shoulder.

“That (match) was too long,” Stewart said. “It’s frustrating when people keep bleeding. At first, in the finals, I wanted to put him away as quick as possible. When I realized I couldn’t pin him, I just kept taking him down.”

Last season, Stewart had a “pretty good year” before losing at 120 pounds in the state blood rounds.

“Last year I learned not to cut as much weight as I did,” Stewart said. “That put me at risk for injuries. Confidence is a not a problem for me. I have to keep doing what I’m doing, and it will work and pay off.”

Glenbard West sophomore Brennan Myra closed out a strong weekend by pinning Wheaton Warrenville South senior Cooper Hollis in the third-place match.

144 – Aidan Huck, Batavia

Batavia senior Aidan Huck was motivated for a rematch with Marmion’s Ashton Hobson. Huck said Hobson beat him by one point three weeks ago, causing him to reevaluate a few things.

Huck got his wish to face Hobson, recording a tough 6-4 decision in the 144-pound final at Glenbard West for the regional championship.

“I wrestled him prior about three weeks ago, so during that whole match I got out of position a little bit and wasn’t very disciplined,” Huck said. “Throughout the next three weeks, I worked on just staying in position the entire time. I knew he was good at taking shots from distance. This feels good. It will definitely help going into sectionals.”

Huck said he’s looking for a three-peat by making state again. He wrestled at 113 in his sophomore year and at 126 last season.

“It’s a lot different being a captain and being there for my team as a senior,” Huck said. “I think I have little bit more confidence, which is a big thing.”

The third-place match featured Downers Grove North’s Owen Kelly pulling out a 5-1 win over Glenbard West’s Brandon Watson.

150 – Elliot Torres, Glenbard West

After a few disappointing endings, Glenbard West senior Elliot Torres (31-3) was looking to change his story in regionals. Wrestling at his home gymnasium was a big confidence booster for Torres, who pinned Batavia’s Dylan Wells in the second period to claim a regional title.

“My (finals) went pretty good,” Torres said. “I got to my double, the same thing I’ve been hitting all year. Got to my cradle and locked it up, set the guy. That was my match. I was just wrestling and didn’t stop.

Torres said it was the first time placing at regionals for him. He sat out regionals last season due to a sickness and a “weight cutting problem.”

As a sophomore, Torres didn’t make it out of regionals. As a freshman, he also lost both of matches, saying he had “0-2 barbecue.”

“I had a really hard bracket and wrestled some really good kids,” Torres said of his showing last season. “I had a rough day, but now I’m turning it around. I’ve worked hard in the room. I have wrestled better and would like to keep getting better. I’m excited for next week.”

Marmion freshman Grayson Garcia defeated Downers Grove North’s Antonio Manzo for the third-place medal.

157 – Tony Shadid, Glenbard West

If a medal was handed out for the most energetic or enthusiastic regional champion, Glenbard West senior Tony Shadid would win the award. After pinning Marmion’s Christian Favia in the first period to win his first career regional championship, Shadid was a ball of energy following his victory.

He slapped hands with anyone in sight, hugged a few teammates and coaches and sported an ear-to-ear smile.

“Consistency was the key for me,” Shadid said. “Throughout the year, we’ve worked with our mental health and staying strong. I stayed consistent for my match and go a hundred percent. It’s amazing. It feels so great to drive through (my opponents). I’ve been working all year for this, so I’m not surprised.

“This feels great. I’m ready and going to go downstate. I’ve been building my consistency and stamina. I feel I did that today. I’m looking forward to harder competition next weekend.”

Shadid (23-11) said he’s motivated to make his first trip to state.

“It feels great, especially following my friend (Elliot),” Shadid said. “Everything played out perfect, just the way I planned. I’m building my consistency and for the third round getting better.”

Lyons junior Mickey Ahrens posted a 7-3 win over Downers Grove North’s Liam O’Sullivan for third place.

 165 – Gunnar Garelli, Lyons

Lyons senior Gunnar Garelli made a small but not impactful mistake on Saturday. Seconds after his triumphant 4-3 decision over Glenbard West’s Collin Carrigan in the 165-pound title match, Garelli darted toward the field house exit. One of the desk workers tried in vain to get Garelli to come to the scorer’s table.

Regardless, Garelli, a Virginia Tech recruit, made a big splash on the mat to improve to 42-1 on the season.

“After the match, I was excited,” Garelli said. “I lost to (Carrigan) two weeks ago, so it was all about that. I had to make a few adjustments, watching out for his lead attack and working on how to defend it. I was satisfied with my performance. I have to keep improving. This just sets me up. It’s a good confidence builder for next week. I have to keep improving. The next two weeks are critical.”

Garelli, who placed fourth at 160 last season to become Lyons’ first all-stater since 2017, said his mindset is different this season.

“I think I’m just going out there and am more relaxed and not in my own head as much,” he said. “I’m wrestling relaxed, cool, calm and collected and thinking about this is a sport. It’s supposed to be fun. I have college wrestling. I’m just having fun. This is my last year.”

Downers Grove South’s Jack Lasota finished his third-place match rather quickly, pinning Marmion’s Anthony Haddad in the first period.

175 – Sedeeq Al Obaidi, Wheaton Warrenville South

A powerful and quiet wrestler, Sedeeq Al Obaidi can be an imposing figure.

His potential is evident on the mat and he’s starting to showcase that potential late in the season.

On Saturday, after the host Hilltoppers claimed the previous two weight class titles, Al Obaidi notched the Tigers’ lone championship with a medical default win over Marmion’s Vincenzo Testa.

Even well after his victory, Al Obaidi (35-2) remained focused on his goals.

“I felt pretty good about the match, but he obviously got hurt,” Al Obaidi said. “This is my second time winning regionals, but this is not the main tournament. I’m trying to get ready for the state tournament. This is just one step to that.”

A one-time state qualifier in his junior season, Al Obaidi (35-2) said he’s moving in the right direction.

“From this weekend, I learned to moving my feet more and my hands more and more action,” he said. “I have to stick to my game plan, move my hands and feet and get to my leg attacks.”

On the third-place mat, Willowbrook senior Noah Brockie pinned Downers Grove North senior Ryder Nicholson.

190 – Ben Brown, Batavia

Batavia’s Ben Brown is having a memorable senior season.

During the football season, Brown was all over the field from his linebacker spot. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder was a key member of the defense, helping the Bulldogs reach the Class 8A state championship game. He racked up 115 tackles and earned the Defensive MVP in the DuKane Conference.

His wrestling season has been just as successful.

Brown dominated in the regular season, capturing titles at 2023 Russ Erb Invitational, the Red Schmitt Tournament and the Clint Arlis Invite on his home mat.

He added the 190-pound Glenbard West Regional title to his resume on Saturday. And wrestling is not even Brown’s best sport.  Brown (29-0) remained undefeated on the season, closing out his bracket with an impressive 2-1 victory over Glenbard West’s Sasha Boulton.

“I want to keep this momentum rolling into next week,” Brown said. “I’ve put in a lot of work. (Sasha) was a good wrestler. He was a strong kid. It was a burner. I knew it was going to be a good match. This is a good feeling coming here and getting a win.”

Brown said he’s focused on enjoying his final wrestling season, not burdened my expectations or pressures that might weigh him down.

“I’ve never even qualified for state,” Brown said. “I’ve put in a lot of work, as a dual-sport athlete. That’s always a cool thing coming off the transition from football. It feels great to get after it. This is it for me. I’ve been wrestling about 10 years. It’s a weird feeling because I’m always looking to the offseason. I’m just excited for these final moments with my teammates. I just have to go, and can’t be scared. I have to be fierce in everything I do.”

A few feet away, on the third-place mat, Glenbard East’s Blake Salvino notched a major decision victory over Downers Grove North’s Jaden Lewis.

215 – Joseph Favia, Marmion

Marmion sophomore Joseph Favia is rapidly becoming a wrestler to watch in Chicagoland – and the state.

He earned a regional title by pinning Batavia’s Asher Sheldon in the second period. Also a football player, the hulking Favia (31-6) said he’s been wrestling for 11 years.

“The key to me (today) was my strength and agility,” Favia said. “I’m quick and can still move. In finals, I knew I would dominate that match going in. My team was on my side. Last year I made it to sectionals, but my first match I sprained my ankle and was out and had to wrestle fresh/soph at 190. I knew I should’ve been on the (varsity) podium at state last year. This is my time to get it back.”

Glenbard East Gus Winkler won the third-place match by pinning Wheaton Warrenville South’s Mason Monce.

285 – Mateusz Nycz, Marmion

Marmion junior Mateusz Nycz is easy to find at a wrestling venue.

At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Nycz is often the tallest and biggest wrestler at most meets.

Now, he’s also among the best wrestlers at most meets.

He provided an example of his talent on Saturday, closing out the regional by pinning Lyons senior Sam Costello in the second period in the 285-pound title match.

Nycz (25-18) ended a highly productive day for the Cadets with a strong effort.

“I’ve been working on my offense a lot, trying to develop more throws and upper body stuff,” Nycz said. “I was scared of that at the beginning of the season, so that really helped me today.”

Since picking up the sport at “10 or 11 years old”, Nycz admitted he’s progressing at a good rate in wrestling.

“Football is my main sport,” he said. “But I think this is a good confidence builder, get some good matches to go into sectionals.”

Class 3A Glenbard West Regional championship match results

106 – Logan Conover (Marmion) F 3:15 Waleed Binmahfooz (Glenbard East)

113 – Nicholas Garcia (Marmion) TF-1.5 3:35 (25-10) Tyler Tiancgo (Downers Grove North)

120 – Ino Garcia (Batavia) 3-0 D Griff Powell (Lyons)

126 – Donny Pigoni (Marmion) TF-1.5 4:15 (18-2) Alejandro Aranda (Glenbard West)

132 – Jack Duraski (Batavia) 1-0 D Ulises Rosas (Glenbard West)

138 – Zach Stewart (Marmion) TF-1.5 5:29 (20-5) Caden Chiarelli (Downers Grove North)

144 – Aidan Huck (Batavia) 6-4 D Ashton Hobson (Marmion)

150 – Elliot Torries (Glenbard West) F 2:53 Dylan Wells (Batavia)

157 – Tony Shadid (Glenbard West) F 1:18 Christian Favia (Marmion)

165 – Gunnar Garelli (Lyons) 4-3 D Collin Carrigan (Glenbard West)

175 – Sedeeq Al Obaidi (Wheaton Warrenville South) MF  Vincenzo Testa (Marmion)

190 – Ben Brown (Batavia) 2-1 D Sasha Boulton (Glenbard West)

215 – Joseph Favia (Marmion)  F 2:36 Asher Sheldon (Batavia)

285 – Mateusz Nycz (Marmion) F 3:40 Sam Costello (Lyons)

3rd-place matches (top three wrestlers in each weight advance to the individual sectional)

106 – Aidan Ortega (Glenbard W) F 1:34 Logan Luftus (DG North)

113 – Miteku Branch (Willowbrook) TF 5:59 Lorenz Rios Loud (Glenbard E)

120 – Carson Prunty (Glenbard W) D 7-0 Adam Kopcio (Marmion)

126 – Ismael Chaidez (Glenbard E) MD 12-0 Kyle Pasco (Batavia)

132 – Jack Kutchek (Lyons) D 9-5 Aidan Cummings (DG North)

138 – Brennan Myra (Glenbard W) F 3:02 Cooper Hollis (WW South)

144 – Owen Kelly (DG North) D 5-1 Brandon Watson (Glenbard W)

Regionals that feed into the 3A Barrington Individual Sectional

3A Glenbrook South Regional – team champion Prospect

Prospect led from start-to-finish to claim its fifth-straight regional title on Saturday inside the Titans Dome at host Glenbrook South.

The Knights advanced into the Hononegah dual-team sectional on Feb. 20 to face No. 11 Libertyville.

Led by No. 1 Jaxon Penovich (190) the Knights outscored second place Fremd 175.5-168.5. Glenbrook South (128.5) finished third.

Loyola Academy (127) and Rolling Meadows (89.5) would round out the top five on the leaderboard.

Penovich (39-3) will lead a tourney high nine of his teammates into the Barrington sectional, including individual champs Giorgio DiFalco (138), Connor Munn (165) and Michael Matuszak at 175.

Three-time regional champ and the No. 3 man at 144, Evan Gosz will have seven of his mates at sectionals, including Drew Fifield (126) and Ryan Muslimovic (157), both regional champs.

Glenbrook South sends seven to sectionals, led by the 132-pound champ Max Brown.

Loyola Academy’s No. 1 Kai Calcutt claimed his second straight regional title, while teammates James Hemmila (106), Gavin Pardilla (120) and Joey Herbert (285) also won regional titles.

Glenbrook North’s Ayann Rizwan (113) and New Trier senior Tagg Miller (150) also won regional titles.

Glenbrook South Regional championship match results:

106- James Hemmila (Loyola Academy) F Ermunn Urtnasan (Glenbrook South).

113- Ayann Rizwan (Glenbrook North) F 0:50 Trent Odachowski (Fremd).

120- Gavin Pardilla (Loyola Academy) TF 2:56 (17-0) Trent Toro (Niles North).

126- Drew Fifield (Fremd) TF 5:33 (19-3) Michael Shick (Glenbrook South).

132- Max Brown (Glenbrook South) F 0:33 Benji Escalante (Rolling Meadows).

138- Giorgio DiFalco (Prospect) D 6-0 Chase McCluskey (Fremd).

144- Evan Gosz (Fremd) F 3:10 Andrew Haritos (Glenbrook South).

150- Tagg Miller (New Trier) D 6-5 Joseph Quirk (Prospect).

157- Ryan Muslimovic (Fremd) MD 16-3 Henry Downing (Glenbrook South).

165- Connor Munn (Prospect) F 3:24 Peter Mondus (Fremd).

175- Michael Matuszek (Prospect) F 1:34 John (Jack) Rappa (Rolling Meadows).

190- Jaxon Penovich (Prospect) TF 5:02 (23-8) Quinn Herbert (Loyola Academy).

215- Kai Calcutt (Loyola Academy) F 0:55 Ahmad Musa (Niles North).

285- Joey Herbert (Loyola Academy) F 2:42 Owen Jakubczak (Fremd).

3rd Place results

106- Jayden Garcia (Rolling Meadows) 6-4 SV-1 Ayden Castillo (Fremd).

113- Diego Arteaga (Glenbrook South) D 8-4 Quentin Williams (Loyola Academy).

120- Emilio Arteaga (Glenbrook South) F 3:51 Matthew Miralles (New Trier).

126- Karol Kosciarz (Prospect) F 2:30 Jack Chaing (New Trier).

132- Kacper Kosciarz (Prospect) D 7-0 Jovan Gongora (Fremd).

138- Isai Brindis (Rolling Meadows) D 6-2 Aiden Fladeland (Glenbrook North).

144- Bennett Westfallen (Prospect) MD 9-0 Micah Eickbush (New Trier).

150- Oliver Quiros (Niles North) F 2:48 Ilan Ruderman (Glenbrook North).

157- Yassin Aitzemjour (New Trier) F 1:53 Josh Rappa (Rolling Meadows).

165- Shane Onixt (Glenbrook North) F 1:50 Julian Slaastad (New Trier).

175- Bailey Corneliuson (New Trier) D 10-6 Kieran O’Sullivan (Glenbrook North).

190- Nick Labbe (Rolling Meadows) F 2:48 Shiloh Martinez (Niles North).

215- Brock Clay (Prospect) TF 5:32 (19-3) Eladio Castillo (Rolling Meadows).

285- Cray Paich (Glenbrook North) F 3:47 Brendan Gomez (Glenbrook South).

3A Huntley Regional – team champion Hononegah

No. 9 Hononegah cruised into its own dual-team sectional where it will face No. 10 Hersey in three weeks after out-scoring runner-up Huntley (249.5-193) and seven other teams, including third-place Hampshire (140).

Belvidere North (121) was fourth, followed by Jacobs (105) and its NIC-10 rivals Harlem, Guilford, Auburn and Jefferson.

Hononegah celebrated eight individual champs including twin brothers Rocco (106) and Bruno Cassioppi (113), in addition to Thomas Silva (132), Max Haskins (150) freshman phenom Brody Sendele (157) ,Connor Diemel (165), Kurt Smith (175), and Isaak Smith (215), who led a group of 12 into sectionals.

Fox Valley Conference champion Huntley (23-5) claimed a pair of regional titles on its home mats in Vlad Maluhin (144) and 2023 state qualifier Markos Mihalopoulos (285).

Huntley will send 10 to sectionals, while third-place Hampshire advanced six of its own including Carter Hintz, the 190-pound champ.

Belvidere North earned a pair of regional crowns from Bryson Teunissen (126) and Dominic Girardin (138).

Jacobs new head coach Ryan Horcher, fourth at state in 2008 at Dundee-Crown, celebrated a championship at 120 with Ben Arbotante, one of six Eagles who will go on to sectionals.

Huntley Regional championship match results:

106- Rocco Cassioppi (Hononegah) F 4:00 Kristian DeClerq (Jacobs).

113- Bruno Cassioppi (Hononegah) F 1:45 Justin Lewis (Harlem).

120- Ben Arbotante (Jacobs) D 11-4 Jackson Olson (Hononegah).

126- Bryson Teunissen (Belvidere North) F 3:28 Alexander Gutierrez (Huntley).

132- Thomas Silva (Honenegah) TF 2:36 (20-3) Gavin Nischke (Huntley).

138- Dominick Girardin (Belvidere North) F 2:38 Logan Campbell (Hampshire).

144- Vlad Maluhin (Huntley) D 7-1 Max Aranki (Hononegah).

150- Max Haskins (Hononegah) F 1:53 Andrew Bucci (Belvidere North).

157- Brody Sendele (Hononegah) TF 4:24 (21-6) Radic Dvorak (Huntley).

165- Connor Diemel (Honenegah) F 2:15 Daniel Mendez (Jacobs).

175- Kurt Smith (Hononegah) MD 15-7 Aidan Rowels (Hampshire).

190- Carter Hinz (Hampshire) F 5:58 Karlondo Dubois (Jefferson).

215- Isaak Smith (Hononegah) D 8-1 Zander Martinez (Belvidere North).

285- Markos Mihalopoulos (Huntley) F 3:01 Rocco Sauer (Jacobs).

3rd Place results:

106- Colin Abordo (Huntley) D 14-9 Dominic Angileri (Guilford).

113- Cameron Abordo (Huntley) F 3:16 Lou Jensen (Hampshire).

120- Andrew Salmieri (Hampshire) F 0:25 Julian Gutierrez (Huntley).

126- Evan Musil (Hononegah) D 6-4 Matthew Muller (Hampshire).

132- Antuan Barfield (Jacobs) D 8-2 Izayah Olejniczak (Harlem).

138- Robert Darling (Hononegah) MD 11-3 Ethan Hagerman (Harlem).

144- Nicolas Alvarez (Belvidere North) D 14-12 Xzavier Lindhe (Guilford).

150- Shane McGuire (Huntley) D 6-0 Casey Lechuga (Jacobs).

157- Michael Brannigan (Hampshire) F 0:48 Landon VanAcker (Belvidere North).

165- Alex Napientek (Huntley) D 9-4 Aric Abbott (Hampshire).

175- Johnathan Strauss (Jacobs) D 8-6 Juan Cervantes (Belvidere North).

190- Wyatt Theobald (Huntley) F 5:36 Joshua Nabors (Auburn).

215- Chandler Jack (Harlem) F 5:47 Dylan Cherry (Huntley).

285- Joey Ochoa (Hampshire) F 3:46 Manny Pizano (Belvidere North).

3A Libertyville regional – team champion Libertyville

North Suburban Conference powers Libertyville and Warren were at it again on Saturday with the stakes even higher than they were two weeks ago, when Warren edged Libertyville to win the coveted top prize at the Lake County Invite.

This time, however, the Wildcats would see their way through to the regional title in their home gym by 14 points, winning 200.5-186.5 over Warren. Mundelein (126.5) finished third, McHenry (119.5) was fourth, followed by Grant (110.5) and Round Lake (94.5). Zion-Benton and Waukegan rounded out the field.

.

Libertyville will meet Prospect on Tuesday, February 20 in a dual-team sectional semifinal at Hononegah.

Libertyville claimed five individual champions in Luke Berktold (120), Will Carney (144), and its dynamic trio of No. 2 Matt Kubas (175), Caleb Baczek (190) and No. 3 Owen McGrory (215) to lead 10 Wildcats heading to sectionals.

Runner-up Warren advanced nine which includes No. 2 Caleb Noble (106), No. 1 Aaron Stewart (157), and sophomore Royce Lopez (165).

Other regional champions at Libertyville were McHenry’s Ryan Hanson (113) and Pedro Jimenez (150), Grant’s Erik Rodriguez (132), Mundelein’s Ethan Banda (138) and the Round Lake pair of Grayson Kongkaeow (126) and William Cole (285).

Libertyville Regional championship match results:

106- Caleb Noble (Warren) F 1:17 Jake Shafer (Libertyville).

113- Ryan Hanson (McHenry) D 5-2 Jonathan Marquez (Warren).

120- Luke Berktold (Libertyville) MD 11-3 Alejandro Cordova (Round Lake).

126- Grayson Kongkaeow (Round Lake) F 2:18 James Liu (Libertyville).

132- Erik Rodriguez (Grant) D 9-7 Orion Moran (Libertyville).

138- Ethan Banda (Mundelein) F 2:58 Antonio Kelly (Libertyville).

144- Will Carney (Libertyville) F 5:28 Adrian Khi (Grant).

150- Pedro Jimenez (McHenry) F 3:15 Kevin Hernandez (Mundelein).

157- Aaron Stewart (Warren) F 1:03 Ethan Thomas (Mundelein).

165- Royce Lopez (Warren) F 5:57 Aiden Fischer (McHenry).

175- Matt Kubas (Libertyville) MD 20-8 Justice Humphreys (Warren).

190- Caleb Baczek (Libertyville) F 1:30 Jeremija Hixson (Warren).

215- Owen McGrory (Libertyville) D 3-1 Anthony Soto (Warren).

285- William Cole (Round Lake) F 3:28 Abisai Hernandez (Mundelein).

3rd Place results:

106- Carter Hutchinson (Grant) F 5:13 Christian Saucedo (Mundelein).

113- Vince Jasinski (Grant) MD 13-0 Tyler Wuh (Libertyville).

120- Carlos Ordonez (Warren) F 1:04 Kyran Gebert (Grant).

126- Myles Wagner (McHenry) D 9-8 Evan Glowinski (Warren).

132- Luis Medina (Zion-Benton) F 1:29 Emilio Chavarria (Round Lake).

138- Marshawn Washington (Round Lake) D 6-3 Sammy Mendez (Grant).

144- Jeff Schwab (McHenry) F 2:58 Simon Castillo (Warren).

150- Nicolas Hermsen (Warren) INJ 4:29 Edgar Gomez (Round Lake).

157- Aiden Schuldt (McHenry) F 4:00 James Scanio (Libertyville).

165- Charlie Clark (Libertyville) D 5-3 Gael Diaz (Mundelein).

175- Macson Rastrelli (Mundelein) F 2:29 Aaden Arroyo (Grant).

190- Francisco Yilmaz (Zion-Benton) F 4:25 Lamero Ceaser (Waukegan).

215- Celso Cabrera (Mundelein) F 4:54 Matthew Longabaugh (Grant).

285- Jesse Saavedra (McHenry) F 3:53 Ivan Martinez (Waukegan)

3A Stevenson Regional – team champion Hersey

Barrington won the first of two important postseason contests, but MSL rival Hersey came back to collect the bigger prize on Saturday, breaking open a close race to claim its second straight regional crown.

The two sides were close to each other until midway through the final round, when No. 11 Hersey began to put too many points on the board for Barrington to overcome en route to a final total of 243.

The Broncos were next at 204.5, followed closely by host Stevenson (185.5) which put up a great fight in Lincolnshire before being closed out by the front-runners.

With four sectional qualifiers, Dundee-Crown (104.5) was fourth, while Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park and Lake Zurich rounded out the field.

Hersey will face No. 9 Hononegah in its dual-team sectional Feb. 20.

Hersey claimed six individual championships from Anthony Orozco-Diaz (113), Abdullokh Khakimov (126), Maksim Mukhamedaliyev (132) Rodrigo Arceo (138), Jake Hanson (144) and Anthony Cambria at 190.

This group will be joined by nine others at the Barrington sectional, while Barrington sends 11 and Stevenson ten.

Barrington’s freshmen duo of Kaleb Pratt (106) and Ryan Dorn (120) are regional champs, as is No. 3 Rhenzo Augusto (150) and Silas Oberholtzer at 157.

A big crowd of Stevenson fans would inspire both Themba Sitshela (175) and heavyweight Andrew Timmons, who beat top-seeded Clarence Jackson of Barrington in his final.

Buffalo Grove senior Cadon Watson (215) and Highland Park senior Dmitry Derbedyenyev (165) also won regional titles.

Stevenson Regional championship match results:

106- Kaleb Pratt (Barrington) D 8-3 Evan Mishels (Stevenson).

113- Anthony Orozco-Diaz (Hersey) F 3:21 Ayush Bajaj (Stevenson).

120- Ryan Dorn (Barrington) D 12-5 Esteban Delgado (Hersey).

126- Abdullokh Khakimov (Hersey) D 8-1 Jimmy Whitaker (Barrington).

132- Maksim Mukhamedaliyev (Hersey) MD 10-1 Daniel Blanke (Barrington).

138- Rodrigo Arceo (Hersey) D 10-8 Andrew Chamkin (Stevenson).

144- Jake Hanson (Hersey) D 15-11 Val Vihrov (Stevenson).

150- Rhenzo Augusto (Barrington) MD 18-7 Frank Tagoe (Hersey).

157- Silas Oberholtzer (Barrington) D 8-1 Tim Boldt (Hersey).

165- Dmitry Derbedyenyev (Highland Park) D 1-0 Jose Gavina (Dundee-Crown).

175- Themba Sitshela (Stevenson) F 1:28 Trey Widlowski III (Palatine).

190- Anthony Cambria (Hersey) D 7-4 Ayden Salley (Barrington).

215- Cadon Watson (Buffalo Grove) F 3:13 Teigen Moreno (Dundee-Crown).

285- Andrew Timmons (Stevenson) F 0:27 Clarence Jackson (Barrington).

3rd Place results

106- Aiden Healey (Dundee-Crown) F 0:41 Alex Gudgeon (Highland Park).

113- Saul Ramirez (Barrington) F 0:53 Diego Bueno (Palatine).

120- Mikey Polyakov (Stevenson) F 4:48 Christian Gerardo (Dundee-Crown).

126- Yash Jagtap (Stevenson) D 7-3 Chris Gerardo (Dundee-Crown).

132- Shawn Kogan (Stevenson) F 2:21 Vinnie Velasquez (Dundee-Crown).

138- Brennan O’Donnell (Barrington) D 8-5 Maxwell Turner (Buffalo Grove).

144- Brady Wright (Barrington) F 3:58 Nate Ferrari (Highland Park).

150- Alan Allende (Palatine) TF 4:38 (17-2) Daniel Gutierrez (Dundee-Crown).

157- Devitt Narens (Stevenson) D 10-8 Adrian Lopez (Buffalo Grove).

165- Alex Garza (Hersey) D 7-3 Xavier Catanzaro (Lake Zurich).

175- Leo Delgado (Hersey) F 1:06 Eli Moore (Highland Park).

190- Zach Anderson (Dundee-Crown) D 8-6 Esteban Suarez (Palatine).

215- Nick Larsen (Hersey) D 7-2 Anthony Escobar (Stevenson).

285- Gus Dammann (Hersey) F 2:59 John Saracco (Buffalo Grove).

Regionals that feed into the 3A Conant Individual Sectional

3A Maine South Regional – team champion Maine South

Host Maine South continued its winning ways by lifting its sixth consecutive regional title Saturday afternoon in Park Ridge to advance into the Addison Trail dual-team sectional, where the Hawks will face No. 1 St. Charles East.

Led by No. 1 Teddy Flores (120) the Hawks advanced 11 to the Conant sectional. Also winning regional titles for Maine South were Brett Harman (113), Luke Morrison (132), Jake Colleran (138) Gavin Hoerr (144) and Luke Gloetzner (150).

Maine South would finish with 243.5 overall points, followed by Elk Grove (179) and third place Evanston at (159).

Maine East (96) and Taft (84) were next, with Taft sophomore Bernardo Roque (106) winning a regional title. Maine West (64), Mather (43) and Niles West (39) would fill out the final three teams.

Elk Grove sends seven to sectionals, including champs Grant Madl (126), Logan Tosterud (165), Benny Schlosser (175), Dylan Berkowitz (190) and No. 9 Mikey Milovich (285).

Evanston has seven heading to sectionals, led by 157-pound champ Rodrigo Salinas.

Maine South Regional championship match results:

106- Bernardo Roque (Taft) F 2:00 George Georgiev (Maine South).

113- Brett Harman (Maine South) F 2:27 Miguel Guevara (Taft).

120- Teddy Flores (Maine South) F 1:24 David Ruiz (Taft).

126- Grant Madl (Elk Grove) F 1:50 Jack Handley Maine South).

132- Luke Morrison (Maine South) F 1:56 Eren Atac (Evanston).

138- Jake Colleran (Maine South) F 3:27 Bryan Lemus (Evanston).

144- Gavin Hoerr (Maine South) INJ 0:14 Manny Holloway (Evanston).

150- Luke Gloetzner (Maine South) F 2:27 Dylan Kroschel (Maine West).

157- Rodrigo Salinas (Evanston) F 4:45 Anthony Macina (Elk Grove).

165- Logan Tosterud (Elk Grove) F 2:16 Peter Greco (Maine West).

175- Benny Schlosser (Elk Grove) F 1:56 Evan Rioch (Maine South).

190- Mo Burt (Elk Grove) MD 13-2 Josh Marty (Evanston).

215- Dylan Berkowitz (Elk Grove) D 4-0 Leo McDonald (Maine South).

285- Mikey Milovich (Elk Grove) F 2:42 Tyler Fortis (Maine South).

3rd Place results:

106- Hesham Ghiasuddin (Niles West) F 3:46 Nicholas Biglari (Evanston).

113- Charles-evi Seri (Mather) F 0: 52 Andy Edwards (Evanston).

120- Luca Burgio (Maine West) D 11-10 Harper Papachristos (Evanston).

126- Logan Battersby (Maine West) D 3-2 John Moor (Maine East).

132- Dulguun Nyamdavaa (Maine East) F 1:18 Nicasio Acino (Elk Grove).

138- Mukhammadali Mametov (Maine East) F 4:40 Adrian Junco (Taft).

144- Ali Mohammed (Maine East) D 7-1 Matt DiMaria (Elk Grove).

150- Julian Lopez (Mather) F 3:44 Henry Parris (Evanston).

157- Ivan Gonzalez (Niles West) D 7-0 Tim Kato (Maine East).

165- Xavier Starks (Evanston) MD 8-0 Aidan Swenson (Maine South).

175- Peter Mestousis (Niles West) D 7-3 Esmat Abdalla (Evanston).

190- Adnan Shkeir (Maine East) F 4:43 Tommy Behzad (Maine South).

215- Christopher Osta (Taft) F 0:49 Edgar Torres (Maine East).

285- Jeremy Marshall (Evanston) F 5:22 Victor Nitchev (Maine East).

3A South Elgin Regional – team champion Schaumburg

Schaumburg claimed just a pair of champions but used seven second-place medal winners to overwhelm the field and win its second consecutive regional title. Schaumburg won 200-157.5 over second-place South Elgin and Conant (151.5) finished third.

Next up for Schaumburg is a date with Oak Park-and-River Forest at the Addison Trail dual-team sectional later this month.

The Saxons advanced a tourney high 11 to sectional, which includes champions Aidan Ploski (126) and Callen Kirchner (144), who is now a two-time regional champ.

South Elgin led all teams with four individual champs, including returning state qualifier Demetrios Carrera (120), who beat Schaumburg’s No. 2 Brady Phelps by a 3-2 decision.

Joining Carrera from South Elgin were two-time regional champion Leo Rosas (150), Julius Avendano (106) and Kosta Carrera (165). This group will be joined by five others at sectionals.

Third place Conant would treat their fans to a trio of champions in Mike Goolish (113), Tanner Cosgrove (157) and 2023 state qualifier and two-time regional champion Harley Stary (285).

The Cougars will send a total of eight into sectionals next weekend.

Lake Park fell short in its bid for a third-place finish with 142.0 points, with Streamwood (64.0), Hoffman Estates (58.5), Larkin (41.0) and Elgin (39.0) rounding out the next five.

Lake Park is sending six to the Conant sectional, led by regional champs Mathias Ewouso (215) and Vince Merola (138).

Elgin’s Fabian Ramirez (190) is now a two-time regional champion, while Hoffman Estates’ Alazar Eyob (132) and Streamwood junior Gabe Inorio (175) each winning their first regional titles.

South Elgin Regional championship match results:

106- Julius Avendano (South Elgin) F 2:32 Austin Phelps (Schaumburg).

113- Mike Goolish (Conant) F 1:13 Bryce Mensik (Lake Park).

120- Demetrios Carrera (South Elgin) D 3-2 Brady Phelps (Schaumburg).

126- Aidan Ploski (Schaumburg) D 5-4 Nick Merola (Lake Park).

132- Alazar Eyob (Hoffman Estates) D 9-6 Aamir Nieves-Allen (South Elgin).

138- Vince Merola (Lake Park) D 5-2 Rocco Fontela (Schaumburg).

144- Callen Kirchner (Schaumburg) F Juan Cortes (Streamwood).

150- Leo Rosas (South Elgin) F 1:17 Gavin Hinkle (Schaumburg).

157- Tanner Cosgrove (Conant) MD 12-4 Kolin Little (Schaumburg).

165- Kosta Carrera (South Elgin) F 3:19 Keegan Creighton (Schaumburg).

175- Gabe Inorio (Streamwood) F 1:45 Elias O’Neill (Lake Park).

190- Fabian Ramirez (Elgin) F 1:30 Jace Wolf (Streamwood).

215- Mathias Ewouso (Lake Park) F 3:29 Joey Cronin (South Elgin).

285- Harley Stary (Conant) F 2:32 Cesar Alvarez-Cuatepitizi (Schaumburg).

3rd Place results:

106- Emmett Arens (Conant) TF-1.5 (17-0) Mann Patel (Hoffman Estates).

113- Bryan Sanchez (Schaumburg) F 5:47 Gabriel Requena (Larkin).

120- Luis Flores (Conant) MD 9-0 Jayden Edgar (Elgin).

126- Caden Spizzirri (Conant) F 0:00 Tengis Vaanchigkhorol (Hoffman Estates).

132- Sergio Hernandez (Lake Park) MD 12-4 Matt Goolish.

138- No Match.

144- Victor Chevganov (Conant) D 13-10 Bela Mohapp (Lake Park).

150- Chase Hoffstetter (Lake Park) F 1:12 Christian Heishman (Conant).

157- Oscar Sroka (South Elgin) TF-1.5 (18-3) Noah Rodriguez (Streamwood).

165- Jackson Spizzirri (Conant) D 9-5 Kevin Ayala (Lake Park).

175- Michael Cwenar (South Elgin) D 8-5 Josh Benson (Schaumburg).

190- Jimmy Zinchuk (Schaumburg) D 6-1 Joshua Castillo (Larkin).

215- Abdulhamid Olowu (Hoffman Estates) TF-1-5 (19-3) Reili Carreto (Larkin).

285- Heze Garcia (South Elgin) F 1:38 Kevin Suarez (Elgin).

3A DeKalb Regional – team champion St. Charles East

Last year’s 3A team state champion took its first step towards another potential state crown, winning the team regional title 260-191 over second-place host DeKalb. Glenbard North (151.5) was third, followed by Wheaton North (111) and Geneva (74.5) in the top five. West Chicago (56), St. Charles North (45.5) and Bartlett (37) rounded out the field.

It was St. Charles East’s eighth team regional title in program history.

Leading the way for coach Jason Potter’s 12 sectional qualifiers were regional champions Dom Munaretto (113), Ben Davino (132), Tyler Guerra (138), Jayden Colon (144), Gavin Connolly (150), Brody Murray (175), and Matt Medina (285).

Placing second for the Saints were Liam Aye (120), Gavin Woodmancy (126), Anthony Gutierrez (165), and Cooper Murray (190). Brandon Swartz (215) also placed third to advance for St. Charles East.

Second-place DeKalb advanced eight wrestlers to the sectionals, led by regional champions Jacob Luce (165) and Lamar Bradley (215). Third-place Glenbard North had six sectional qualifiers, led by champions Kalani Khiev (120), Christian Chavez (126) and Tyler Ott (190).

Fourth-place Wheaton North advanced six wrestlers to the sectional and had the remaining individual regional champions in Rocco Macellaio (106) and Thomas Fulton (157).

DeKalb Regional individual championship match results:

106 – Rocco Macellaio (Wheaton N) D 8-2 Declan Sons (SC North)

113 – Dom Munaretto (SC East) D 9-5 Dominick Marre (Glenbard N)

120 – Kalani Khiev (Glenbard N) D 4-0 Liam Aye (SC East)

126 – Christian Chavez (Glenbard N) MD 9-1 Gavin Woodmancy (SC East)

132 – Ben Davino (SC East) F 0:39 David Hyde (Wheaton N)

138 – Tyler Guerra (SC East) F 1:52 Hudson Ikens (DeKalb)

144 – Jayden Colon (SC East) MD 10-1 Mekhi Cave (DeKalb)

150 – Gavin Connolly (SC East) D 5-0 Rylan Kradle (Glenbard N)

157 – Thomas Fulton (Wheaton N) D 3-1 Payton Marzen (Geneva)

165 – Jacob Luce (DeKalb) D 6-2 Anthony Gutierrez (SC East)

175 – Brody Murray (SC East) D6-4 Sean Kolkebeck (DeKalb)

2A regionals that feed into the Grayslake Central individual sectional

2A Antioch Regional – team champion Wauconda

Long-time Northern Lake County Conference rivals went at it once again with No. 4 Wauconda (245.0) roaring past Grayslake Central (166.5) and Antioch (145.0) to win its second consecutive regional crown and fourth team regional title in program history per the IHSA website.

Wauconda will send all 14 of its men to the Grayslake Central sectional, and then on to its own dual-team sectional on Feb, 20, where top-ranked Montini Catholic, No. 2 IC Catholic Prep, and Notre Dame.

The Bulldogs would finish either first or second on this day with Cooper Daun (138), Logan Andrews (144), Cole Porten (150), Nick Cheshier (157) and Michael Merevick (190) all regional champions.

Second-place Grayslake Central had a trio of individual champs led by the No. 1 duo of Vince DeMarco (106, 38-6) and Matty Jens (34-1) at 175 pounds and Tyler Weidman (126, 35-3) now a three-time champ. The Rams will send six to their own sectional, with third place Antioch advancing seven.

Antioch regional champs were: Gavin Hanrahan (120), Edgar Albino (132), Ben Vazquez (165) and Owen Shea at 215.

Other individual champions were both from Cary-Grove: Hunter Lenz (120) and heavyweight Lucas Burton.

2A Antioch regional championship results:

106 – Vince DeMarco (Grayslake C) D 5-2 Gavin Rockey (Wauconda)

113 – Hunter Lenz (Cary-Grove) F 1:19 Nicholas Ruiz (Wauconda)

120 – Gavin Hanrahan (Antioch) D 7-2 Lucas Galdine (Wauconda)

126 – Tyler Weidman (Grayslake C) F 2:51 Nathan Randle (Wauconda)

132 – Edgar Albino (Antioch) MD 11-3 Brian Hart (Wauconda) 

138 -Cooper Daun (Wauconda) D 7-3 Chase Nobiling (Antioch)

144 – Logan Andrews (Wauconda) D 5-3 Antonio Hinojosa (Carmel)

150 – Cole Porten (Wauconda) D 8-2 Noah Pechotta (Cary-Grove)

157 – Nicholas Chesier (Wauconda) F 1:47 Jacob DeLeon (Grayslake C)

165 – Ben Vazquez (Antioch) D 5-3 Zachary Johnson (Wauconda)

175 – Matty Jens (Grayslake C) F 1:02 Luke Bennett (Cary-Grove)

190 – Michael Merevick (Wauconda) F 3:06 Colin Arquilla (Antioch)

215 – Owen Shea (Antioch) F 5:00 Brody Rudolph (Wauconda)

285 – Lucas Burton (Cary-Grove) F 2:55 Caleb Apodaca (Wauconda)

Third-place matches (top three in each weight class advance to sectional):

106 – Jacob Smith (Antioch) F 1:30 Jayden Rudnicki (Lakes)

113 – Kyle Christophersen (Grayslake C) F 1:24 Braiden Beau (Lakes)

120 – Krish Sahu (Grayslake C) D 7-1 Peter Hayden (Cary-Grove)

126 – Matthew Lucansky (Carmel) MD 13-0 Ignacio Santander (Cary-Grove)

132 – Liam Halloran (Grayslake C) D 6-0 Jacob Hampton (Cary-Grove)

138 – Alex Asllani (Carmel) SV-1 7-5 Aidan Eisenberg (Grayslake C)

144 – Owen Anderson (Grayslake N) F 3:46 Dominic Cabuyadao (Antioch)

150 – Jacob Ronsman (Grayslake N) D 7-0 Warren Nash (Grayslake C)

157 – Kacper Nalezny (Grayslake N) D 9-7 Marcus Macias (Antioch)

165 – Gavin Cafferkey (Grayslake N) F 1:57 Colin Koehl (Grayslake C)

175 – Christian Cendejaz (Wauconda) D 5-1 Luis Arreola (Carmel)

190 – Kyle Jarecki (Cary-Grove) D 7-4 Julian Ramos (Lakes)

215 – David Williams (Grayslake N) D 4-1 Jaxen Pratt (Grayslake C)

285 – Anthony Metzel (Grayslake N) F 1:01 Jesus Castaneda (Grayslake C)

2A Notre Dame Regional – team champion Notre Dame

The East Suburban Catholic Conference duo of Notre Dame and St. Patrick would battle each other for the regional title – and in the end, it was Notre Dame who won by a big margin to claim victory.
It was the 10th overall team regional title for Notre Dame.

Notre Dame, who earlier dropped a 37-34 dual meet contest to long-time league rival St. Patrick, earned 250 points, 47 more than the Shamrocks (203).

Third place went to DePaul College Prep (175) with Schurz, Senn, Amundsen, Ridgewood, and Lake View far off the pace.

Notre Dame, which advanced all 14 to the Grayslake Central sectional, earned one half-dozen individual titles beginning with Ray Long (106), and John Sheehy (113), before dominating the upper weights as Deniz Ozturk (165), Jim Amatore (190), Jack Malenock (215) and heavyweight Scott Cook all won individual regional crowns.

The Shamrocks advanced ten, including champions Olin Walker (132), Niko Karamaniolas (144), Van Grasser (157) and Devin Nichol (175).

DePaul College Prep will have ten at sectionals, including Johnny Cunningham (120), Nabiel Rosario (126), Drew Gerstung (138) who all won regional titles.

Senn senior Maxwell Nevinger (29-1) was also a regional champion at 150.

2A Notre Dame regional championship match results:

106 – Ray Long (Notre Dame) D 10-6 Daniel Goodwin (St. Patrick)

113 – John Sheehy (Notre Dame) F 1:32 Islam Khater (Ridgewood)

120 – Johnny Cunningham (DePaul) D 3-2 John Greifelt (Notre Dame)

126 – Nabiel Rosario (DePaul) MD 15-4 Patrick Hulne (St. Patrick)

132 – Olin Walker (St. Patrick) F 5:41 Max Rosen (DePaul)

138 – Drew Gerstung (DePaul) F 1:47 Lennon Ojeda (Senn)

144 – Nikolas Karamaniolas (St. Patrick) F 4:00 Tim Bridges (Notre Dame)

150 – Maxwell Nevinger (Senn) MD 21-8 Donovan Walsh (Notre Dame)

157 – Van Grasser (St. Patrick) F 1:28 Matthew Brendel (DePaul)

165 – Deniz Ozturk (Notre Dame) D 9-4 Michael Macias (Schurz)

175 – Devin Nichol (St. Patrick) D 6-0 Adrian Zepeda (Amundsen)

190 – Jim Amatore (Notre Dame) D 5-3 Jack Clancy (St. Patrick)

215 – Jack Malenock (Notre Dame) F 1:26 Kaid Perkins (Lake View)

285 – Scott Cook (Notre Dame) med. fft. Carlos Rios (DePaul)

Third-place results (top three in each weight advance to the sectional):

106 – Matthew Nguyen (Amundsen) D 8-2 Dimitri Dobre (DePaul)

113 – Oliver Chapman (DePaul) MD 10-0 Jack Koenig (St. Patrick)

120 – Calvin Stahl (St. Patrick) F 1:23 Mohamad Khater (Ridgewood)

126 – James Frugoli (Notre Dame) F 5:49 Stefano Esquivel (Schurz)

132 – Alex Singto (Notre Dame) — BYE

138 – Carson Colbenson (Notre Dame) F 2:35 Giovani Irizarry (St. Patrick)

144 – Hugh Costello (DePaul) F 3:43 Andrew Delgado (Schurz)

150 – Sebastian Bruno (St. Patrick) F 1:05 Alexis Molina (Schurz)

157 – Dean Lazaris (Notre Dame) F 1:28 Aidan Neal (Lake View)

165 – Aidan Hernandez (St. Patrick) F 2:45 Elias Lerner (DePaul)

175 – Sean Adams (Notre Dame) F 1:07 Oscar Lazaro (Schurz)

190 – Alex Drees (DePaul) D 13-12 Sphere Eckhart (Amundsen)

215 – Hunter Wahtola (DePaul) D 6-3 Aiden Gomez (St. Patrick)

285 – Kevin Ta (Ridgewood) D 3-0 Salvador Espinoza (St. Patrick)

St. Ignatius regional – team champion Montini Catholic

Ten regional champions ought to do the trick.

In its resurgent year as one of Illinois’ top programs under coach Mike Bukovsky, Montini Catholic won the team title at this year’s St. Ignatius 2A regional in dominant fashion.
It was Montini’s 18th team regional title in program history.

Bukovsky sent 13 wrestlers to the regional title mat and the Broncos finished with 10 individual champions, three runners-up, and a third-place finisher to advance all 14 wrestlers to next week’s 2A individual sectional meet at Grayslake Central.

Winning regional titles for Montini were Allen Woo (106), Mikey Malizzio (113), Isaac Mayora (120), Josh Vazquez (126), Kam Luif (132), Jeremy Huf (138), David Mayora (150), Harrison Konder (157), Santino Tenuta (165), and Mick Ranquist (285).

Placing second for the Broncos were David Hernandez (144), AJ Tack (175) and Jaxon Lane (190), and taking third was Gavin Ericson (215).

St. Ignatius had a pair of regional champions in Nate Sanchez (144) and Melson Ngassa (215), and Fenwick also had two champions in Patrick Gilboy (175) and Jack Paris (190).

2A St. Ignatius Regional championship match results:

106 – Allen Woo (Montini) F 0;53 Jim Higgins (St. Ignatius)

113 – Mikey Malizzio (Montini) TF 4:26 Alex Villanueva (St. Ignatius)

120 – Isaac Mayora (Montini) F 4:00 CJ Brown (Fenwick)

126 – Josh Vazquez (Montini) F 1:26 Colton Huff (St. Ignatius)

132 – Kam Luif (Montini) F 1:17 Travon Strickland (Westinghouse)

138 – Jeremy Huf (Montini) F 0:31Luca Capuano (Chicago (St. Ignatius)

144 – Nate Sanchez (St. Ignatius) F 1:36 David Hernandez (Montini)

150 – David Mayora (Montini) F 1:36 Eiam Staples (Fenwick)

157 – Harrison Konder (Montini) F 1:02 Sebastian Cuadros (St. Ignatius)

165 – Santino Tenuta (Montini) F 1:19 Charlie Howell (St. Ignatius)

175 – Patrick Gilboy (Fenwick) D 8-4 AJ Tack (Montini)

190 – Jack Paris (Fenwick) F 1:36 Jaxon Lane (Montini)

215 – Melson Ngassa (St. Ignatius) F 0:54 Luke Dalise (Fenwick)

285 – Mick Ranquist (Montini) F 1:16 Drelin Mack (Westinghouse)

Third-place matches (3rd-place match winners advance to sectional):

106 – Harrison Brown (Fenwick) BYE

113 –  Dajuan Reed (Noble/ITW Speer) F 2:33 Cormack Mahon (Fenwick)

120 – Julian Collins (Noble/UIC) F 3:47 Timothy Wielgat (Intrinsic Charter)

126 – Robert Cabrera (Noble/UIC) F 0:49 Damian Tello (Noble/ITW Speer)

132 – Burke Burns (Fenwick) F 3:57 JD Giannias (St. Ignatius)

138 – Solanus Daley (Fenwick) F 2:28 Gio Tello (Noble/ITW Speer)

144 – Max Kenny (Fenwick) F 1:38 Juan Chuchuca (Westinghouse)

150 – Grant Ghaly (St. Ignatius) MD 9-7 Nehemiah Belfort (Westinghouse)

157 – Brian Timpone (Fenwick) D 5-0 Santori Knight (Intrinsic Charter)

165 – Dominic Esposito (Fenwick) F 3:16 Robert Jamison (Westinghouse)

175 – Noah Sherrod (Intrinsic Charter) MD 9-0 Malik Allen (Noble/UIC)

190 – Kalet Menendez (St. Ignatius) F 0-:41 Antonio Casas (Noble/ITW Speer)

215 – Gavin Ericson (Montini) F 1:30 Eric Magana (Westinghouse)

285 – Gianni Bertacchi (Fenwick) D 9-3 Jorge Miranda (Noble/ITW Speer)

Regionals that feed into the 2A Hinsdale South individual sectional

2A Evergreen Park Regional – team champion Brother Rice

Brother Rice went on a tear in the regional finals from 132 through 190, winning six individual titles in seven title matches, while six additional wrestlers placed second, as the Crusaders locked horns with host Evergreen Park.
It also marked the sixth team regional title won in Brother Rice program history.

When the dust settled, Brother Rice won the team regional title, 238-217 over the Mustangs.

Brother Rice advanced 13 wrestlers to this year’s 2A individual sectional at Hinsdale South, and the Crusaders will also compete at this year’s team dual sectional at Brother Rice on Feb. 20.

Individual regional champions for Brother Rice were Oliver Davis (138), Frank Miceli (150), Pat Gilhooly (157), Colin Goggin (165), Dan Costello (175), and James Crane (190). Also reaching the finals and placing second for coach Jan Murzyn were James Lotito (106), Logan Connors (120), Jonathan Harris (126), James Bennett (132), Jack O’Connor (144), and Charlie Stec (215). Danny Tait (113) also placed third to advance for the Crusaders.

Second-place Evergreen Park had five regional champions and advanced 12 wrestlers to the sectional. Winning regional titles for the Mustangs were Johan Bonilla (113), Angel Ramirez (120), Chance Woods (126), Eduardo Antunez (215) and Gerald O’Hare (285).

Third-place St. Rita (185.5) had three individual regional champions in Jack Hogan (106), Nino Protti (132) and Sean Larkin (144).

2A Evergreen Park Regional championship match results:

106 – Jack Hogan (St. Rita) F 2:48 James Lotito (Brother Rice)

113 – Johan Bonilla (Evergreen Park) D 7-4 Luke Pappalas (St. Rita)

120 – Angel Ramirez (Evergreen Park) F 0:41 Logan Connors (Brother Rice)

126 – Chance Woods (Evergreen Park) TF 3:55 Jonathan Harris (Brother Rice)

132 – Nino Protti (St. Rita) D 3-1 James Bennett (Brother Rice)

138 – Oliver Davis (Brother Rice) F 5:49 Enzo Canali (St. Rita)

144 – Sean Larkin (St. Rita) D 8-1 Jack O’Connor (Brother Rice)

150 – Frank Miceli (Brother Rice) D 5-2 Ryan Serna (Evergreen Park)

157 – Pat Gilhooly (Brother Rice) F 5:15 Josh Matheny (Evergreen Park)

165 – Colin Goggin (Brother Rice) F 3:49 Andrew Viravec (Evergreen Park)

175 – Dan Costello (Brother Rice) F 0:47 James Bansley (St. Rita)

190 – James Crane (Brother Rice) F 3:37 Genesis Ward (Evergreen Park)

215 – Eduardo Antunez (Evergreen Park) F 3:42 Charlie Stec (Brother Rice)

285 – Gerald O’Hare (Evergreen Park) F 1:48 Amir Daniels (Noble/Comer)

Third-place results (top three in each weight class advance to sectional):  f

106 – Brayden Mateja-Bates (Evergreen Pk.) F 1:08 David Vidal (Englewood STEM)

113 – Danny Tait (Brother Rice) — BYE

120 – Monte Bourke (St. Rita) TF 4:18 Tae Harris (Morgan Park)

126 – Isaac Banks (Noble/Comer) F 2:56 Ahmad Cobb (Simeon)

132 – Adrian Cervantes (Evergreen Park) F 0:45 Alan Colekraty (Morgan Park)

138 – Davian Hall (Simeon) F 4:55 Ashton Gray (Evergreen Park)

144 – David Johnson (Evergreen Park) TF 4:39 Jaylen Green (Noble/Comer)

150 – Lloyd Johnson (Morgan Park) F 4:31 Domineek Jackson (Noble/Comer)

157 – James Kevin (St. Rita) F 1:11 Brendan McCalister (Noble/Comer)

165 – Jacob Fleming (St. Rita) F 0:19 Sacario Jones (Morgan Park)

175 – Garrett Kazmierowicz (Evergreen Park) F 2:28 Dae’Quan Nutall (Morgan Park)

190 – Thomas Demro (St. Rita) F 1:34 Daniel Saucedo (Englewood STEM)

215 – Adonis Harrison (Morgan Park) Inj. Joshua Golden (Noble/Comer)

285 – Marke Kelleher (St. Rita) TB-1 5-4 Logan Drakeford (Morgan Park)

Oak Forest Regional – team champion Oak Forest

Host Oak Forest topped the field for coach Shawn Forst, winning a team regional title 218-194 over second-place Hillcrest. Bremen finished third with 132 points.

Oak Forest advanced 11 wrestlers to the individual sectional meet and will compete at the 2A Brother Rice team dual sectional on Feb. 20. It was the 11th team regional title won in program history for Brother Rice.

Bringing home individual regional titles for Oak Forest were Jacob Sebek (106), James Mair (120), Austin Perez (138), Hunter Daniel (157), and Jackson Castaneda (165). Placing second for the Bengals were Hunter Kroll (113), Jason Janke (175), Nathan Izguerra (190), and Andrius Vasilevskas (215). Placing third and advancing were Derek Rodriguez (150) and Jose Montesino (285).

Second-place Hillcrest was led by regional champions LeKeith Rogers (113), Jovan Williams (132), Kiaven Sullivan (144), Trevon Williams (150), and Eric Pike (190).

Third-place Bremen crowned three individual champions in Izaiah Gonzalez (126), Adrian Esparza (175) and Marco Olvera (285). Also winning an individual regional title was Tinley Park’s Sebastian Sanderson ( 215).

2A Oak Forest Regional championship match results:

106 – Jacob Sebek (Oak Forest) inj. Amari Brown (Hillcrest)

113 – LeKeith Rogers (Hillcrest) F 2:44 Hunter Kroll (Oak Forest)

120 – James Mair (Oak Forest) inj. Elijah Wofford (Hillcrest)

126 – Izaiah Gonzalez (Bremen) F 0:42 Tamilore Ogundeyi (TF North)

132 – Jovan Williams (Hillcrest) F 1:38 DeShawn Jones (TF North)

138 – Austin Perez (Oak Forest) F 2:29 Jawon Dortch (Bremen)

144 – Kiaven Sullivan (Hillcrest) F 2:44 David Albright (Tinley Park)

150 – Trevon Williams (Hillcrest) F 1:41 Richard Taylor (Marian)

157 – Hunter Daniel (Oak Forest) F 4:59 Joseph Merritt (TF North)

165 – Jackson Castaneda (Oak Forest) F 5:14 Malakai Scott (Crete-Monee)

175 – Adrian Esparza (Bremen) OT 7-5 Jason Janke (Oak Forest)

190 – Eric Pike (Hillcrest) F 1:17 Nathan Izguerra (Oak Forest)

215 – Sebastian Sanderson (Tinley Park) D 5-4 Andrius Vasilevskas (Oak Forest)

285 – Marco Olvera (Bremen) MD 8-0 Rogello Cornejo (Kankakee)

Third-place match results (top three in each weight class advanced):

106 – No match wrestled

113 – Brandile Gcabashe (Crete-Monee) inj. Edwin Gomez (TF-North)

120 – Chase Tankson (Marian) D 15-8 Sean Unzueta (Bremen)

126 – Vontarius Hunter (Hillcrest) MD 15-7 Dylan McBride (Oak Forest)

132 – Jeremiah Bolar (Marian) F 4: 56 Josh Schickel (Oak Forest)

138 – Keith McCoy (TF North) F 4:30 Derrione Collier (Hillcrest)

144 – Walter Hoevker (Bremen) F 2:52 Jason Adams (Crete-Monee)

150 – Derek Rodriguez (Oak Forest) D 8-6 Geremiah Williams (TF North)

157 – Larry Watson (Hillcrest) MD 18-8 Charles Hill (Kankakee)

165 – Colton Pennington (Hillcrest) D 11-7 Manuel Perez (Bremen)

175 – Caleb Dickens (Kankakee) D 12-5 Damari Dogan (TF North)

190 – Ricardo Abarca (Bremen) F 5:03 Marquan Riley (Kankakee)

215 – Jacob Vinardi (Kankakee) inj. Justin Lawton (Crete-Monee)

285 – Jose Montesino (Oak Forest) F 4:36 Malachi Green (Hillcrest)

2A Riverside-Brookfield Regional – team champion Riverside-Brookfield

Host Riverside-Brookfield advanced 12 wrestlers to Hinsdale South’s sectional and the Bulldogs took the team regional title 233.5-172.5 over second-place Little Village of Chicago. Kennedy (98.5) placed third.
It was the 7th team regional title won in R-B ‘s history.

Coach Nick Curby got individual regional titles from Mateo Gonzalez (106), Nathan Stanard (126), Jacob Godoy (132), Ricky Gutierrez-Blanco (138), Josh Gonzalez (144), and Ethan Rivas (157) to lead the field with six champions.

The Bulldogs also got seconds from Edgar Mosquera (113), Jayden Tulian (120), Jacob Noe (150), and Cade Tomkins (165), and thirds from Matthew Elzy (190) and Anthony Esposito (215).

Second-place Little Village got a pair of individual titles from Daniel James (215) and Adrian Chavez (285) and advanced seven additional wrestlers who won their third-place matches.

Kennedy got regional titles from Victor Alvarado (113) and Gianni Alberto (120).

Also winning individual regional titles were Goode STEM Academy’s Xavier Woods (150), Hancock’s Malakai Davis (165), and Back of the Yards’ Axel Correa (175) and Derick Ibarrando (190).

2A Riverside-Brookfield Regional championship match results:

106 – Mateo Gonzalez (R.-Brookfield) inj. Josue Tankson (Kennedy)

113 – Victor Alvarado (Kennedy) D 4-2 Edgar Mosquera (R.-Brookfield)

120 – Gianni Alberto (Kennedy) F 1:46 Jayden Tulian (R.-Brookfield)

126 – Nathan Stanard (R.-Brookfield) F 0:48 Gino Alberto (Kennedy)

132 – Jacob Godoy (R.-Brookfield) D 4-3 Luis Arcos (Hancock)

138 – Ricky Gutierrez-Blanco (R.-Brookfield) F 1:41 Vince Ramirez (Little Village)

144 – Josh Gonzalez (R.-Brookfield) TF Sergio Ramirez (Lindblom)

150 – Xavier Woods (Goode STEM) TF Jacob Noe (R.-Brookfield)

157 – Ethan Rivas (R.-Brookfield) F 0:24 Saeed Ullah (Back of the Yards)

165 – Malakai Davis (Hancock) MD 12-3 Cade Tomkins (R.-Brookfield)

175 – Axel Correa (Back of the Yards) F 5:28 Jaiden Santiago (Little Village)

190 – Derick Ibarrando (Back of the Yards) F 0:23 Omar Perez (Little Village)

215 – Daniel James (Little Village) F 1:53 Jonathan Loera (Hancock)

285 – Adrian Chavez (Little Village) D 1-0 Josue Olivo (Lindblom)

Third-place match results (top three wrestlers in each weight class advance):

106 – Ricardo Dominguez (Little Village) MD 10-2 Ithan Payne (Lindblom)

113 – Brian Bahena (Little Village) F 0:13 Joel Samano (Goode STEM)

120 – Jovanni Harris (Little Village) F 3:09 Anthony Garcia (Solorio)

126 – David Bahena (Little Village) F 0:52 Angel Ceballos (Solorio)

132 – Zyron Lee (Little Village) F 1:44 Bobby Applewhite (Back of the Yards)

138 – Isaiah Diaz (Goode STEM) MD 13-2 Adrian Rodriguez (Hancock)

144 – Frankie Jungman (Kennedy) D 8-4 Nick Mata (Back of the Yards)

150 – Brandon Manzo (Little Village) D 7-1 Jonathan Sanchez (Kennedy)

157 – Jose De La Garza (Solorio) F 5:25 Trevor Williams (Goode STEM)

165 – Edwin Govea (Little Village) D 8-1 Inaky Mata (Back of the Yards)

175 – David Vasquez (Hancock) — BYE

190 – Matthew Elzy (R.-Brookfield) F 1:06 Dylan Wilborn (Goode STEM)

215 – Anthony Esposito (R.-Brookfield) F 4:48 Thomas Davis (Goode STEM)

285 – Oscar Robles (Goode STEM) F 2:33 Avery Siemplinski (R.-Brookfield)

By Patrick Z. McGavin for the IWCOA

Six years in the making, Hinsdale South found its stride at the perfect time.

“We knew this was going to be a dogfight with Lemont,” Hinsdale South coach Steve Matozzi said.“They’re a great team, and we have a lot of respect for them. It’s a thrill for the guys to take this one home.”

The Hornets nullified Lemont’s regional-best five individual champions with superior depth to capture the Class 2A team regional title at Lemont on Saturday afternoon.

Hinsdale South had three champions and seven other qualifiers in capturing the team title with 202 points. The Hornets’ three runner-ups and four third-place finishers pushed them over the top.

Hinsdale South won its first regional title since 2018, and will now have the bonus of hosting the sectional.

Lemont had five champions and nine sectional qualifiers in finishing runner-up at 193.5 points.

Illustrating the depth of the field, all seven teams had at least one finalist, and six different programs had individual champions.

All seven teams had a minimum two sectional qualifiers. Lemont led with five individual champions, followed by three for Hinsdale South, and two apiece for Catholic League programs Providence and St. Laurence.

Richards and Agricultural Science had one champion apiece.

Providence had seven qualifiers, St. Laurence six, Glenbard South and Richards four, and Agricultural Science two.

The Hornets also qualified for the Class 2A Dual Team Sectional at Brother Rice.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries this year, and we almost won the conference championship,” Matozzi said. “This one makes us all feel good. Now we can keep going. Even the guys who didn’t make it today, their season is not over.”

Class 2A Lemont Regional championship results:

106 – Elijah Sawyer, Agricultural Science 

The Cyclones’ freshman was unfazed by the bright lights and his first state tournament, blitzing the field with a first-period pin in the semifinals and then posting the technical fall of Hinsdale South’s Jamarion Moffett in the championship match.

“I like to wrestle very aggressively out there,” Sawyer said. “I made some good fakes, and I got in my shots.”

Sawyer (29-3) dominated in neutral with multiple takedowns plus back points for the 19-4 technical fall at 5:35.

“I’m good on my feet,” he said. “I’m just a freshman, but I’ve worked hard, and it paid off. I have a lot of confidence.” 

In the third-place match, Lemont’s Matteo Vitro posted the fall over Richards’ Muhammad Hamad.

113 – Mikey Wallace, Hinsdale South

Hinsdale South’s Mikey Wallace posted two first-period falls, punctuating his dominant performance with the 0:47 pin of Providence’s JT Potocsnak in the championship match.

A state qualifier at 106 pounds last season, Wallace (27-14) is the silent type, proving that actions supersede words or description.

“I can’t really describe what happened out there,” he said. “I just went out and tried my hardest, and listened to my coaches. My style is pretty aggressive, and I like to go out there and really set the pace.”

For third place, St. Laurence’s Nathan Martinez registered the first period fall over Lemont’s Ewald Tricke.

120 – Henry Manning, St. Laurence

St. Laurence’s Henry Manning pinned his way to the championship by catching Richard’s Amir Akilani in a cradle for the first period fall.

He started the day with a fall of Hinsdale South’s Antonio Bingham in the semifinal round.

“I learned that move from my coach,” Manning said. “I felt the pressure and I rolled him forward. “Winning today the way I did, and being a regional champion just makes me really happy. It was a great atmosphere, and I loved the excitement.”

On the third-place mat, Providence’s Braeden Paterno earned the 12-8 decision over Bingham.

126 – Tommy Banas, Providence

Providence freshman Tommy Banas continued his rapid ascent with his dominant 19-4 technical fall over Lemont’s Julian Vallianatos.

He previously captured major tournaments at Barrington and Joliet Central, and was a top-4 place finisher at the Dvorak and Catholic League conference meet.

“All of the high level tournaments and events I’ve wrestled really prepared me for this,” he said.“This was good competition, and I just wanted to come in and take care of things.”

Banas started off quickly with a takedown and back points for the 5-0 lead.

Banas (38-7) put on the finishing touches with the series of takedowns in the final period, securing the technical fall at 6:00.

“He was balling up a lot on the bottom so I had to do something else,” he said. “I had to let him up with those escapes, and just go after him with the takedowns.”

For third place, Glenbard South’s Kyle Quaid Bowman secured the fall over St. Laurence’s Adrian Pintado.

132 – Cory Zator, Lemont

Lemont’s Cory Zator captured the championship with a methodical and precise 7-2 decision over Providence’s Justus Snapp.

Zator (30-7) was a state qualifier last season at 113 pounds, finishing one match away from a state place medal.

His two first period takedowns created the early 4-1 advantage. 

“I worked really hard in practice the whole week in getting ready for this,” Zator said. “It’s about being consistent.”

Throughout the match, the athletic and dynamic Snapp created seemingly advantageous offensive positions, only for Zator to offset the pressure.

“I think I’m really good with hand-fighting, and being on my feet,” he said. “The more I wrestle, the better I am. I’ve been wrestling a long time. 

“I like to think the longer I go in a match, the more I’m going to win. I want everybody to know I’m better than the other person.”

Zator started a run of four consecutive individual titles by Lemont.

“This is the state series, and it’s really important to be in the room every day, putting in all the work,” Zator said. “I tried to get that extra work. You have to be accountable. In those tough matches, you have to be ready and bring all the energy.”

In the third-place match, Glenbard South’s Diego Myers posted the 6-2 decision over Hinsdale South’s Jonathan Styczynski.

138 – Carter Mikolajczak, Lemont

Lemont’s Carter Mikolajczak diced the opposition with fast pins, punching his ticket with the second period fall of Hinsdale South’s Al Amir Almannai in the championship match.

He is used to the bright lights, having won 40 matches and qualifying for state last season at 126 pounds.

“I like to wrestle quick and fast, stay aggressive, keep them off-balance and get on their legs,” he said. “I just want to be a savage on top, and get those turns.”

He created the early momentum with a takedown and two separate near falls for the 7-0 first period lead. He sealed the deal at the 3:48 mark.

“I think I was quicker, and just getting to my attacks the way that I did was very helpful,” he said. “I was able to get into my shots.”

In the third-place match, Glenbard South’s Jin Tai posted the fall over Richards’ Leo Flores.

144 – Aiden Rudman, Lemont

Lemont’s Aiden Rudman made up for lost time with a dominant 15-0 technical fall over Hinsdale South’s Noah Ririe in the championship match.

After wrestling just 11 matches during the regular season, he was eager to strut his stuff.

Rudman (8-5) annihilated the field, posting a 0:39 fall during the semifinals.

“I thought I was working really good on top,” he said. “I was really good with my shots, and working out of neutral and on my feet. That is actually my favorite.”

Rudman was fast, mobile, and very efficient. He started quickly with a takedown and separate two-point near falls for the fast 6-0 lead.

He closed out the match at the 3:34 mark.

“I like to wrestle laid back, and stay calm the whole time,” Rudman said. “I don’t want to think too much about it, just react and respond to what my body needs to do. 

“My mentality was just to try and make it through, and finish up the best I could. I was the No. 1 seed, and I just wanted to finish up strong and make my coaches proud.”

In the third-place match, St. Laurence’s Josh Martinez posted the fall over Gianni Penson of Agricultural Science.

150 – Noah O’Connor, Lemont

Lemont’s Noah O’Connor turned a match that appeared competitive on paper into a rout with the second period fall of Richards’ Dom Paul in the championship match.

A defending state qualifier last season at 152 pounds, O’Connor (38-4) was a model of consistency. 

Both of his matches lasted almost the identical time frame, 3:07 in his semifinal pin against 3:11 in the championship round.

“I thought with both of my matches I felt very relaxed but also prepared,” he said. “I like going into every single one of my matches the same, whether it’s a dual, a state qualifying match, or something downstate.”

Paul (24-6) was up to the challenge for much of the first period. He fought off O’Connor’s aggressive style, conceding just a takedown through the first two minutes.

O’Connor took charge with the reversal at the start of the second period. He caught Paul on his back.

“I’m an aggressive wrestler, and I really try to push the pace,” O’Connor said. “I train very hard to have good endurance. I think I have better conditioning than most guys I go up against, and I try to use that to my advantage to keep striking and attacking during the match.”

On the third-place mat, Hinsdale South’s Andrew Musil posted the fall of St. Laurence’s Joseph Barnett.

157 – Geno Papes, Providence

Providence’s Geno Papes ended the Lemont run with the decisive 11-2 major over the host’s Nico LoCoco in the championship match.

Papes (34-12) scored the only offensive points with two takedowns apiece in the first and second periods.

He closed out the victory with a reversal and back points in the third period.

In the third-place match, Hinsdale South’s Benjamin Miller earned the fall over St. Laurence’s Ryan Martinez.

165 – Mike Taheny, Richards

Richards’ Mike Taheny blitzed the field, capped by a first-period fall of Glenbard South’s Logan Price en route to the championship.

He provided the Bulldogs’ only individual champion with the pin at 1:51. 

A defending state qualifier at 160 pounds, Taheny is atypical, unorthodox and a difficult match up.

“I’ve been doing judo most of my life, and I just started wrestling when I was in high school,” he said. “That’s just what I’ve been doing.”

He leapt out to a quick 5-0 lead with a takedown that he combined into back points, then delivered the knockout action with the cradle for his second pin of the day.

“I felt the pressure, and that’s what I did,” he said “That’s what I go to with that move.”

Taheny was already looking forward to the next stage.

“This is just business that I have to take care of,” he said. “I’ll have the same attitude next week with sectionals. This is all part of the process, and I intend to win the whole thing.”

In third place, Hinsdale South’s Darrion Glover posted the fall of St. Laurence’s Jack Claussen.

175 – Jovani Piazza, Hinsdale South

Hinsdale South’s Jovani Piazza was a whirling dervish and Teutonic force who obliterated the competition.

He needed less than two minutes of mat time to claim the championship, posting the fall of Providence’s Michael O’Connor at 1:30.

The Hornets’ senior is a defending state qualifier at 182 pounds. Piazza (27-4) was on a mission, needing just 0:19 seconds in his semifinal match against Lemont’s Yehor Pohonchenko.

Against O’Connor, he controlled the tempo from the start, using a quick five-point combination with the takedown and back points.

Up 5-0, he ended any question by ensnaring O’Connor in a cradle and finishing him off.

His victory proved crucial in the team race, pushing the Hornets into a team lead they never relinquished.

Lemont was up half a point heading into that match.

“I never had any doubts about the rest of the team, and I knew we were going to be fine,” he said.

On the third-place mat, Richards’ Jeremiah Gill registered the fall of St. Laurence’s Damien Torres.

190 – Alec Miller, Hinsdale South

Alec Miller fought through the pain in securing the hard-fought, come from behind 4-1 decision over Lemont’s Dan Taylor in the championship match.

During the third period, locked up with Taylor, he wrenched his knee and writhed in pain.

“I was in a lot of pain, but I couldn’t stop there,” he said. “The adrenaline was pumping, and I just had to continue.”

A defending state qualifier last year at 170 pounds, Miller (30-7) endured in one of the tightest and most competitive finals.

The first period ended in a scoreless tie. Taylor scored first with the early second period escape.

Miller responded with a quick maneuver, pulling him down from behind for the only offensive points of the match.

“I like to score, of course,” Miller said. “I’m really good at the bottom, and I always go for switches. I love scrambles.”

Up 2-1 to start the third period, Miller engineered an escape, and was awarded the final point after Taylor was issued his second stalling warning.

His victory over his Lemont rival pushed the Hornets’ lead to an insurmountable 198-187.5 in the team standings.

“We’re going to team sectionals, and hopefully we’re going to do some damage there,” Miller said.

In third place, St. Laurence’s Alfonso Diaz posted the fall over Glenbard South’s Moiz Hameed.

215 – Xavier Bitner, St. Laurence

St. Laurence’s Xavier Bitner turned the tide decisively in his 14-6 major decision over Hinsdale South’s Andrew Miller in the championship.

Miller had the only offensive points of the first period with the takedown.

Up 2-1 at the start of the second period, Miller was up 5-2 when Bitner made his electric move.

Off his back, he executed a deft roll that flipped Miller for the reversal, the start of a run of 12 consecutive points extending into the third period.

Bitner (39-5) gave the Vikings their second individual champion.

“That move with the reversal there was just part of my training,” he said. “We work all the time, in the room, and getting into those positions. I was just trying to take him out, and end it right there. It didn’t go that way.”

Bitner parlayed the reversal into back points that altered the momentum.

“I had a surge of confidence after that, and I knew I could win,” he said. 

He continued the momentum into the third period with an escape, takedown and near fall points.

“This feels great, but the job is not finished yet,” he said.

In the third-place match, Agricultural Science’s Antone Woods secured the fall over Providence’s Koda Miller. 

285 – Alex Pasquale, Lemont

Lemont’s Alex Pasquale put everything into his final home match with the first period fall of St. Laurence’s Gio Fox in the championship match.

He posted the takedown and two separate near falls before earning the pin at 1:44.

A defending state qualifier at heavyweight, Pasquale (27-3) went out in grand style.

“This is one of the days I’m never going to forget in my life,” he said. “I’m going to always remember winning a regional championship here, at home, the last time I ever wrestle here on this mat.

“I thought I did a great job with my shots, and just putting my combination actions in there.” 

In third place, Providence’s Mike Sisk posted the fall over Hinsdale South’s Gavin Slaughter.

Here are the championship match results of the Class 2A Lemont Regional

106 – Elijah Sawyer (Agricultural Science) TF 19-4 5:35 Jamarion Moffett (Hinsdale South)

113 – Mikey Wallace (Hinsdale South) F 0:47 JT Potocsnak (Providence)

120 – Henry Manning (St. Laurence) F 0:58 Amir Akilani (Richards) 

126 – Tommy Banas (Providence) TF 19-4 6:00 Julian Vallianatos (Lemont)

132 – Cory Zator (Lemont) D 7-2 Justus Snapp (Providence)

138 – Carter Mikolajczak (Lemont) F 3:48 Al Amir Almannai (Hinsdale South) 

144 – Aiden Rudman (Lemont) TF 3:34 15-0 Noah Ririe (Hinsdale South)

150 – Noah O’Connor (Lemont) F 3:11 Dom Paul (Richards)

157 – Geno Papes (Providence) MD 11-2 Nico LoCoco (Lemont) 

165 – Mike Taheny (Richards) F 1:51 Logan Price (Glenbard South) 

175 – Jovanni Piazza (Hinsdale South) F 1:30 Michael O’Connor (Providence)

190 – Alec Miller (Hinsdale South) D 4-1 Dan Taylor (Lemont) 

215 – Xavier Bitner (St. Laurence) MD 14-6 Andrew Miller (Hinsdale South) 

285 – Alex Pasquale (Lemont) F 1:44 Gio Fox (St. Laurence)

Third-place matches (top 3 in each weight class advance to sectional):

106 – Matteo Vitro (Lemont) F 2:20 Muhammad Hamad (Richards)

113 – Nathan Martinez (St. Laurence) F 2:00 Ewald Tricke (Lemont)

120 – Braeden Paterno (Providence) D 12-8 Antonio Bingham (Hinsdale S)

126 – Kyle Quaid Bowman (Glenbard S) F 1:04 Adrian Pintado (St. Laurence)

132 – Diego Myers (Glenbard S) D 6-2 Jonathan Styczynski (Hinsdale S)

138 – Jin Tai (Glenbard S) F 4:44 Leo Flores (Richards)

144 – Josh Martinez (St. Laurence) F 1:20 Gianni Penson (Agricultural Science)

150 – Andrew Musil (Hinsdale S) F 1:23 Joseph Barnett (St. Laurence)

157 – Benjamin Miller (Hinsdale S) F 1:34 Ryan Martinez (St. Laurence)

165 – Darrion Glover (Hinsdale S) F 0:48 Jack Claussen (St. Laurence)

175 – Jeremiah Gill (Richards) F 0:33 Damien Torres (St. Laurence)

190 – Alfonso Diaz (St. Laurence) F 2:57 Moiz Hameed (Glenbard S)

215 – Antone Woods (Agricultural Science) F 4:44 Koda Miller (Providence)

285 – Mike Sisk (Providence) F 3:36 Gavin Slaughter (Hinsdale S)

By Curt Herron – for the IWCOA

After Joliet Township finished ahead of Minooka by a 197.5-163 margin to capture top honors in the Southwest Prairie Conference Girls Tournament on January 20 at Joliet Central, there was a good chance that there might be a similar final placement for the two teams when they got to  compete face each other again in one of the the first IHSA regionals, which Minooka hosted.

But it’s obviously much easier for a team to dominate in an 11-team conference tournament with 114 individuals entered as opposed to 184 competitors representing 41 schools in the first-ever regional in the Joliet-area, which was one of the eight initial regionals held throughout Illinois.

And when you factor in that the event took place in Minooka and that the hosts were motivated to get the better of their rivals one week after placing behind them in the SPC Tournament, it’s not too surprising that Minooka finished strong, which allowed it to move past Joliet Township in the final round and outscore it 196-191 to capture first place in the rugged competition.

Minooka had 10 sectional qualifiers compared to nine top-six finishers for Joliet Township and it also had a better showing in the medal round, going 6-1 during a key stretch that covered half of the weight classes, in which it won five matches by fall and another by major decision.

How strong was the regional field at Minooka? The list of first-place finishers featured three IHSA champions, including one two-time title winner, as well as four other individuals who have been runners-up in the IHSA Finals. And six of the second-place finishers in the regional had either won a state medal or came up one victory shy of achieving that feat a year ago.

In addition, there were 14 competitors who had qualified for one of the first the first two IHSA Finals or placed there before who had to settle for competing on the third- and fifth-place mats.

Coach Liz Short’s Joliet Township Steelwomen, who feature athletes from both Joliet Central and Joliet West, held the upper hand heading into the medal rounds, but that’s when coach Paige Schoolman’s Indians definitely rose to the occasion. Only five schools qualified more individuals to the four sectionals than did Minooka with 10 and Joliet Township’s nine sectional qualifiers ranked it among the state’s top-10 schools in that impressive performance.

“It was a huge regional with 41 schools represented and there was phenomenal talent here,” Schoolman said. “There was some elite Illinois wrestling that was going on in some of those finals and semifinals matches. A lot of us thought when we saw the seeds that there might be 10 to 12 state finalists coming out of this regional, it was rich with talent. A lot of the schools had less than five girls, but they had some really talented five girls. Kaneland came in here with eight, but they were eight solid girls and they took third. And Burlington Central had five girls and every one of their girls was really solid. And I’m really excited for teams like Lincoln-Way Central, which took fourth and they had two girls last year and a full team this year. They’ve caught on to the thing and I talked to those guys and they’re really excited about building it.

“And what was really nice to see was the fact that there really weren’t many boys tournaments going on this weekend, so we saw some of the boys head coaches here and I think a lot of those guys saw some of the talent that is in girls wrestling. They hear their coaches come back and talk about it but they saw it today, so I think it’s good for girls wrestling to have those boys coaches here and seeing it. They saw that this was a real tournament and it isn’t a J-V tournament. So it was an exciting day and we got in and out of here as fast as we could.

“Our girls wrestled really well. We had some quick turnarounds and they answered the bell. We were losing this entire tournament, but in that last round, we pulled off five or six pins to put us over the top. We bumped Abbey Boersma up to 170 and it was the first time she’s ever wrestled that and she ends up getting a pin against the Joliet girl to help seal the deal. Kailey Jefferson was our backup at 125 and 130 all year and she steps in and takes third place. We didn’t even seed her since she was a backup, so she came in unseeded and took third place. There were some really tough brackets, like 110, and Brooklyn Doti took fourth. And 105 was deep with talent and Holli Coughlen comes out of that bracket. Eva Beck wrestled amazing all day and Bella Cyrkiel is consistent and did her thing. I was really excited since I was worried that  we might only get five or six out and we got out a heck of a lot more than I thought we would.”

Kaneland only brought eight individuals but six of them placed sixth or better and three reached the finals to help it score 128 points and take third place in the competition. Lincoln-Way Central, which placed fourth with 115 points, also had six sectional qualifiers. And Burlington Central, which finished sixth with 83 points, had five entrants and all advanced to the sectional. A total of 34 teams had at least one sectional qualifier and 19 had more than one qualifier. 

Joliet Township had three champions, junior Chloe Wong (100), senior Eliana Paramo (110) and sophomore Izabel Barrera (135) while Minooka received first-place finishes from sophomore Addison Cailteux (130) and senior Bella Cyrkiel (145).

Hononegah junior Angelina Cassioppi (120), a two-time IHSA champion, and a pair of 2023 IHSA title winners,  Boylan Catholic senior Netavia Wickson (140) and Plainfield Central junior Alicia Tucker (170) also captured regional championships.

A pair of two-time IHSA Finalists also were champions, Lincoln-Way Central senior Gracie Guarino (115) and El Paso-Gridley junior Savannah Hamilton (155). Two others who took second at state in 2023 also won titles, Yorkville senior Yamilet Aguirre (125) and JT’s Paramo.

Freshmen who took first place were Kaneland’s Angelina Gochis (105) and Jefferson’s Kylie Eilken (190) and Ottawa Township sophomore Juliana Thrush (235) was the final champion.

DeKalb, who took fifth place with 89 points, and Kaneland both had two second-place finishers. Taking second place for DeKalb were sophomore Alex Gregorio-Perez (105) and junior Lana Zimmerman (130) while Kaneland received second-place showings from junior Brooklyn Sheaffer (125) and freshman Sadie Kinsella (190).

Other runners-up in the Minooka Regional were Yorkville sophomore Danielle Turner (100), Sandwich senior Ashlyn Strenz (110), Burlington Central junior Victoria Macias (115), Joliet Catholic Academy junior Grace Laird (120), Kankakee senior Makayla Jones (135), Joliet Township sophomore Veronica Klobnak (140), Rochelle junior Dempsey Atkinson (145), Clifton Central freshman Payton Temple (155), Peotone senior Kiernan Farmer (170) and Sycamore freshman Jasmine Enriquez (235).

Angelina Cassioppi had the most team points with 34 while there was a nine-way tie for second place with 30 team points involving Yamilet Aguirre, Izabel Barrera, Bella Cyrkiel, Kylie Eilken, Gracie Guarino, Savannah Hamilton, Eliana Paramo, Juliana Thrush and Chloe Wong.

Top records from the Minooka Regional included Alicia Tucker at 170 (31-0, 1.000), Yamilet Aguirre at 125 (22-0, 1.000), Gracie Guarino at 115 (20-0, 1.000), Kiernan Farmer at 170 (14-1, .933), Morris’ Ella McDonnell at 110 (28-2, .933), Burlington Central’s Ryann Miller at 170 (28-2, .933), Eliana Paramo at 110 (31-3, .912), Angelina Cassioppi at 120 (10-1, .909), Victoria Macias at 115 (30-3, .909), Bella Cyrkiel at 145 (34-4, .895), Netavia Wickson at 140 (16-2, ,889), Juliana Thrush at 235 (24-3, .889),  Angelina Gochis at 105 (38-5, .884) and Savannah Hamilton at 155 (7-1, .875). 

El Paso-Gridley’s Kianna Mayne had the most total match points with 50 while Gracie Guarino was second with 44 points. Eleven individuals had four falls with Morris’ Ella McDonnell had the most falls in the least amount of time with four in 5:16. Champion Minooka had the most total match points with 199 while Lincoln-Way Central was second with 184 points. And Minooka recorded the most falls with 29 while Joliet Township ranked second with 23 pins.

The 84 sectional qualifiers will join the same number that qualified at the Erie Regional and they will compete in the Geneseo Sectional, which will take place on Friday and Saturday.

Here’s a look at the champions and their weight classes from the IHSA Minooka Regional:

100 – Chloe Wong, Joliet Township

After going 32-8 last year and becoming the third individual from Joliet Township to earn a state medal with a sixth-place finish at 100 in the IHSA Finals, Chloe Wong is looking forward to bigger and better things during this postseason. And the junior is off to a good start after winning by fall in 1:25 in the 100 finals over Yorkville’s Danielle Turner to become the first individual from her program to win a regional title. Wong (8-4) won all three of her matches with pins, which included a fall in 2:31 over Lincoln-Way Central’s Monica Alvarez in the semifinals. She was one of three champions, four finalists and nine sectional qualifiers for Joliet Township, who finished in second place, five points behind champion Minooka.

“It feels really good,” Wong said. “I’ve been working really hard and have been waking up at 5 a.m. every morning and I’ve been getting extra practice and extra running and workouts. I’ve been sometimes doing four workouts a day, just trying to make sure that I can be the best that I can be and be the wrestler that I know that I can be. My coaches and my offseason and it’s all paid off and it’s going to keep paying off because I’m working my hardest to make sure that I get there. I love that we all support each other, we’re all nice and there’s no bad energy on our team, It’s just go, go, go. We won our conference and we’re doing really good as a team because we’re all there for each other.”

Turner (27-10) joined 125 champion Yamilet Aguirre as one of the Foxes’ two finalists and three sectional qualifiers. The sophomore won her first two matches with pins, recording a fall in 0:58 over Plainfield South sophomore Amie Fuentes in the semifinals. In the third-place match, Fuentes (11-7) won with a pin in 3:05 over Sandwich freshman Norah Vick (9-8). And for fifth place, Alvarez (15-11), a junior, recorded a fall in 5:24 over Peotone freshman Natalie Bonick.

105 – Angelina Gochis, Kaneland

On a special day for Kaneland when it captured a third-place finish at the Minooka Regional and qualified six of its eight competitors to the Geneseo Sectional, Angelina Gochis started the finals off for the Knights with a bang as the freshman won the 105 title by technical fall in 5:40 over DeKalb’s Alex Gregorio-Perez. Gochis (38-5), who was one of three finalists for her team, became her program’s first regional champion after opening with a quick pin and then claiming a win by technical fall in 3:38 over Joliet Township’s Emma Schlismann in the semifinals. Gochis and Boylan Catholic’s Netavia Wickson each had two victories by technical fall while only one other individual was able to collect a tech fall during the two-day competition.

“It’s pretty good,” Gochis said. “I train hard, so it’s good to win. I’m practicing all the time. I have great coaches and they push me to be where I’m supposed to be. It’s hard, they’re strong (the boys that she trains with), but it works out. I’m happy with how I’m doing. I just have to keep training hard, working out and doing all of the right things to win.”

Gregorio-Perez (28-5), a sophomore who went 16-8 last season and came up one win shy of a state medal at 105, was one of two finalists and four sectional qualifiers for the Barbs. She won a pair of decisions to reach the 105 finals, defeating Lincoln-Way West’s Zoe Dempsey 7-4 in the semifinals. Dempsey (12-4), a sophomore who lost in the quarterfinals at 105 in the IHSA Finals a year ago, won a 7-0 decision over senior Schlismann (20-7) in the third-place match to become the top finisher for the Warriors, who had two sectional qualifiers. In the fifth-place match, Streator Township freshman Lily Gwaltney (15-5), one of Bulldogs’ two sectional qualifiers, recorded a fall in 1:47 over Minooka sophomore Holli Coughlen (15-17). 

110 – Eliana Paramo, Joliet Township

Eliana Paramo followed up on Chloe Wong’s title at 100 to give Joliet Township two first-place finishes in the initial three finals when she recorded a fall in 3:49 over Sandwich’s Ashlyn Strenz in the 110 title match. Paramo (31-3), a senior, went 37-5 last  season and finished second in the IHSA Finals at 115 to Glenbard North’s Gabby Gomez after taking fifth place at 115 while representing Joliet West in the first state finals in 2022. The lone two-time medalist and one of just three that the program has had, she won a pair of first-minute falls to reach the 110 title match, including in 0:50 over Burlington Central’s Ruby Vences in the semifinals. She is one of nine sectional qualifiers for JT, making it one of 10 schools that had that many top-six placers.

“The way that it’s so new, it’s like they throw new things at it every single year,” Paramo said of the regionals. “It’s fun and exciting to be a part of these first events and with this year being the first regional, that’s a really big step and it just demonstrates how big the sport has gotten. The fact that we have to have a regional now is really exciting. I’m really grateful and so happy that I’ve had the opportunity to wrestle in the first-ever girls regional. I’ve been a part of it since the beginning when we had very small numbers and around my conference area, I could count on my hand how many girls I knew that wrestled around my weight. But here now, there’s hundreds of girls, it’s insane. We’ve both (JT and Minooka) been really promoting the sport and trying to grow it. I’m really excited, but this is just the first step along that track.”

Strenz (13-3) went 25-16 and finished fourth at 115 last year in the IHSA Finals after falling to Gomez in the semifinals, making her the first state medalist for Sandwich. The senior, who was one of two sectional qualifiers for her team, earned her spot on the 110 title mat after opening with two first-period falls and then winning a 1-0 thriller over Morris’ Ella McDonnell in the semifinals. McDonnell (28-2), a senior, went 33-13 last season and like Strenz, also placed fourth after losing in the semifinals to the eventual 110 champion, Grant’s Ayane Jasinski. McDonnell, who also placed fourth at 105 in 2022, claimed third place with a fall in 1:03 over Minooka senior Brooklyn Doti (22-12), who was a state qualifier in 2022. And for fifth, Reed-Custer senior Judith Gamboa (11-5), a two-time state qualifier who went 27-17 last season and placed fifth at 105 in the IHSA Finals, won by fall in 5:27 over Vences (16-8), who’s a junior.

115 – Gracie Guarino, Lincoln-Way Central

After having been beaten just one time in 34 matches in the past two seasons, and that defeat being 2-0 in sudden victory at the 2023 IHSA Finals in the 110 title match to Grant’s Ayanne Jasinski, Gracie Guarino realizes that there are plenty of tough opponents awaiting her as the 2022 runner-up at 105 seeks to take part in the Grand March in Bloomington for the third time. The Lincoln-Way Central senior improved to 20-0 after recording a fall in 3:46 over Burlington Central’s Victoria Macias in the 115 title match. Guarino became the Knights’ first regional champion and one of their six sectional qualifiers after getting four pins in the two-day event, with the third one of those falls coming in 4:14 over DeKalb’s Reese Zimmer in the semifinals.

“It’s a really good regional,” Guarino said. “There were a lot of tough girls here so it was going to be hard for a lot of these girls to make it to sectionals. But it’s a really good fight for them because it’s a good competition and a good eye-opener for a lot of these girls. A lot of the new girls on my team are having a tough time with emotions, so I just explained to them that this is the first regional, so a lot of girls are battling as hard as they can for a spot. The boys team helps me to move on and try to get a little bit tougher each day and each practice. And I’m helping the girls on my team to help battling their strengths and I’m super proud of them. They come to me with any question that they have and they’re getting a lot better. He’s (coach Tyrone Byrd) got a lot of aspects in his mind to give out to me, it’s great coaching. I’m really excited.”

Macias (30-3), who’s a junior, went 31-9 last season and placed fifth at 110 to add to a fourth-place finish at that same weight class in the inaugural IHSA Finals in 2022. She was the lone finalist for Burlington Central, which qualified all five of its individuals to the Geneseo Sectional. 

Macias followed two first-period falls with a 14-7 decision over Plainfield Central’s Courtni Chuway in the semifinals. In the third-place match between two 2023 IHSA Finals qualifiers, senior Chuway (27-6) won by fall in 1:10 over junior Zimmer. And for fifth place, another senior who was a state qualifier last season, University High’s Allison Kroesch (16-9), recorded a pin in 3:32 over Streator Township freshman Payton Henson (11-11).

120 – Angelina Cassioppi, Hononegah

As one of the six girls who’ve won titles at each of the first two IHSA Finals and one of just four who are still competing and are a looking to three-peat later this month, Angelina Cassioppi is feeling pretty good about where she is at now as the Hononegah junior, who was her team’s only competitor in the Minooka Regional, improved to 10-1 after winning the 120 title with a fall in 3:33 over Joliet Catholic Academy’s Grace Laird. Cassioppi, who joined her sister Rose as an IHSA champion in 2022 when she took first place at 100 and then went 27-6 last season and won the IHSA title at 120 over Yorkville’s Yamilet Aguirre. Her quest for a third title is getting a boost from her two freshmen brothers, Rocco and Bruno, who are a combined 69-6 as they head to the Class 3A Barrington Sectional. Cassioppi won four falls to give her a regional-high 34 team points. She pinned Lincoln-Way West’s Alaina Hollendoner in 2:37 in the semifinals.

“It’s growing a lot and we have a really good regional this year,” Cassioppi said. “It’s the first that they’ve had it, so it’s really cool to be a part of it. It’s crazy how much it’s changed since my freshman year. This is growing fast and it’s getting better. I like how it’s giving us better competition and pushing us to work harder. (The new girls) They have a lot of heart and they really care about the sport and they’re trying their hardest and putting 100 percent in, so that’s good to see. No, I did not anticipate it to grow as fast as it is, but I’m happy that it is, and it’s a cool opportunity. My little brothers are having a great season. It’s so fun to watch them since they’re such good wrestlers. It’s fun to compete with them and have them push me.”

Laird (18-6), a junior who fell one win shy of advancing from the Geneseo Sectional a year ago, was the lone finalist and one of two sectional qualifiers for JCA. She opened with a quick fall, followed that with a 10-7 decision and then won by technical fall in 5:56 over Kaneland’s Dyani Torres in the semifinals. In the third-place match, Torres (37-8), a junior, claimed a 7-6 decision over El Paso-Gridley freshman Kianna Mayne (9-3). The fifth-place featured two seniors who are 12-6 and  Hollendoner won 4-2 over Normal Community’s Trey Fletcher. Hollendoner was one of two qualifiers for the Warriors while Fletcher advanced as her school’s lone entrant.

125 – Yamilet Aguirre, Yorkville

After going 37-4 a year ago and falling in the 120 title match at the IHSA Finals to Hononegah’s Angelina Cassioppi, Yorkville senior Yamilet Aguirre hopes that a third state medal will be an improvement of the fourth she won at 115 in the first IHSA Finals and her second from a year ago as she tries to duplicate what Natasha Markoutsis accomplished for the Foxes in 2022, when she won the 125 title in the IHSA Finals as a senior. Aguirre, who improved to 22-0, was one weight class above Cassioppi at the Minooka Regional and was just as dominating, winning three-straight matches by fall which was capped by a pin in 4:00 over Kaneland’s Brooklyn Sheaffer in the 125 title match. Aguirre, one of three sectional qualifiers for Yorkville, earned her spot on the title mat with a fall in 0:42 over Normal West’s Amelia McClure in the semifinals.

“This was actually really tough,” Aguirre said. “The sport is growing and more girls are joining and a lot of girls are working harder because they want it more. So I just made sure that I was working as hard as I could to be the first Yorkville regional champ, that’s a good thing to say. I was wrestling little boys when I was in club and now I’m wrestling girls my own size, so it’s grown a lot more than what it was. The girls have a lot more heart and I feel like there’s a lot more team support when you’re at a girls tournament. It’s just a really good environment to be in since it pushes you to do your best. I love wrestling the girls, it’s just so much fun. Everybody just wants to see everybody grow and win and succeed and it’s just so heartwarming. With wrestling being so big at Yorkville, there’s a lot more support. The boys will watch on Rofkin or Flo(wrestling) to see the girls’ meets just to see how they’re doing, and it’s a lot of support.”

Sheaffer (11-2), who went 35-12 a year ago and finished sixth at 120 in the IHSA Finals to become her school’s first medal winner, was one of three finalists and six sectional qualifiers who helped Kaneland to a third-place finish in the 41-team competition. The Knights junior opened with two falls before claiming a 4-2 decision over Lincoln-Way Central’s Riley Cooney in the semifinals. In the third-place match, Minooka freshman Kailey Jefferson (21-7), who was a backup throughout much of the season, won with a pin in 2:56 over Somonauk junior Rylie Donahue (8-3). And the two individuals who lost in the semifinals met for fifth and sophomore McClure (20-9), her team’s lone qualifier, won by fall in 3:04 over sophomore Cooney (20-9).

130 – Addison Cailteux, Minooka

After starting the medal round with two losses, Minooka needed some momentum if it was going to get past Joliet Township to win the team title of its own regional. Freshman Kailey Jefferson got things started with a fall to claim third at 125 and Addison Cailteux built on that by winning 14-6 over DeKalb’s Lana Zimmerman in the 130 title match as the hosts went 6-2 in their last eight medals matches, which included five falls in addition to Cailteux’s major 

decision, to help Minooka win the team title by five points. Cailteux, a sophomore who improved to 21-4, joined Bella Cyrkiel (145) as a regional champion and was one of a regional-best 10 individual sectional qualifiers, which ranked as one of the top totals among the eight regionals. She followed a pin with a 5-2 win over Ottawa Township’s Ava Weatherford in the semifinals.

“It was tough competition, like usual,” Cailteux said. “My weight class has always been pretty competitive, and especially at 115 last year. I’m just glad to have all of this great competition, especially at home, because winning at home is always fun, especially when all of your friends and family come to watch you. It’s really good to be around another competitive team (like Joliet Township) because it always keeps us on our toes, because we don’t know what they’re doing in the room  and they don’t know what we’re doing in the room. So it really just makes everyone work that much harder, because they know that there are other girls who are training to beat them. With the boys, they have 1A, 2A and 3A classes, so it’s just nice to have all of the girls in one class to truly see who’s the best.”

Zimmerman (17-11), a junior who was one of two finalists and four sectional qualifiers for DeKalb, reached the 130 title mat following two falls, with the last of those coming in 1:39 over Seneca’s Sammie Greisen in the semifinals. Two sophomores reached the third-place match but Greisen (26-6), who went 24-15 and fell one win shy of winning a medal at 130 at last year’s IHSA Finals, was unable to go so Weatherford (28-10) claimed third place by medical forfeit. For fifth place, Joliet Township senior Alexandra Rosas (11-11), who won three matches in the 2023 Geneseo Sectional, got a fall in 1:01 over Rockford East freshman Ahmira Farah (9-8).

135 – Izabel Barrera, Joliet Township

Izabel Barrera continued to add to her season highlights by becoming Joliet Township’s 

third regional champion, which was the most of any team in the field, when she recorded a fall in 3:29 over Kankakee’s Makayla Jones in the 135 title match. Barrera, a sophomore who improved to 22-5, was one of four finalists and nine sectional qualifiers for the Steelwomen, who just missed winning the team title when host Minooka used a strong finish to capture the Joliet area’s first-ever regional tournament. Barrera won all three of her matches by fall, recording a pin in 4:16 over Burlington Central’s Soraya Walikonis in the semifinals to reach the 135 finals.

“It was very hard, but it was nice, it was a good experience,” Barrera said. “(In the past) A lot of girls were just thrown into the sectionals and then moved on to state, so this shows that girls wrestling has grown so much. And it shows that a lot of people can grow in a short amount of time and that if you put in the work that you can go far. (The rivalry with Minooka) It helps us because we obviously want to beat each other since it’s a competitive sport, so we strive to keep moving up.”

Jones (14-11), a senior who fell one victory shy of a medal at 135 in last year’s IHSA Finals, was the lone sectional qualifier for the Lady Kays. She opened with two falls before claiming an 11-6 decision over Minooka’s Eva Beck in the semifinals. Beck (23-10), a senior who fell one win shy of a trip to state last season after losing to Jones in the Geneseo Sectional, captured third place with a fall in 3:15 over junior Walikonis (27-9), who went 36-14 last year and just like Beck, came up one win short of qualifying for state at 135 from the Geneseo Sectional. In the fifth-place match at 135, Yorkville junior Brooke Coy (29-10) won by fall in 4:30 over Lincoln-Way Central freshman Claire Bray (16-14), who was one of six who advanced to Geneseo for the Knights, who tied Kaneland for the third-most sectional qualifiers in the Minooka Regional.

140 – Netavia Wickson, Boylan Catholic

Netavia Wickson is preparing to make another run at a state title and the Boylan Catholic senior made it clear to all who were on hand at the Minooka Regional that she doesn’t intend to be denied in her attempt to repeat as an IHSA champion. Wickson (16-2) recorded two of the five wins by technical fall in the entire regional in the quarterfinals and semifinals and won the 140 title after recording a fall in 1:54 over Joliet Township’s Veronica Klobnak. After falling to Homewood-Flossmoor’s Attalia Watson-Castro at 135 in the inaugural IHSA Finals, she took first at 135 a year ago with a 9-1 victory over Canton’s Kinnley Smith in Bloomington to cap a 19-5 season. She hopes to join the exclusive club that stands as six individuals who’ve won two titles and also be among the first three-time finalists in the sports history. Wickson, her team’s only entrant in the regional, reached the 140 title mat with a win by technical fall in 2:26 over Plainfield South’s Lexi Kachiroubas in the semifinals, with her earlier tech fall coming in 1:45.

“I really like that we actually have a feel of a real state series,” Wickson said. “So more girls are more determined and they’re training harder to actually be at a higher level to make it to state. And I love seeing all of these girls coming together and coach each other up and just be there for each other because there wasn’t a lot of that when we didn’t have this event. And I really love it because when I was younger, there weren’t a lot of girls who would be there for you to get you ready for a match or just get that positive energy to you, so I appreciate seeing all of these girls trying something new and having that determination and dedication to get better.”

Klobnak (19-17), one of four finalists and nine sectional qualifiers for runner-up Joliet Township, lost to Wickson in the quarterfinals at last year’s Geneseo Sectional and was unable to advance to state. She followed a major decision in her opener with a 3-2 victory on a tiebreaker over Minooka’s Palmer Calvey in the semifinals to reach the 140 title match. In the third-place match, Lincoln-Way Central freshman Ella Giertuga (16-10) recorded a fall in 3:53 over Kaneland sophomore Chloe Cervantes (20-10). The two individuals who lost in the semifinals met for fifth place with junior Calvey (19-14) getting a pin in 2:39 over freshman Kachiroubas (16-11).

145 – Bella Cyrkiel, Minooka

After going 28-9 last season and qualifying for the IHSA Finals for the first time, Minooka senior Bella Cyrkiel not only hopes to make another visit to the finals in Bloomington but she’d like to win some matches this time and perhaps do what her graduated teammate Jaiden Moody did a year ago when she became the program’s first medalist after taking third at 190. Cyrkiel enters the Geneseo Sectional with a lot of confidence after improving to 34-4 after recording a fall in 3:53 over Rochelle’s Dempsey Atkinson in the 145 title match. She advanced to the finals with two first-period falls with the last of those in 1:35 in the semifinals over Lincoln-Way Central’s 

Bailey Mitchell. Cyrkiel joined Addison Cailteux as a champion for the hosts and was one of 10 sectional qualifiers who helped the Indians edge Joliet Township for the regional team title.

“It was really exciting because we got that step to show that the sport is growing, so we definitely needed the regional,” Cyrkiel said. “And there was a lot of good competition here, which was also really good to see. There was a lot of preparation. I know that our coaches were really stressed about it, but it was real fun being right by home and having it here. There are good girls everywhere that are coming in and there’s good competition. So as the buses were pulling in, it was exciting seeing who would be here with us. The numbers are always growing and it’s exciting to be a part of that and also to know that we’re leading the way for some girls. I’m really excited, I’ve been working for the last year, so to be going into sectionals and state is a lot of fun, but a lot of stress, too.”

Atkinson (15-3), who was Rochelle’s lone competitor in the regional, hopes to get back to the IHSA Finals, where she won a match to cap an 18-13 season. The Lady Hubs’ junior followed a quick pin with a fall in 4:34 over Bloomington’s Alicia Swank in the semifinals to reach the 145 finals. In a meeting of sophomores who lost in the semifinals that was for third place, Swank (17-8) won by fall in 3:33 over Mitchell. And for fifth place, Herscher sophomore Henna Mullikin (7-7) recorded a fall in 2:00 over Joliet Township sophomore Vanessa O’Connor (13-17).

155 – Savannah Hamilton, El Paso-Gridley

Savannah Hamilton had already made history in the first two years of the IHSA Finals, but it likely wasn’t the type of results that she was hoping for. After losing to Homewood-Flossmoor’s two-time champion Attalia Watson-Castro last season in the IHSA  Finals at 130 to conclude a 21-11 season and also finishing second to Alton’s Antonia Phillips at 140 in the inaugural IHSA Finals, the El Paso-Gridley junior wants to finally finish on top of the awards stand and is ready for the next step in the process, the Geneseo Sectional, after winning the 155 regional title with a fall in 1:35 over Clifton Central’s Payton Temple. Hamilton, one the two entrants and two sectional qualifiers for the Titans, earned her spot on the title mat after recording a pair of falls, with the last of those coming in 1:23 over Burlington Central’s Jada Hall in the semifinals.

“I think it was nice to have a lot of girls here for regionals,” Hamilton said. “It was good seeing all of these girls out here and at the other regionals also, I’m happy to see that the sport is growing. I’m going to brag a little bit, I used to be kind of on top, but now I have more competition because all of these other girls are coming in, and it’s awesome, I love it, I really do. Some of these girls didn’t even think that they could be a sectional qualifier because it wasn’t here for them, now there’s so many opportunities. It’s awesome to see the sport grow and these girls are always so nice, and I know so many. I feel like everyone is kind of family, which is a little cheesy, but it’s definitely true. And I love my team and everyone that I wrestle and that I meet. I root for them, even if I’m the one losing and they won, I’m still rooting for them.”

Temple (4-2), who’s a freshman, made quite a debut in the postseason when she got a pair of falls, including one in 3:41 over Plainfield South’s Teagan Aurich in the semifinals, to earn her spot on the 155 title mat. As a result, Temple was one of the Comets’ two sectional qualifiers and also one of the five freshmen who advanced to the finals, including three others who were in the weight class above her. In the third-place match, Aurich (21-4), a junior who reached the 155 quarterfinals at the IHSA Finals last season, won a 5-1 decision over Sycamore freshman Ema Durst (12-5), who was one of two entrants for the Spartans, who both advanced. And for fifth place, Hall (22-7), a senior, who was one of the five entrants and sectional qualifiers for Burlington Central, won with a pin in 2:32 over Minooka sophomore Ezra Rodriguez (16-8).

170 – Alicia Tucker, Plainfield Central

There are six individuals who have won two IHSA titles and four of them are seeking to win a third championship later this month. Alicia Tucker is part of another exclusive group of seven athletes who hope to do what those six have done before, winning a second state title. The Plainfield Central junior has been on a roll throughout the season and improved to 31-0 following an 11-5 decision over Peotone’s Kiernan Farmer in the 170 finals to be one of three unbeaten Minooka Regional title winners, joining Gracie Guarino and Yamilet Aguirre. Tucker, who went 34-2 last season and claimed the IHSA championship at 155, hopes to become the third athlete from her school and the first female at PHS to win state titles in consecutive years. One of three sectional qualifiers for the Wildcats, Tucker used two first-period falls to reach the title mat, winning by fall in 1:42 over Joliet Catholic Academy’s Cheya Bishop in the semifinals.

“There were a lot of good athletes here with 40 some schools, there’s so many and they were coming from everywhere, so it was a great feeling seeing everyone here,” Tucker said. “I know a lot of good people here and it’s just great seeing them doing the thing that they love. And we’re all here for the same thing. I feel really good and my coaches have a great plan for me.”

Farmer (14-1), a senior who went 16-12 last season and finished in sixth place at 155 to become her school’s first medal winner, suffered her initial loss in the 170 finals. She reached the title match after recording two pins, including one in 1:00 over Burlington Central’s Ryann Miller in  the semifinals. Miller (28-2), a freshman who was one of five sectional qualifiers for Burlington Central, claimed third place with a fall in 5:19 over senior Bishop (19-9), who was one of two qualifiers for the Angels. In the fifth-place match, Minooka senior Abbey Boersma (32-11) won with a pin in 4:57 over Joliet Township sophomore Bianca Campos (19-9).

190 – Kylie Eilken, Jefferson

Jefferson’s Kylie Eilken was definitely a bit surprised when she ended up finishing on top of the awards stand at 190 at the Minooka Regional. But the same could also be said about her opponent in the 190 title match, Kaneland’s Sadie Kinsella. On a day where five freshmen advanced to the finals, this was the lone title match that featured two freshmen who were squaring off for a regional championship and the lone entrant from the Rockford school became one of two freshmen that won titles. Eilken (15-4) opened with a fall in 3:40 and received her victory in the semifinals at 1:10 when Plainfield Central’s Zyon Jordan was unable to continue.

“This was kind of stressful,” Eilken said. “Because it’s a lot to deal with, especially in high school, it’s scary to go out there and have to wrestle all of these people and you never know who’s next or what their back story is. But I think it’s better not to know about them because you might psych yourself out. When I was in middle school, there were like no girls and then I came to high school and it’s just growing in popularity. I like competing against people to try to make first place. It’s a good feeling. This was very exciting.”

Kinsella (15-11) played a big part in Kaneland’s memorable performance in the Minooka Regional. With just eight individuals competing, the Knights had three finalists and three others who finished sixth or better to not only qualify them for the Geneseo Sectional but also to help their team to claim a third-place finish in the 41-team field. Kinsella followed a first-period fall with a 6-3 decision over Morris’ Morgan Congo in the semifinals. In the third-place match, Clifton Central senior Karmen Cody (9-2) pinned junior Congo (23-8) in 1:00. And for fifth place, DeKalb sophomore Molly Kraft (21-10) won by medical forfeit over junior Jordan (11-7).

235 – Juliana Thrush, Ottawa Township

After going 20-12 last season and falling one win shy of winning a medal at 285 at the IHSA Finals as a freshman, Juliana Thrush has good reason to believe that she not only can make a return trip to state later this month but also get on to the awards stand and place high there and become the second state medalist for Ottawa Township. The Lady Pirates sophomore heads into the Geneseo Sectional with plenty of momentum after capturing the title at 235 in the Minooka Regional with a fall in 2:56 over Sycamore’s Jasmine Enriquez. Thrush (24-3) joined Ava Weatherford as a sectional qualifier for her school after recording falls in her first two matches, which included a pin in 1:56 over Minooka’s Peyton Kueltzo in the semifinals.

“This was really exciting,” Thrush said. “I like the fact that we have regionals now, I like it a lot and I like how they set it up, and I had a fun experience and I hope that the other girls did, too. I was kind of offended when the boys only had it, so I’m glad that they added it for girls. I love how the sport is growing really baig and with how many girls are doing it. Our school has expanded it and we have new wrestlers and I love seeing the new wrestlers and we all have fun. I’ve pushed myself more at practice. Last year, I took it really casual but this year I’ve pushed it way more. I went to the gym more and I’ve put a lot of effort in. I put extra effort in, whether we were at school, or on all of the snow days, I did something. I really love my coaches, they’re all great people and they’re amazing.”

Enriquez (5-3), one of five freshmen to reach the finals in the regional, was one of two entrants for Sycamore and both she and Ema Durst are moving on to the Geneseo Sectional. She opened with two falls and then surprised Prairie Central’s Chloe Hoselton 3-2 in the semifinals to earn her spot on the 235 title mat. Hoselton (12-2), a junior who has achieved numerous accomplishments while competing with Team Illinois, bounced back from her tough semifinal loss with a fall in 0:24 in the third-place match over senior Kueltzo (29-10), a two-time state qualifier who went 26-13 last year. For fifth, Kaneland junior Carly Duffing (15-8) got a fall in 0:28 over Joliet Township senior Fernanda Miranda (12-6), who’s also a two-time state qualifier.

Championship matches for the IHSA Minooka Regional

100 – Chloe Wong (Joliet Township) F 1:25 Danielle Turner (Yorkville)

105 – Angelina Gochis (Kaneland) TF 5:40 Alex Gregorio-Perez (DeKalb)

110 – Eliana Paramo (Joliet Township) F 3:49 Ashlyn Strenz (Sandwich)

115 – Gracie Guarino (Lincoln-Way Central) F 3:46 Victoria Macias (Burlington Central)

120 – Angelina Cassioppi (Hononegah) F 3:33 Grace Laird (Joliet Catholic Academy)

125 – Yamilet Aguirre (Yorkville) F 4:00 Brooklyn Sheaffer (Kaneland)

130 – Addison Cailteux (Minooka) MD 14-6 Lana Zimmerman (DeKalb)

135 – Izabel Barrera (Joliet Township) F 3:29 Makayla Jones (Kankakee)

140 – Netavia Wickson (Boylan Catholic) F 1:54 Veronica Klobnak (Joliet Township)

145 – Bella Cyrkiel (Minooka) F 3:53 Dempsey Atkinson (Rochelle)

155 – Savannah Hamilton (El Paso-Gridley) F 1:35 Payton Temple (Clifton Central)

170 – Alicia Tucker (Plainfield Central)  D 11-5 Kiernan Farmer (Peotone)

190 – Kylie Eilken (Jefferson) F 5:37 Sadie Kinsella (Kaneland)

235 – Juliana Thrush (Ottawa Township) F 2:56 Jasmine Enriquez (Sycamore)

Third-place matches for the IHSA Minooka Regional

100 – Amie Fuentes (Plainfield South) F 3:05 Norah Vick (Sandwich)

105 – Zoe Dempsey (Lincoln-Way West) D 7-0 Emma Schlismann (Joliet Township)

110 – Ella McDonnell (Morris) F 1:03 Brooklyn Doti (Minooka)

115 – Courtni Chuway (Plainfield Central) F 1:10 Reese Zimmer (DeKalb)

120 – Dyani Torres (Kaneland) D 7-6 Kianna Mayne (El Paso-Gridley)

125 – Kailey Jefferson (Minooka) F 2:56 Rylie Donahue (Somonauk)

130 – Ava Weatherford (Ottawa Township) M For Sammie Greisen (Seneca)

135 – Eva Beck (Minooka) F 3:15 Soraya Walikonis (Burlington Central)

140 – Ella Giertuga (Lincoln-Way Central) F 3:53 Chloe Cervantes (Kaneland)

145 – Alicia Swank (Bloomington) F 3:33 Bailey Mitchell (Lincoln-Way Central)

155 – Teagan Aurich (Plainfield South) D 5-1 Ema Durst (Sycamore)

170 – Ryann Miller (Burlington Central) F 5:19 Cheya Bishop (Joliet Catholic Academy)

190 – Karmen Cody (Clifton Central) F 1:00 Morgan Congo (Morris)

235 – Chloe Hoselton (Prairie Central) F 0:24 Peyton Kueltzo (Minooka)

Fifth-place matches for the IHSA Minooka Regional

100 – Monica Alvarez (Lincoln-Way Central) F 5:24 Natalie Bonick (Peotone)

105 – Lily Gwaltney (Streator Township) F 1:47 Holli Coughlen (Minooka)

110 – Judith Gamboa (Reed-Custer) F 5:27 Ruby Vences (Burlington Central)

115 – Allison Kroesch (University High) F 3:32 Payton Henson (Streator Township)

120 – Alaina Hollendoner (Lincoln-Way West) D 4-2 Trey Fletcher (Normal Community)

125 – Amelia McClure (Normal West) F 3:04 Riley Cooney (Lincoln-Way Central)

130 – Alexandra Rosas (Joliet Township) F 1:01 Ahmira Farah (Rockford East)

135 – Brooke Coy (Yorkville) F 4:30 Claire Bray (Lincoln-Way Central)

140 – Palmer Calvey (Minooka) F 2:39 Lexi Kachiroubas (Plainfield South)

145 – Henna Mullikin (Herscher) F 2:00 Vanessa O’Connor (Joliet Township)

155 – Jada Hall (Burlington Central) F 2:32 Ezra Rodriguez (Minooka)

170 – Abbey Boersma (Minooka) F 4:57 Bianca Campos (Joliet Township)

190 – Molly Kraft (DeKalb) M For Zyon Jordan (Plainfield Central)

235 – Carly Duffing (Kaneland) F 0:28 Fernanda Miranda (Joliet Township)

Team scores for the IHSA Minooka Regional

1. Minooka 196, 2. Joliet Township 191, 3. Kaneland 128, 4. Lincoln-Way Central 115, 5. DeKalb 89, 6. Burlington Central 83, 7. Yorkville 82, 8. Plainfield South 68, 9. Plainfield Central 64, 10. Ottawa Township 59, 11. Peotone 57, 12. Morris 56, 13. El Paso-Gridley 53, 14. Sandwich 48, 15. Clifton Central 45, 16. Joliet Catholic Academy 43.5, 17. Sycamore 41, 18. Kankakee 36, 19. Lincoln-Way West 35, 20. Streator Township 34, 21. Hononegah 33, 22. Jefferson 30, 23. Bloomington 29, 23. Normal West 29, 25. Boylan Catholic 28.5, 26. Prairie Central 25, 26. Seneca 25, 28. Rochelle 24, 29. Somonauk 20, 30. Reed-Custer 19, 30. University High 19, 32. Herscher 17, 33. Normal Community 15, 33. Pontiac 15, 35. Rockford East 11, 36. Genoa-Kingston 10, 37. Durand 7, 38. North Boone 4, 39. Wilmington 3, 40. Manteno 0, 40. Guilford 0.

By Curt Herron – for the IWCOA

Jacksonville captures Quincy Notre Dame Invitational title

Jacksonville closed its regular season on a high note after it claimed top honors in the Quincy Notre Dame Invitational with 160 points, which was six points better than second-place Kirkwood, Missouri while Quincy Senior took third place with 152.5 points one day after it won the Western Big 6 Conference Tournament in Moline.

Glenwood (123.5), Central of Camp Point (118.5), Notre Dame (102.5), Illini Bluffs (101), Warsaw/Hamilton (93), Palmyra, Missouri (86) and Lanphier (78.5) and Pittsfield (78) were next in line in the 17-team competition that took place in Quincy.

Leading the way for coach Dustin Secrist’s champion Jacksonville Crimsons were title winners Deshawn Armstrong (120), Joe Reif (150) and Oliver Cooley (215) as well as runners-up Steven Easley (113) and Aiden Surratt (285). Jayce Evans (106), Hunter Hayes (113) and Kaleb Miller (165) took fifth, Jaeden Rhone (144) and Noah Beckmann (157) placed sixth, Peyton Acker (144) was seventh and John Martinez (285) finished eighth. John Harper (138), Malakai Padilla (175) and Carter McNeece (285) also competed on the first-place team.

The Crimsons, who are ranked 22nd in Class 2A, competed in larger tournaments at Civic Memorial, Mascoutah and Lincoln so their best previous finish was third place at Quincy Senior on Jan. 12-13. Jacksonville will be in a rugged Class 2A regional at Civic Memorial in Bethalto which also includes Glenwood and Triad.

“I am really proud of our boys,” Secrist said. “Our guys wrestled well today and were pushing each other to be better. We had five guys get to the finals and several others in the placement matches. We had some young guys step up and win some matches. It shows the growth that many of them have made since the beginning of the season. 

“Our returners did their job, as well. Dashawn Armstrong won this tournament for the second time and Joe Reif and Oliver Cooley both took care of business in the finals. Steven Easley and Aiden Surratt both had a great day just coming up short in the end. Overall it was a great day for us and I’m excited to see what happens in the postseason as we gear up for regionals.”

Top performers for coach Phil Neally’s third-place Quincy Senior Blue Devils were champions Cooper Kamm (132), Owen Uppinghouse (165), Bryor Newbold (175) and Todd Smith (285). Uppinghouse, who is 42-0, and Smith won Western Big 6 titles the previous evening while Newbold took second in the conference. Cale Mixer (144) also placed third for the Blue Devils, who understandably went with a different lineup than they’ve relied upon this season.

The Glenwood Titans, who are coached by Jerod Bruner, were led by title winner Owen Ottino (126), runners-up King Wallace (106) and AJ Williams (126) and fourth-place finishers Alex Destasio (120), Braydyn Worley (150) and Omar Alkhayyat (190). The 126 title match was unique since it was the lone one that featured two teammates, Ottino and Williams, meeting.

Leading coach Kasey Monroe’s Central Panthers were second-place finishers Jack Thompson (157) and Conner Griffin (165) while Konnor Bush (150) took third and Charlie Welch (106) and Wyatt VanDeVelde (285) finished fourth.

The Illini Bluffs Tigers, who are coached by Shawn O’Connor, had three champions, Hunter Robbins (113), who is 41-0, as well as Ian O’Connor (138) and Jackson Carroll (144) while Notre Dame’s Raiders, who are coached by Adam Steinkamp, had one champion, Ryan Darnell (190) and two runners-up, Bradi Lahr (144) and Taylin Scott (215). Palmyra, Missouri also had two title winners, Luke Lawson (106) and Brayden Pillars (157).

Other second-place finishers were Williamsville’s Matthew Miller (138), Warsaw/Hamilton’s Evan Carel (150), Illini West’s Shawn Watkins (175), Pittsfield’s Tucker Cook (190), Kirkwood, MO’s Patrick Fitzgerald (120) and Palmyra, MO’s Tyler Spicknall (132).

Owen Uppinghouse had the most team points with 31.5 while Joe Reif was second with 31 and Jackson Carroll and Hunter Robbins tied for third with 30 team points. Luke Lawson, Bryor Newbold and Ian O’Connor had 29 team points and Ryan Darnell and Owen Ottino had 28 and Cooper Kamm collected 27 team points.

Kirkwood, Mo also had seven individuals who placed third, Caleb Arthur (106), Wyatt Maxville (113), Michael Muller (120), Dylan Crupper (126), Henry Ludbrook (138), Ben Villanueva (165) and Masson Fink (285). Other third-place finishers were Warsaw/Hamilton’s Kai Humphry (132) and Malachi McKune (215), Monmouth United’s Jake McElwee (157), Lanphier’s Jaylen Crowder (175) and Williamsville’s Anthony Beckman (190).

Also finishing in fourth place were Notre Dame’s Oliver Moore (126), Cale Hilbing (132) and Jack Myers (215), Pittsfield’s Jake Oitker (157), Waylon White (165) and Bodine Marable (175), Lanphier’s Cedar Ngiramoai (113), Warsaw/Hamilton’s Brock Burford (138) and Kirkwood, MO’s Trevor Hastings (144).

Top records for Illinois competitors following the Quincy Notre Dame Invitational include Owen Uppinghouse at 165 (42-0, 1.000), Hunter Robbins at 113 (41-0, 1.000), Jackson Carroll at 144 (40-2, .952), Oliver Cooley at 215 (38-3, ,927), Taylin Scott at 215 (38-3, .927), Bryor Newbold at 175 (37-4, .902), Ian O’Connor at 138 (39-5, .886), Joe Reif at 150 (37-5. .881) and Aiden Surratt at 285 (35-5, .875).

Deshawn Armstrong had the most total match points with 61 while Bryor Newbold was next with 52 points. Quincy Senior’s Rennie Lio and Glenwood’s Mason Streb both collected four falls. Jacksonville had the most total match points with 170 while Glenwood was second with 149 and the champion Crimsons led with 16 pins while Central, Glenwood and Kirkwood all had 15 falls.

Championship matches of the Quincy Notre Dame Invitational

106 – Luke Lawson (Palmyra, MO) F 1:37 King Wallace (Glenwood)

113 – Hunter Robbins (Illini Bluffs) F 0:36 Steven Easley (Jacksonville)

120 – Deshawn Armstrong (Jacksonville) MD 22-9 Patrick Fitzgerald (Kirkwood, MO)

126 – Owen Ottino (Glenwood) F 2:28 AJ Williams (Glenwood)

132 – Cooper Kamm (Quincy Senior) F 2:49 Tyler Spicknall (Palmyra, MO)

138 – Ian O’Connor (Illini Bluffs) MD 13-0 Matthew Miller (Williamsville)

144 – Jackson Carroll (Illini Bluffs) F 3:48 Bradi Lahr (Notre Dame)

150 – Joe Reif (Jacksonville) F 5:56 Evan Carel (Warsaw/Hamilton)

157 – Brayden Pillars (Palmyra, MO) F 2:28 Jack Thompson (Central)

165 – Owen Uppinghouse (Quincy Senior) F 0:37 Conner Griffin (Central)

175 – Bryor Newbold (Quincy Senior) F 1:36 Shawn Watkins (Illini West)

190 – Ryan Darnell (Notre Dame) D 7-3 Tucker Cook (Pittsfield)

215 – Oliver Cooley (Jacksonville) D 7-1 Taylin Scott (Notre Dame)

285 – Todd Smith (Quincy Senior) D 3-2 Aiden Surratt (Jacksonville)

Third-place matches for the Quincy Notre Dame Invitational

106 – Caleb Arthur (Kirkwood, MO) F 1:56 Charlie Welch (Central)

113 – Wyatt Maxville (Kirkwood, MO) M For Cedar Ngiramoai (Lanphier)

120 – Michael Muller (Kirkwood, MO) TF 3:29 Alex Destasio (Glenwood)

126 – Dylan Crupper (Kirkwood, MO) MD 13-5 Oliver Moore (Notre Dame)

132 – Kai Humphry (Warsaw/Hamilton) D 3-1 Cale Hilbing (Notre Dame)

138 – Henry Ludbrook (Kirkwood, MO) F 1:07 Brock Burford (Warsaw/Hamilton)

144 – Cale Mixer (Quincy Senior) F 1:43 Trevor Hastings (Kirkwood, MO)

150 – Konnor Bush (Central) TF Braydyn Worley (Glenwood)

157 – Jake McElwee (Monmouth United) F 3:13 Jake Oitker (Pittsfield)

165 – Ben Villanueva (Kirkwood, MO) F 2:33 Waylon White (Pittsfield)

175 – Jaylen Crowder (Lanphier) F 1:52 Bodine Marable (Pittsfield)

190 – Anthony Beckman (Williamsville) F 0:51 Omar Alkhayyat (Glenwood)

215 – Malachi McKune (Warsaw/Hamilton) F 4:20 Jack Myers (Notre Dame)

285 – Masson Fink (Kirkwood, MO) D 7-1 Wyatt VanDeVelde (Central)

Team scores for the Quincy Notre Dame Invitational

1. Jacksonville 160, 2. Kirkwood, MO 154, 3. Quincy Senior 152.5, 4. Glenwood 123.5, 5. Camp Point Central 118.5, 6. Notre Dame 102.5, 7. Illini Bluffs 101, 8. Warsaw/Hamilton 93, 9. Palmyra, MO 86, 10. Lanphier 78.5, 11. Pittsfield 78, 12. Williamsville 51, 13. Monmouth United 45, 14. Illini West 31, 15. Illinois United, 16. Payson Seymour 5, 17. Riverton 0.

Roxana takes top honors at Litchfield Lovellette Invitational

Roxana closed out its regular season on a high note as it captured the title at the 17-team Rich Lovellette Invitational that took place in Litchfield.

Coach Rob Milazzo’s Shells scored 217 points to take top honors while Oakwood/Salt Fork edged Lena-Winslow/Stockton 195-193 for second place and Vandalia finished fourth with 189 points. Murphysboro (113.5), Peotone (108). Peoria Notre Dame (94.5), Litchfield/Mt. Olive (81.5), Harrisburg (77.5) and Rochester (77) rounded out the top 10  teams. 

Top performers for champion Roxana were title winners Lleyton Cobine (120), Brandon Green, Jr. (132) and James Herring (285) while Lyndon Thies (157) took second and Logan Riggs (126), Braden Johnson (150), Robert Watt (190) and Donald Battles (215) finished third. Trevor Gihring (138) and Elias Thies (175) were fifth, Savion Hill (106) took sixth and Bryan Rodriguez (144) and Donavan Herrin (165) also were members of the title team.

Leading the way for coach Mike Glosser’s runner-up Oakwood/Salt Fork Comets were champions Grant Brewer (150), runners-up Tyler Huchel (120), Pedro Rangel (132) and Dalton Brown (175), third place finisher Jack Ajster (138) as well as Thomas Wells (126) and Carter Chambliss (144), who took fourth place.

The Lena-Winslow/Stockton PantherHawks, who are coached by 2020 IWCOA Hall of Famer Kevin Milder, were led by first-place finishers Eli Larson (175), Jeremiah Luke (190) and Michael Haas (215) while Arrison Bauer (132), Jared Dvorak (157) and Gannon Dunker (285) placed third and Mauricio Glass (138) finished fourth.

Coach Jason Clay’s Vandalia Vandals got championships from Max Philpot (106) and Dillon Hinton (138), second-place finishes from Elijah Mabry (113), Kaden Tidwell (190) and Dominic Swyers (215) while Brody Matthews (120) took third and Cole Yarbrough (132) was fourth.

Other champions were Murphysboro’s Bryce Edwards (144) and Liam Fox (157), Peoria Notre Dame’s Ian Akers (113), Auburn’s Joey Ruzic (126) and Richards’ Mike Taheney (165). 

Also capturing second-place finishes were Peoria Notre Dame’s Chase Daugherty (150) and Michael McLaughlin (285), Litchfield/Mt. Olive’s Vincent Moore (106), Harrisburg’s Tony Keene (126), Cumberland’s Brayden Olmstead (138), Peotone’s Micah Spinazzola (144) and Westville/Georgetown-Ridge Farm’s Gabriel Kiddoo (165).

Grant Brewer, Brandon Green, Jr., Michael Haas and Dillon Hinton tied for first place for the most team points with 28 while Joey Ruzic was right behind with 27.5 team points. Ian Akers had 26.5 points while James Herring, Eli Larson and Max Philpot scored 26 team points.

Joey Ruzic led the way with 47 total match points while Cumberland’s Sawyer Welbaum was second with 41 points. Elias Thies and Peotone’s Conor Pasch both recorded four falls. Oakwood/Salt Fork had the most total match points with 249 while Roxana was second with 233. The champion Shells had the most falls with 25 while the runner-up Comets had 22.

Top-four finishers in the Rich Lovellette Invitational who had the best records include Liam Fox at 157 (39-0, 1.000), Joey Ruzic at 126 (38-0, 1.000), Max Philpot at 106 (39-2, .951), Dillon Hinton at 138 (38-2, .950), James Herring at 285 (35-2, .946), Tony Keene at 126 (34-2, .944), Grant Brewer at 150 (32-2, .941), Pedro Rangel at 132 (36-3, .923), Brandon Green, Jr. at 132 (34-3, .919), Owen McGinnis at 144 (37-4, .902), Lyndon Thies at 157 (36-4, .900), Dalton Brown at 175 (35-4, .897), Jeremiah Luke at 190 (35-4, .897), Brayden Olmstead at 138 (38-5, .884) and Eli Larson at 175 (36-5, .878).

Championship matches for Litchfield’s Rich Lovellette Invitational

106 – Max Philpot (Vandalia) D 8-2 Vincent Moore (Litchfield/Mt. Olive)

113 – Ian Akers (Peoria Notre Dame) MD 13-4 Elijah Mabry (Vandalia)

120 – Lleyton Cobine (Roxana) D 9-8 Tyler Huchel (Oakwood/Salt Fork)

126 – Joey Ruzic (Auburn/Franklin/New Berlin) F 5:32 Tony Keene (Harrisburg)

132 – Brandon Green, Jr. (Roxana) D 5-0 Pedro Rangel (Oakwood/Salt Fork)

138 – Dillon Hinton (Vandalia) F 1:41 Brayden Olmstead (Cumberland)

144 – Bryce Edwards (Murphysboro) SV 6-4 Micah Spinazzola (Peotone)

150 – Grant Brewer (Oakwood/Salt Fork) D 5-2 Chase Daugherty (Peoria Notre Dame)

157 – Liam Fox (Murphysboro) D 8-4 Lyndon Thies (Roxana)

165 – Mike Taheney (Richards) D 8-1 Gabriel Kiddoo (Westville/Georgetown-Ridge Farm)

175 – Eli Larson (Lena-Winslow/Stockton) D 5-2 Dalton Brown (Oakwood/Salt Fork)

190 – Jeremiah Luke (Lena-Winslow/Stockton) D 5-3 Kaden Tidwell (Vandalia)

215 – Michael Haas (Lena-Winslow/Stockton) F 3:14 Dominic Swyers (Vandalia)

285 – James Herring (Roxana) D 3-0 Michael McLaughlin (Peoria Notre Dame)

Third-place matches at Litchfield’s Rich Lovellette Invitational

106 – Pierce Bultmann (Rochester) F 3:22 Josh Stedwill (Peoria Notre Dame)

113 – Paxton Pyatt (Murphysboro) M For Conner Carroll (Rochester)

120 – Brody Matthews (Vandalia) D 7-3 Drayven Hamm (Auburn/Franklin/New Berlin)

126 – Logan Riggs (Roxana) F 0:35 Thomas Wells (Oakwood/Salt Fork)

132 – Arrison Bauer (Lena-Winslow/Stockton) F 1:40 Cole Yarbrough (Vandalia)

138 – Jack Ajster (Oakwood/Salt Fork) F 3:35 Mauricio Glass (Lena-Winslow/Stockton)

144 – Owen McGinnis (Cumberland) SV 7-5 Carter Chambliss (Oakwood/Salt Fork)

150 – Braden Johnson (Roxana) F 1:19 Dom Paul (Richards)

157 – Jared Dvorak (Lena-Winslow/Stockton) F 0:45 Kurt Wagner (Peotone)

165 – Ian Kreske (Peotone) TF 5:20 Maxon Stearns (Murphysboro)

175 – Joey Barrow (Auburn/Franklin/New Berlin) F 3:00 Jeremiah Gill (Richards)

190 – Robert Watt (Roxana) F 1:15 Ethan Miller (Westville/Georgetown-Ridge Farm)

215 – Donald Battles (Roxana) F 1:03 Caleb Williford (Harrisburg)

285 – Gannon Dunker (Lena-Winslow/Stockton) F 0:50 Javier Horton (Harrisburg)

Team scores for Litchfield’s Rich Lovellette Invitational

1. Roxana 217, 2. Oakwood/Salt Fork 195, 3. Lena-Winslow/Stockton 193, 4. Vandalia 189, 5. Murphysboro 113.5, 6. Peotone 108, 7. Peoria Notre Dame 94.5, 8. Litchfield/Mt. Olive 81.5, 9. Harrisburg 77.5, 10. Rochester 77, 11. Auburn/Franklin/New Berlin 72, 11. Richards 72, 13. Cumberland 70, 14. Westville/Georgetown-Ridge Farm 58, 15. Prairie Central 22, 16. Hillsboro 18, 17. Carlinville 17.

Lawrenceville/Red Hill claims title at Eastern Illinois Tournament

Lawrenceville/Red Hill can claim bragging rights among some of the schools in the eastern portion of the state after it scored 193.5 points to capture top honors at the Eastern Illinois Tournament by 33 points over Richland County, which finished with 160.5 points. Host school Robinson edged Hoopeston Area/Milford 144.5-142 to claim third place in the 12-team competition while Carterville (111.5), Johnston City (101.5) and Paris (93) were next in line.

Top performers for coach Samuel Hyre’s champion Lawrenceville/Red Hill Indians were title winner Daniel Kiser (144) and runners-up Drew Seitzinger (106), Dylan Aten (126), Trevor Loy (150), Kasen Ochs (175) and Dylan Camden (285). Taking third were Jaxtyn Chansler (120) and Hudson Meek (138), Tyson Lucas (157) was fourth, Cale Seitzinger (132) and Nick Morehead (165) finished fifth, Wyatt Scott (190) placed sixth and Hudson Frey (215) also competed for the title winners.

Leading the way for coach Hassan Steele’s runner-up Richland County Tigers were first-place finishers Carson Bissey (132) and Zander Schrader (190) as well as Kaeden Davis (120) and Jashun McKinley (215), who placed second. Baxter Smith (106) and Maverik Cordell (113) took third place and Logan McDonald (175) finished fourth.

The third-place Robinson Maroons, who are coached by Tanner Keeler, were led by champions Broady Kelly (126), Ben Mullins (150) and Kahne Hyre (165) and runner-up Dreagan Johnson (157) while Trenton Riggle (144) took third and Isaac Booher (106) placed fourth.

Hoopeston Area/Milford’s Cornjerkers, whose coach is Chris Kelnhofer, got titles from Charlie Flores (106), Ayden Larkin (157) and Angel Zamora (175) while Talan Nelson (126) and Aiden Bell (132) both claimed third place.

Carterville also had two champions, Brawsen Bloodworth (113) and Zecharich Miller (285). The other first-place finishers were Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine’s Ian Rosborough (120), Effingham’s Baker Moon (138) and Johnston City’s Jude Beers (215).

Paris was led by two runners-up, Carson Kollman (144) and Will Moody (190). Others who placed second were Herrin’s Brennan Jeralds (113), Charleston’s Jacob Kuhn (132),

Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine’s Cole Littlejohn (138) and Carterville’s Jacob Grob (165).

Carson Bissey and Charlie Flores led with 27.5 team points while Kahne Hyre, Ben Mullins and Angel Zamora tied for third with 27 points. Ayden Larkin and Zander Schrader scored 26 points, Jude Beers and Zechariah Miller each had 25.5 and Broady Kelly collected 24.5 team points.

Additional third-place finishers were Paris’ Joshua Lamour (150) and Ethan Curl (215), Carterville’s Carter Jones (157), Herrin’s Kolby Coffey (165), Johnston City’s Randy Fuqua (175), Mt. Carmel’s Donald Downing (190) and Effingham’s Trenton Patterson (285).

Johnston City had four individuals who finished fourth, Ben Harris (132) and Gabe Livley (138), Jerry Tate (144) and Juan Salazar (190). Others who took fourth place were Effingham’s Mason Bushue (120) and Kaiden Stewart (126), Herrin’s Jack Finley (150) and Logan Dirden (215),

Paris’ Robert Wells (165) and Mt. Carmel’s Evan Berberich (285).

Top records for individuals in the Eastern Illinois Tournament at Robinson include Carson Bissey at 132 (39-1, .975), Angel Zamora at 175 (42-2, .955), Jude Beers at 215 (34-2, .944), Kahne Hyre at 165 (32-2, .941), Broady Kelly at 126 (24-2, .923), Zechariah Miller at 285 (37-4, .902), Ben Mullins at 150 (32-4, ,889), Ian Rosborough at 120 (29-4, .879), Dreagan Johnson at 157 (28-4, .875), Ethan Curl at 215 (24-4, .857) and Kasen Ochs at 175 (36-6, .857).

Jude Beers and Broady Kelly tied for the most total match points with 46 while Ben Mullins had 45 and Hoopeston Area/Milford’s Tucker Deck was the only individual to record three falls.

Robinson collected the most total match points with 173 while Johnston City and Richland County tied for second with 167 points. Lawrenceville/Red Hill had the most falls with 13 while Hoopeston Area/Milford and Robinson both had 12 pins.

Championship matches for the Eastern Illinois Tournament at Robinson

106 – Charlie Flores (Hoopeston Area/Milford) TF 5:20 Drew Seitzinger (Lawrenceville/Red Hill)

113 – Brawnsen Bloodworth (Carterville) F 3:14 Brennan Jeralds (Herrin)

120 – Ian Rosborough (Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine) D 14-7 Kaeden Davis (Richland County)

126 – Broady Kelly (Robinson) D 12-5 Dylan Aten (Lawrenceville/Red Hill)

132 – Carson Bissey (Richland County) F 1:42 Jacob Kuhn (Charleston)

138 – Baker Moon (Effingham) F 3:53 Cole Littlejohn (Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine)

144 – Daniel Kiser (Lawrenceville/Red Hill) F 3:04 Carson Kollman (Paris)

150 – Ben Mullins (Robinson) TF 5:08 Trevor Loy (Lawrenceville/Red Hill)

157 – Ayden Larkin (Hoopeston Area/Milford) D 5-1 Dreagan Johnson (Robinson)

165 – Kahne Hyre (Robinson) MD 16-4 Jacob Grob (Carterville)

175 – Angel Zamora (Hoopeston Area/Milford) F 2:46 Kasen Ochs (Lawrenceville/Red Hill)

190 – Zander Schrader (Richland County) D 13-8 Will Moody (Paris)

215 – Jude Beers (Johnston City) F 4:07 Jashun McKinley (Richland County)

285 – Zechariah Miller (Carterville) D 4-1 Dylan Camden (Lawrenceville/Red Hill)

Third-place matches for the Eastern illinois Tournament at Robinson

106 – Baxter Smith (Richland County) F 3:00 Isaac Booher (Robinson)

113 – Maverik Cordell (Richland County)

120 – Jaxtyn Chansler (Lawrenceville/Red Hill) F 3:38 Mason Bushue (Effingham)

126 – Talan Nelson (Hoopeston Area/Milford) M For Kaiden Stewart (Effingham)

132 – Aiden Bell (Hoopeston Area/Milford) M For Ben Harris (Johnston City)

138 – Hudson Meek (Lawrenceville/Red Hill) D 1-0 Gabe Livley (Johnston City)

144 – Trenton Riggle (Robinson) F 1:48 Jerry Tate (Johnston City)

150 – Joshua Lamour (Paris) D 6-3 Jack Finley (Herrin)

157 – Carter Jones (Carterville) F 0:31 Tyson Lucas (Lawrenceville/Red Hill)

165 – Kolby Coffey (Herrin) F 3:15 Robert Wells (Paris)

175 – Randy Fuqua (Johnston City) MD 8-0 Logan McDonald (Richland County)

190 – Donald Downing (Mt. Carmel) F 5:03 Juan Salazar (Johnston City)

215 – Ethan Curl (Paris) F 2:50 Logan Dirden (Herrin)

285 – Trenton Patterson (Effingham) TF 4:47 Evan Berberich (Mt. Carmel)

Team scores for the Eastern Illinois Tournament at Robinson

1. Lawrenceville/Red Hill 193.5, 2. Richland County 160.5, 3. Robinson 144.5, 4. Hoopeston Area/Milford 142, 5. Carterville 111.5, 6. Johnston City 101.5, 7. Paris 93, 8. Herrin 77, 9. Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine 73.5, 10. Effingham 72.5, 11. Charleston 54, 12. Mt. Carmel 50.5.

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher wins Heart of Illinois Tournament title

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher gave itself a great boost going into the Class 1A regional that it hosts on Saturday that involves many of the same teams that it outscored to win the title of Heart of Illinois Conference Individual Tournament at Ridgeview in Colfax.

Coach Cody Moody’s champion GCMSF Falcons scored 199 points to finish 19.5 points in front of runner-up LeRoy/Tri-Valley (179.5) while El Paso-Gridley (101) took third place. Tremont (77), Deer Creek-Mackinaw (70.5), Eureka (66), Ridgeview/Lexington (47) and Heyworth (32) also took part. The top seven teams in the HOI Tournament will be joined by Olympia, Pontiac, Prairie Central and University High in an 11-team regional that will take place in Gibson City.

Top performers for Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher were champions Shawn Schlickman (132), Corbin Ragle (144), Carson Maxey (150), Jaxon Wright (175) and Aiden Sancken (190) while Hudson Babb (126) and Cooper Miller (165) placed second. Gage Martin (120), Sam Manson (157), Cohen Kean (215) and Aiden Cornell (285) all claimed third place while Jakob Howell (138) finished fourth. 

Leading the way for coach Brady Sant Amour’s runner-up LeRoy/Tri-Valley Panthers were title winners Brady Mouser (113), EJ Chaon (120), Connor Lyons (157), Jacob Bischoff (215) and Tate Sigler (285) while Brock Owens (144) finished second. Claiming third place were Colton Prosser (138), Bo Zeleznik (165) and Adam Moore (190) while Matt Helfrich (126) and Gannon Pinkerton (175) both took fourth place.

The El Paso-Gridley Titans, who are coached by 2007 National Wrestling Hall of Fame – Illinois Chapter Lifetime Service Award recipient Joe Cliffe, were led by runners-up Nolan Whitman (120), Waylon Melick (157), Ryden Barker (190) and Parker Duffy (215) while Braden Gibson (150) and Dominic Ricconi (175) took third and Orion Dunlap (165) was fourth.

And the Tremont Turks, who are coached by 2006 IWCOA Hall of Famer TJ Williams, received titles from Mason Mark (138) and Bowden Delaney (165) while Riley Poisal (106) took second place, Chase Stedman (126) claimed third and Trip Pitts (132) finished fourth.

Other Heart of Illinois Tournament champions were Heyworth’s Landon Nieslawski (106) and Ridgeview/Lexington’s Danny Tay (126). Also claiming second-place finishes were Deer Creek-Mackinaw’s Ashten Finch (132), Payton Hixon (150) and Joey Humphries (285), Eureka’s Henry Watson (113) and Wyatt Zacha (175) and Ridgeview/Lexington’s Judson Stover (138).

Shawn Schlickman scored the most team points with 24, which was two more than four who were tied for second with 22, EJ Chaon, Bowden Delaney, Mason Mark and Carson Maxey. There was a seven-way tie for sixth with 20 team points between Jacob Bischoff, Connor Lyons, Corbin Ragle, Aiden Sancken, Tate Sigler, Danny Tay and Jaxon Wright.

Others who claimed third place were Eureka’s Owen Stoller (132) and Heyworth’s Trevor Soice (144). And additional fourth-place finishers were Eureka’s Parks Leman (120), Sam Hoffman (150) and James Minder (285), Deer Creek-Mackinaw’s Caleb Greeer (144), Liam Kilgore (157) and Ryker Gemberling (190) and Ridgeview/Lexington’s Hunter Tillotson (215). 

Individuals with top records after the Heart of Illinois Tournament were Bowden Delaney at 165 (38-1, .974), Brady Mouser at 113 (34-2, .944), Jacob Bischoff at 215 (33-2, .943), Danny Tay at 126 (35-4, .897), Aiden Sancken at 190 (26-4, .867) and Mason Mark at 138 (34-6, .850).

Owen Stoller had the most total match points with 31 while Colton Prosser was next-best with 28 match points. Cohen Kean, Adam Moore, Shawn Schlickman and Owen Stoller all had three falls. LeRoy/Tri-Valley had the most total match points with 184 while Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher recorded 20 pins and LeRoy/Tri-Valley collected 18 falls.

Championship matches for the Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament

106 – Landon Nieslawski (Heyworth) F 0:21 Riley Poisal (Tremont)

113 – Brady Mouser (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) TF 5:06 Henry Watson (Eureka)

120 – EJ Chaon (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) F 1:28 Nolan Whitman (El Paso-Gridley)

126 – Danny Tay (Ridgeview/Lexington) SV 4-2 Hudson Babb (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher)

132 – Shawn Schlickman (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) F 3:57 Ashten Finch (Deer Creek-Mackinaw)

138 – Mason Mark (Tremont) D 10-5 Judson Stover (Ridgeview/Lexington)

144 – Corbin Ragle (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) D 4-2 Brock Owens (LeRoy/Tri-Valley)

150 – Carson Maxey (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) F 2:00 Payton Hixon (Deer Creek-Mackinaw)

157 – Connor Lyons (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) F 3:04 Waylon Melick (El Paso-Gridley)

165 – Bowden Delaney (Tremont) F 0:38 Cooper Miller (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher)

175 – Jaxon Wright (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) D 16-9 Wyatt Zacha (Eureka)

190 – Aiden Sancken (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) D 7-0 Ryden Barker (El Paso-Gridley)

215 – Jacob Bischoff (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) SV 3-1 Parker Duffy (El Paso-Gridley)

285 – Tate Sigler (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) D 8-1 Joey Humphries (Deer Creek-Mackinaw)

Third-place matches for the Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament

120 – Gage Martin (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) F 1:10 Parks Leman (Eureka)

126 – Chase Stedman (Tremont) F 2:35 Matt Helfrich (LeRoy/Tri-Valley)

132 – Owen Stoller (Eureka) F 2:37 Trip Pitts (Tremont)

138 – Colton Prosser (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) F 0:49 Jakob Howell (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher)

144 – Trevor Soice (Heyworth) MD 10-0 Caleb Greeer (Deer Creek-Mackinaw)

150 – Braden Gibson (El Paso-Gridley) F 1:27 Sam Hoffman (Eureka)

157 – Sam Manson (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) F 2:32 Liam Kilgore (Deer Creek-Mackinaw)

165 – Bo Zeleznik (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) F 1:03 Orion Dunlap (El Paso-Gridley)

175 – Dominic Ricconi (El Paso-Gridley) F 1:54 Gannon Pinkerton (LeRoy/Tri-Valley)

190 – Adam Moore (LeRoy/Tri-Valley) F 1:46 Ryker Gemberling (Deer Creek-Mackinaw)

215 – Cohen Kean (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) F 0:32 Hunter Tillotson (Ridgeview/Lexington)

285 – Aiden Cornell (Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher) F 1:25 James Minder (Eureka)

Team scores for the Heart of Illinois Conference Tournament

1. Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley/Fisher 199, 2. LeRoy/Tri-Valley 179.5, 3. El Paso-Gridley 101, 4. Tremont 77, 5. Deer Creek-Mackinaw 70.5, 6. Eureka 66, 7. Ridgeview/Lexington 47, 8. Heyworth 32.

Marion claims top honors at South Seven Conference Duals

Marion went 4-0 to take first at the South Seven Conference Duals, which took place in Carbondale, and the hosts went 3-1 to take second. In the second round, Marion captured a 66-18 win over Carbondale. And in the fifth round, the Wildcats won 43-31 over Mt. Vernon, who went 2-2 to claim third place. Marion also won 59-24 over Centralia and 63-10 over Cahokia.

Coach Darren Lindsey’s champion Wildcats not only won their third South Seven Conference title in five years but they also collected their 20th dual meet of the season to finish 20-5, making this the seventh-year in a row that Marion has won 20 or more duals. The Wildcats coach was most concerned about Mt. Vernon in the duals since the Rams had finished ahead of his team in all of their tournaments but he believed that his Wildcats were peaking at the right time and his team’s performance resulted in another South Seven Conference title for Marion. 

Leading the way for the champion Marion Wildcats were Jkwon Williamson (4-0 at 113), Riddick Cook (4-0 at 120), Caden Frey (4-0 at 144), Caleb Ohnesorge (4-0 at 150), Justin Murphy (4-0 at 157), Tate Miller (4-0 at 165), Evan Francis (4-0 at 190), Juelz Elliott (3-1 at 106), Hunter Gibb (3-1 at 138), Greyson Sanders (3-1 at 175) and Bryan Madinger (3-1 at 215/285). Wildcats who received South Seven Conference first-team honors were Willamson (113), Cook (120), Frey (144), Ohnesorge (150), Murphy (157), Miller (165), Francis (190) and Madinger (215).

Marion is a young team with two seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen in the varsity lineup. Tate Miller, a junior who was a 30-match winner in each of the past two seasons, is back from an injury and has a 19-6 record. Others with top records include Caden Frey (33-9), Jkwon Williamson (29-14), Evan Francis (26-19) and Juelz Elliott (25-17).

All of the South Seven Conference teams will compete in Saturday’s IHSA Class 2A Marion Regional, which will be at Wilson Gym. They’ll be joined by East St. Louis Senior, Mascoutah and Waterloo, which also won its 20th dual meet and earned a share of the Mississippi Valley Conference title with Civic Memorial and Triad, a first for Waterloo. Individuals advance to the Mahomet-Seymour Sectional and the ream champion will compete in the Taylorville Sectional.

Leading performers for coach Gerald Richards’ runner-up Terriers were Isaac Smith (4-0 at 132), Orio Weisburg (2-0 at 106)Hatem Alshammari (3-1 at 126), Thomas Imboden (3-1 at 165), Connor Day (3-1 at 175) and Zane Wiiliard (3-1 at 285).

Turning in the the best showings for coach Alejandro Wajner’s third-place Mt, Vernon Rams were Dillon White (4-0 at 138/144), Maddox Randall (4-0 at 175), Jhymear Smith Henson (4-0 at 285), Mason Randall (4-0 at 190/215), Sean Harrington (3-1 at 150/157) and Malakai Mays (3-1 at 157/165).

Centralia’s leaders were Brylan Guthrie (4-0 at 106), Nate LeCrone (4-0 at 126) and Cameron Haake (3-1 at 120). And posting the best records for Cahokia were Demarious McGill (3-1 at 132) and Quinterrous Jones (3-1 at 215).

Nine individuals led the way with 24 team points, Riddick Cook, Evan Francis, Caden Frey, Brylan Guthrie, Nate LeCrone, Caleb Ohnesorge, Mason Randall, Isaac Smith and Dillon White. Jkwon Williamson had 40 total match points and Justin Murphy had 39. And Riddick Cook, Isaac Smith and Dillon White all had four falls. Marion had the most team points with 231 while Carbondale was second with 171. And champion Marion also led in the most falls with 29.

Civic Memorial, Triad, Waterloo share title at MVC Super Duals

Civic Memorial, Triad and Waterloo all went 4-1 at the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Duals which took place at Triad in Troy so they all earned a share of the conference title.

All three of the head-head duals were decided by three points and two of them were by the same score, 42-39. In round one, Waterloo edged Civic Memorial 42-39. In round three, Civic Memorial got past Triad 42-39. And in round four, Triad prevailed over Waterloo 36-33.

Turning in the top efforts for coach Chase Guercio’s Waterloo Bulldogs, who won their first conference championship, were Jackson Deutch (5-0 at 175), Ty Kinzinger (4-0 at 126), Matthew Deutch (4-1 at 106), Konnor Stephens (4-1 at 120), Bladen Sease (4-1 at 157), Brady Rose (4-1 at 165) and Drew Glowacki (4-1 at 285).”We broke our school record for dual wins in a single season and we ended with a record of 20-6,” Guercio said. “This was also our first conference championship win in school history.”

Leading the way for the Triad Knights, who are coached by 2022 IWCOA Hall of Famer Russ Witzig, were Will Kelly (5-0 at 106), Shane Siep (5-0 at 113), Colby Crouch (5-0 at 126), Brody Smith (5-0 at 132), Ben Baumgartner (4-1 at 138) and Bobby Patterson (4-1 at 190).

“It’s nice to win another conference championship but we really didn’t want to split it 3-ways with Civic Memorial and Waterloo,” Witzig said. “This team has overcome quite a bit of adversity this year losing three starters since Christmas break and wrestling with some injuries so it was a good way to end the regular season.”

Top performers for coach Jeremy Christeson’s Civic Memorial Eagles were Bradley Ruckman (5-0 at 120), Bryce Griffin (5-0 at 157), James Wojcikiewicz (5-0 at 165), Jake Herrin (5-0 at 285), Nathan Herrin (4-1 at 144), Anthony Michelon (4-1 at 150) and Luke McCoy (4-1 at 175).

Highland went 2-3 to finish fourth and was led by Tyson Rakers (5-0 at 150), Ethan Greenwald (5-0 at 190), Ashton Zobrist (5-0 at 215) and Gavin Merkle (4-1 at 113).

Mascoutah finished fifth and was led by Jordan Sonon-Hale (5-0 at 138), Brock Ross (5-0 at 144) and Jayden Wilkinson (4-1 at 132). And Jersey Community’s top performer was Kaeden Hutchens (4-1 at 215).

There was an eight-way tie for first in team points with 30 between Colby Crouch, Jackson Deutch, Bryce Griffin, Jake Herrin, Tyson Rakers, Bradley Ruckman, Brody Smith and Jordan Sonon-Hale. Mascoutah’s Sean Murphy had the most total match points with 41. And Jackson Deutch, Bryce Griffin and Tyson Rakers all had five falls. 

Waterloo had the most team points with 247 while Triad was second with 226. Triad had the most total match points with 104 while Mascoutah was second with 73. And Civic Memorial and Waterloo both had 26 pins.

By Curt Herron – for the IWCOA 

Joliet Catholic Academy beats Marist for East Suburban Catholic Conference title

Two of the top four Class 3A teams met in the East Suburban Catholic Conference Tournament and for the second year in a row, Joliet Catholic Academy prevailed over Marist for the title, with the Hilltoppers outscoring the RedHawks 252-217.5 to win the eight-team event, which was hosted by Marist in Chicago. 

Last year, JCA won the title by a 226-221.5 margin after Marist took first in 2022 while JCA was second. St. Patrick (129) placed third while Notre Dame College Prep (106) finished fourth.

Coach Ryan Cumbee’s champion Hilltoppers had eight title winners and five runners-up. Claiming firsts were Luke Foster (106), Max Cumbee (113), Jason Hampton (120), Luke Hamiti (157), Max Corral (165), Nico Ronchetti (190), Max Hrvatin (215) and Dillan Johnson (285).

Taking second for JCA were Adante Washington (126), Damien Flores (132), Elias Gonzalez (138), Connor Cumbee (150) and Isaac Clauson (175) while Nolan Vogel (144) took third and Griffin Alessio (175) finished fourth. Macello Aguiular (190) also competed for the Hilltoppers.

Leading the way for coach Brendan Heffernan’s second-place Marist RedHawks were champions Michael Esteban (126), Donavon Allen (138), Will Denny (150) and Ricky Ericksen (175)  while Tommy Fidler (113), George Marinopoulos (120), Matthew Cornfield (144), Kevin Bartolotta (165), Conor Phelan (190) and Tom O’Brien (215) took second place. Ethan Sonne (132), Kevin Tomkins (157) and Dan Mahoney (285) finished third while Colin Phelan (106), Tyrese Johnson (150) and Matthew Sullivan (285) claimed fourth place.

Top performers for coach Dominic Angelo’s third-place St. Patrick Shamrocks were title winners Olin Walker (132) and Nikolas Karamaniolas (144) while Daniel Goodwin (106) and Van Grasser (157) took second. Devin Nichol (175) was third while Jack Koenig (113), Calvin Stahl (120), Patrick Hulne (126), Jack Clancy (190) and Aiden Gomez (215) finished fourth.

Notre Dame College Prep’s Dons were led by runner-up Scott Cook (285) while Ray Long (106), John Sheehy (113), John Greifelt (120), Deniz Ozturk (165), Jim Amatore (190) and Jack Malenock (215) took third place and Dean Lazaris (157) took fourth place.

Also finishing in third place were Carmel Catholic’s Matthew Lucansky (126) and Alex Asllani (138) and Nazareth Academy’s Andrew Fowler (150). Others who claimed fourth place were Saint Viator’s Caleb Jendras (132) and Daniel Chacia (138), Carmel Catholic’s Antonio Hinojosa (144) and Nazareth Academy’s Alex Dvorak (165).

Champions who also took first place last year were Donavon Allen, Will Denny, Jason Hampton, Dillan Johnson and Nico Ronchetti while Johnson and Denny also won ESCC titles in 2022.

Will Denny had the most team points with 23 while Max Corral, Max Hrvatin and Dillan Johnson tied for second with 22 points. Michael Esteban and Nico Ronchetti were next with 21.5, Nikolas Karamaniolas had 21 and Max Cumbee, Ricky Ericksen and Luke Hamiti had 20 team points. Denny also had the most total match points with 48 while Esteban was second with 35. And Deniz Ozturk, John Sheehy and Kevin Tomkins all recorded three falls.

Top records following the East Suburban Catholic Conference Tournament include Dillan Johnson at 285 (30-1, .968), Will Denny at 150 (33-4, .892), Olin Walker at 132 (31-4, .886), Nikolas Karamaniolas at 144 (26-5, .839), Jim Amatore at 190 (30-6, .833), George Marinopoulos at 120 (30-6, .833), Michael Esteban at 126 (28-6, .824), Scott Cook at 285 (32-7, .821), Daniel Goodwin at 106 (32-7, .821), Conor Phelan at 190 (31-7, .816), Donavon Allen at 138 (25-6, .806) and Ray Long at 106 (33-8, .805).

Marist had the most total match points with 245 and JCA was second with 205. The champion Hilltoppers recorded the most falls with 15 while Notre Dame had 14 and Marist got 13 pins.

Championship matches for the East Suburban Catholic Conference Tournament

106 – Luke Foster (Joliet Catholic Academy) D 6-1 Daniel Goodwin (St. Patrick)

113 – Max Cumbee (Joliet Catholic Academy) D 8-3 Tommy Fidler (Marist)

120 – Jason Hampton (Joliet Catholic Academy) D 3-2 George Marinopoulos (Marist)

126 – Michael Esteban (Marist) F 5:17 Adante Washington (Joliet Catholic Academy)

132 – Olin Walker (St. Patrick) D 7-3 Damien Flores (Joliet Catholic Academy)

138 – Donavon Allen (Marist) MD 12-2 Elias Gonzalez (Joliet Catholic Academy)

144 – Nikolas Karamaniolas (St, Patrick) MD 11-2 Matthew Cornfield (Marist)

150 – Will Denny (Marist) TF 2:42 Connor Cumbee (Joliet Catholic Academy)

157 – Luke Hamiti (Joliet Catholic Academy) D 5-2 Van Grasser (St. Patrick)

165 – Max Corral (Joliet Catholic Academy) F 2:49 Kevin Bartolotta (Marist)

175 – Ricky Ericksen (Marist) D 10-3 Issac Clauson (Joliet Catholic Academy)

190 – Nico Ronchetti (Joliet Catholic Academy) TF 4:29 Conor Phelan (Marist)

215 – Max Hravtin (Joliet Catholic Academy) F 3:25 Tom O’Brien (Marist)

285 – Dillan Johnson (Joliet Catholic Academy) F 0:28 Scott Cook (Notre Dame College Prep)

Third-place matches for the East Suburban Catholic Conference Tournament

106 – Ray Long (Notre Dame College Prep) F 5:12 Colin Phelan (Marist)

113 – John Sheehy (Notre Dame College Prep) F 1:07 Jack Koenig (St. Patrick)

120 – John Greifelt (Notre Dame College Prep) D 6-5 Calvin Stahl (St. Patrick)

126 – Matthew Lucansky (Carmel Catholic) MD 10-2 Patrick Hulne (St. Patrick)

132 – Ethan Sonne (Marist) F 0:39 Caleb Jendras (Saint Viator)

138 – Alex Asllani (Carmel Catholic) F 1:29 Daniel Chacia (Saint Viator)

144 – Nolan Vogel (Joliet Catholic Academy) D 7-2 Antonio Hinojosa (Carmel Catholic)

150 – Andrew Foster (Nazareth Academy) D 7-0 Tyrese Johnson (Marist)

157 – Kevin Tomkins (Marist) F 3:20 Dean Lazaris (Notre Dame College Prep)

165 – Deniz Ozturk (Notre Dame College Prep) F 3:57 Alex Dvorak (Nazareth Academy)

175 – Devin Nichol (St. Patrick) D 7-3 Griffin Alessio (Joliet Catholic Academy)

190 – Jim Amatore (Notre Dame College Prep) D 7-2 Jack Clancy (St. Patrick)

215 – Jack Malenock (Notre Dame College Prep) F 1:19 Aiden Gomez (St. Patrick)

285 – Dan Mahoney (Marist) D 3-2 Matthew Sullivan (Marist)

Team scores for the East Suburban Catholic Conference Tournament

1. Joliet Catholic Academy 252, 2. Marist 217.5, 3. St. Patrick 129, 4. Notre Dame College Prep 106, 5. Carmel Catholic 31, 6, Nazareth Academy 28, 7. Saint Viator 8, Marian Catholic 1.

Lane Tech wins third-straight Chicago Public League Boys Championship

Lane Tech College Prep had five title winners and three second-place finishers to help it to easily capture top honors at the Chicago Public League Boys Championships with 288 points, which was 98 more than runner-up Taft, which scored 190 points and Little Village took third place with 176 points. It was Lane Tech College Prep’s third-straight title in the competition.

Curie Metropolitan (128.5), Mather (126.5), Perspectives Leadership Academy (126.5), Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville (121.5), Rickover Naval Academy (104.5), Amundsen (98) and Kelly College Prep (87) rounded out the top-10 in the 41-team event that was held at De La Salle Institute in Chicago.

Coach Matthew Yan’s champion Lane Tech College Prep Champions were led by title winners Alex Valentin (113), Robert James Zavala (126), Larry Posey (132), Fernando Lopez (150) and Julian Hutchinson (285) while Evan Coles (106), Angel Santana (120) and Vermaat VanderBrug (144) placed second and Eyob Abebe (157) took third place. Cesar Mucha (138), Michael Birhala (165), Nick Berger (175), Maddox Bartoli (190) and Joaqin Gigante (215) didn’t place but all contributed points to the winning effort.

Top performers for coach Mike DiFrisco’s second-place Taft Eagles were champions Bernardo Roque (106),  runner-up Steven Tantchev (175) and fourth-place finishers Miguel Guevara (113), Ermek Zarylykbekov (132) and Nathaniel Vega (165).

Leading the way for the third-place Little Village Phoenix, who are coached by Michael Zagorski, were runners-up Omar Perez (190) and Adrian Chavez (285) while Vince Ramirez (138) and Edwin Govea (165) took third and Brandon Manzo (150) finished fourth.

Curie Metropolitan had three title winners, Victor Quiroz (144), Damond Butler (157) and Mylan Williams (165). Other CPL champs were Perspectives Leadership Academy’s Donald Bunton, Jr. (120), Simeon’s Davian Hall (138), Mather’s Jacob Scott (175), Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep’s Calvin Savage (190) and Phoenix Military Academy’s Kaleb Abney (215).

Also claiming second-place finishes were Hubbard’s Alex Carranza (126) and Fabian Salazar (138), Kennedy’s Victor Alvarado (113), Curie Metropolitan’s Porfirio Govea (132), Senn’s Maxwell Nevinger (150), Phoenix Military Academy’s Jules Rodriguez (157), Hancock College Prep’s Malakai Davis (165) and Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville’s Sean Brown (215). 

Top records following the CPL Boys Championships include Donald Bunton, Jr. at 120 (12-0, 1.000), Davian Hall at 138 (12-0, 1.000), Calvin Savage at 190 (29-1, .967), Jacob Pizarro at 132 (28-1, .966), Maxwell Nevinger at 150 (27-1, .964), Sean Brown at 215 (19-1, .950), Malakai Davis at 165 (30-2, .938), Victor Alvardo at 113 (25-2, .926), Xavier Woods at 150 (34-3, .919), Fernando Lopez at 150 (22-2, .917), Julian Hutchinson at 285 (10-1, .909), Robert James Zavala at 126 (37-4, .902), Mivontae Russell at 190 (18-2, .900), Elijah Sawyer at 106 (26-3, .897), Alex Valentin at 113 (35-4, .897), Jacob Scott at 175 (24-3, .889), Vince Ramirez at 138 (30-4, .882), Bernardo Roque at 106 (30-4, .882) and Fabian Salazar at 138 (21-3, .875).

Julian Hutchinson and Victor Quiroz tied for the most team points with 32 while Fernando Lopez, Calvin Savage and Robert James Zavala all had 31.5 points, Damond Butler and Davian Hall had 30.5 and Kaleb Abney, Larry Posey and Jacob Scott finished with 30 team points. 

Eyob Abebe had the most total match points with 75. Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville’s 

DaLauren Edwards and Jemel O’Brien both had six falls. Perspectives Leadership Academy’s 

Nicario Bella was seeded 27th at 126 and took third for the best seed to place differential. Lane Tech College Prep had the most total match points with 386 while Little Village had 333. And the top two teams led in falls with the first-place Champions getting 29 and runner-up Eagles 27.

Lane Tech College Prep also won the Chicago Public League junior varsity championship with 269 points while Sullivan edged Taft 187.5-183 to claim second place. 

Championship matches for the Chicago Public League Boys Championships

106 – Bernardo Roque (Taft) D 9-7 Evan Coles (Lane Tech College Prep)

113 – Alex Valentin (Lane Tech College Prep) D 9-4 Victor Alvarado (Kennedy)

120 – Donald Bunton, Jr. (Perspectives Leadership Academy) SV 10-8 Angel Santana (Lane Tech College Prep)

126 – Robert James Zavala (Lane Tech College Prep) TF 2:08 Alex Carranza (Hubbard)

132 – Larry Posey (Lane Tech College Prep) D 4-3 Porfirio Govea (Curie Metropolitan)

138 – Davian Hall (Simeon) MD 17-9 Fabian Salazar (Hubbard) 

144 – Victor Quiroz (Curie Metropolitan) F 2:34 Vermaat VanderBrug (Lane Tech College Prep)

150 – Fernando Lopez (Lane Tech College Prep) F 1:06 Maxwell Nevinger (Senn)

157 – Damond Butler (Curie Metropolitan) F 3:42 Jules Rodriguez (Phoenix Military Academy)

165 – Mylan Williams (Curie Metropolitan) D 7-6 Malakai Davis (Hancock College Prep)

175 – Jacob Scott (Mather) F 5:45 Steven Tantchev (Taft)

190 – Calvin Salvage (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep) F 1:16 Omar Perez (Little Village)

215 – Kaleb Abney (Phoenix Military Academy) D 9-8 Sean Brown (Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville)

285 – Julian Hutchinson (Lane Tech College Prep) F 1:48 Adrian Chavez (Little Village)

Third-place matches for the Chicago Public League Boys Championship

106 – Elijah Sawyer (Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences) D 5-3 Matthew Nguyen (Amundsen)

113 – Steven Onofre (Kelly College Prep) F 3:00 Miguel Guevara (Taft)

120 – Gianni Alberto (Kennedy) D 11-10 Daniel Garcia (Hubbard)

126 – Nicario Bella (Perspectives Leadership Academy) F 0:42 Cliffon Johnson (Kelly College Prep)

132 – Jacob Pizarro (Rickover Naval Academy) F 5:33 Ermek Zarylykbekov (Taft)

138 – Vince Ramirez (Little Village) F 2:47 Lennon Ojeda (Senn)

144 – Sergio Ramirez (Lindblom) F 1:31 Brandon Valbuena (Rickover Naval Academy)

150 – Xavier Woods (Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy) F 2:45 Brandon Manzo (Little Village)

157 – Eyob Abebe (Lane Tech College Prep) D 10-7 Willem Johnston (Mather)

165 – Edwin Govea (Little Village) D 9-7 Nathaniel Vega (Taft)

175 – Adrian Zepeda (Amundsen) MD 12-4 James Simmons (Bowen)

190 – Mivontae Russell (Perspectives Leadership Academy) F 1:02 Malyeik Lee (Westinghouse College Prep)

215 – Jaxien Jervis-Orr (Mather) SV 6-4 Elijah Jamison (Perspectives Leadership Academy)

285 – Josue Olivo (Lindblom) D 4-1 Drelin Mack (Westinghouse College Prep)

Team scores for the Chicago Public League Boys Championships

1. Lane Tech College Prep 288, 2. Taft 190, 3. Little Village 176, 4. Curie Metropolitan 128.5, 5. Mather 126.5, 5, Perspectives Leadership Academy 126.5, 7. Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville 121.5, 8. Rickover Naval Academy 104.5, 9. Amundsen 98, 10. Kelly College Prep

87, 11. Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy 81, 12. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep 76, 13. Kennedy 74, 14. Hubbard 68, 15. Westinghouse College Prep 67, 16. Phoenix Military Academy 65, 17. Schurz 63, 18. Senn 54.5, 19. Back of the Yards 50, 20. Simeon 42.5, 21. Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences 40, 22. Sullivan 39, 23. Noble Gary Comer College Prep 36.5, 24. Horizon Science Academy Southwest Chicago 35, 25. Chicago Vocational Career Academy 34, 26. Crane Medical Prep 29, 27. Noble UIC College Prep 26, 28. Noble Golder College Prep 23, 29. ITW David Speer Academy 19, 30. Julian 18, 31. DuSable 15, 32. Clemente 11, 33. Harlan 10, 34. Wendell Phillips Academy 8.5, 35. Fenger 7, 35. Kenwood 7, 37. South Shore International College Prep 4, 38. Englewood STEM 1, 38. Marshall 1, 38. Roosevelt/Von Steuben 1, 38. Tilden 1.

Quincy Senior wins four-way race for Western Big 6 title

Quincy Senior, Rock Island, Moline and Geneseo were all in the hunt for the Western Big 6 Conference Tournament championship and when all was said and done, Quincy Senior captured the title with 164 points while Rock Island (157.5) finished second, Moline (151) claimed third, Geneseo (150) placed fourth and Galesburg (120) settled for fifth in the eight-team competition, which took place at the historic Wharton Field House in Moline.

Leading coach Phil Neally’s champion Quincy Senior Blue Devils were first-place finishers Brody Baker (144), Owen Uppinghouse (165) and Todd Smith (285) while Bryor Newbold (175) finished second. Taking third were Hugh Sharrow (113), Evan Wakefield (126), Cale Mixer (138) and Eli Roberts (150) while Wyatt Boeing (120) and Gunnar Derhake (157) placed fourth. Cooper Kamm (132), Jayden Wilson (190) and Dalton Mays (215) were also on the title team. Muddy River Sports reports that this was the Blue Devils’ first WB6 title in over 40 years.

Five individuals won titles for coach Joel Stockwell’s runner-up Rock Island Rocks, Truth Vesey (113), Daniel McGhee (126), Antonio Parker (138), Amare Overton (175) and Andrew Marquez (215). Mauricio Parker (106), Merrick Stockwell (120) and Rowan Stockwell (190) took third.

Top performers for coach Jacob Ruettiger’s third-place Moline Maroons were champions Zander Ealy (157) and James Soliz (190) and runners-up Collin Ledbetter (106), Kayden Serrano (132), Jack Sibley (150) and Deanthony Simpson (165). Taking third place was Jaxson Soliz (175) and Housseyn Ndiaye (113) finished fourth.

Geneseo’s Maple Leafs, coached by 2023 IWCOA Hall of Fame inductee Jon Murray, were led by title winner Zachary Montez (150) while Tim Sebastian (113), Devan Hornback (126), Izaac Gaines (138), Malaki Jackson (144) and Kye Weinzierl (157) all took second place. Jacob Stahl (285) was third and TJ Kennedy (106), Grady Hull (132) and Colten Mooney (190) were fourth.

Galesburg’s Silver Streaks also had two champions, Rocky Almendarez (120) and Gauge Shipp (132), and two runners-up, Nick Makwala (190) and Larry Randolph (285). United Township had one title winner, Blake Trickey (106), and a second-place finisher, Payton Birdsley (215). And Sterling also had one runner-up, Zyan Westbrook (120).

There was a five-way tie for the most team points with 24 between Zander Ealy, Andrew Marquez, James Soliz, Blake Trickey and Owen Uppinghouse while Rocky Almendarez was next with 23.5 points. Zachary Montez, Amare Overton and Todd Smith tied for seventh with 23 points and Gauge Shipp collected 22.5 team points.

Top records following the Western Big 6 Conference Tournament include Owen Uppinghouse at 165 (41-0, 1.000), Gauge Shipp at 132 (35-0, 1.000), Daniel McGhee at 126 (34-1, .971), Rocky Almendarez at 120 (33-1, .971), Andrew Marquez at 215 (34-2, .944), Amare Overton at 175 (34-2, .944), Zachary Montez at 150 (32-2, .941), Kye Weinzierl at 157 (26-3, .897), Izaac Gaines at 138 (15-2, .882), Bryor Newbold at 175 (36-5, .878), Truth Vesey at 113 (28-4, .875) and Zander Ealy at 157 (34-5, .872).

Other individuals who took third were Sterling’s Landon Kenney (144), Gage Tate (165) and Oswaldo Navarro (215) and United Township’s Xavier Marolf (132) and Kayden Marolf (157).

Also finishing fourth were Galesburg’s Christian DeLaCruz (126), Josiah Carter (150) and Nathan Maloy (165),  Alleman’s Adam Jacks (144) and Joey Magee (215), Sterling’s Tatum Allen (175) and Charlie Reyes (285) and United Township’s Loic Houedakor (138).

Gauge Shipp had the most total match points with 54 while the host Maroons had the two individuals who got their three falls the quickest, Zander Ealy in 2:06 and James Soliz in 2:26. 

Geneseo collected the most total match points with 235 while Quincy Senior was second with 188. And the champion Blue Devils had 18 falls while Moline was next-best with 15 pins.

Championship matches for the Western Big 6 Conference Tournament

106 – Blake Trickey (United Township) F 5:56 Collin Ledbetter (Moline)

113 – Truth Vesey (Rock Island) D 10-7 Tim Sebastian (Geneseo)

120 – Rocky Almendarez (Galesburg) TF 4:06 Zyan Westbrook (Sterling)

126 – Daniel McGhee (Rock Island) D 12-5 Devan Hornback (Geneseo)

132 – Gauge Shipp (Galesburg) TF 4:50 Kayden Serrano (Moline)

138 – Antonio Parker (Rock Island) SV 9-7 Izaac Gaines (Geneseo)

145 – Brody Baker (Quincy Senior) D 8-6 Malaki Jackson (Geneseo)

150 – Zachary Montez (Geneseo) F 2:23 Jack Sibley (Moline)

157 – Zander Ealy (Moline) F 1:17 Kye Weinzierl (Geneseo)

165 – Owen Uppinghouse (Quincy Senior) F 1:37 Deanthony Simpson (Moline)

175 – Amare Overton (Rock Island) MD 13-1 Bryor Newbold (Quincy Senior)

190 – James Soliz (Moline) F 1:24 Nick Makwala (Galesburg)

215 – Anthony Marquez (Rock Island) F 0:24 Payton Birdsley (United Township)

285 – Todd Smith (Quincy Senior) F 3:32 Larry Randolph (Galesburg)

Third-place matches for the Western Big Six Conference Tournament

106 – Mauricio Parker (Rock Island) F 0:43 TJ Kennedy (Geneseo)

113 – Hugh Sharrow (Quincy Senior) F 3:36 Housseyn Ndiaye (Moline)

120 – Merrick Stockwell (Rock Island) MD 9-0 Wyatt Boeing (Quincy Senior)

126 – Evan Wakefield (Quincy Senior) F 2:39 Christian DeLaCruz (Galesburg)

132 – Xavier Marolf (United Township) D 5-3 Grady Hull (Geneseo) 

138 – Cale Mixer (Quincy Senior) D 2-0 Loic Houedakor (United Township)

144 – Landon Kenney (Sterling) SV 5-3 Adam Jacks (Alleman)

150 – Eli Roberts (Quincy Senior) D 7-4 Josiah Carter (Galesburg)

157 – Kayden Marolf (United Township) D 8-2 Gunnar Derhake (Quincy Senior)

165 – Gage Tate (Sterling) F 1:19 Nathan Maloy (Galesburg)

175 – Jaxson Soliz (Moline) TF 5:02 Tatum Allen (Sterling)

190 – Rowan Stockwell (Rock Island) F 3:04 Colten Mooney (Geneseo)

215 – Oswaldo Navarro (Sterling) D 10-4 Joey Magee (Alleman)

285 – Jacob Stahl (Geneseo) F 5:26 Charlie Reyes (Sterling)

Team scores for the Western Big 6 Conference Tournament

1. Quincy Senior 164, 2. Rock Island 157.5, 3. Moline 151, 4. Geneseo 150, 5. Galesburg 120, 6. Sterling 86, 7. United Township 80, 8. Alleman 19.

Hononegah rolls to NIC-10 championship

Hononegah had eight champions and four second-place finishers to help it win the NIC-10 Championship with 261 points, which was 85 points in front of runner-up Rockford East (176). Freeport and Harlem tied for third with 125 points while Belvidere co-op took fifth with 122.5 points in the nine-team competition which took place at Hononegah in Rockton.

Leading the way for coach Tyler Demoss’ first-place Indians were champions Rocco Cassioppi (106), Bruno Cassioppi (113), Thomas Silva (138), Max Haskins (150), Brody Sendele (157), Connor Diemel (165), Kurt Smith (175) and Isaak Smith (215) while Carlos Borges (120), Evan Musil (126), Robert Darling (132) and Max Aranki (144) took second. Greyson Cotone (190) was fifth and Luke Petravicz (285) also competed for the team champions.

Winning titles for coach Gene Lee’s runner-up Rockford East E-Rabs were Jospeh Young (120), Donald Cannon (132), Dana Wickson (144) and Lee Smith, Jr. (285) while Ty Smart (157) and Malachi Cannon (165) finished in second place. Rafael Esquer Santana (126) and Mekhi Byrd (190) took third while Cameron Terronez (138) placed fourth.

The other NIC-10 champions were Belvidere’s Bryson Teunissen (126) and Jefferson’s Karlondo Dubois (190). Belvidere also had four second-place finishers, Dominick Girardin (138), Andrew Bucci (150), Juan Cervantes (175) and Zander Martinez (215). Also placing second were Harlem’s Justin Lewis (113) and Andrew Redmon (190), Guilford’s Dominic Angileri (106) and Freeport’s Sami Odeh (285).

Rocco Cassioppi, Brody Senderle and Jospeh Young tied for the most team points with 24 while Bruno Cassioppi, Connor Diemel, Thomas Silva, Lee Smith. Jr. and Bryson Teunissen tied for fourth with 23.5 team points and Donald Cannon and Kurt Smith tied for ninth with 23 points.

Individuals who head into the state series with the best winning percentages from the NIC-10 include Donald Cannon at 132 (28-0, 1.000), Brody Senderle at 157 (40-1, .979), Dominic Angileri at 106 (20-1, .952), Rocco Cassioppi at 106 (37-2, .949), Connor Diemel at 165 (38-4, .905), Lee Smith, Jr. at 285 (32-4, .889) and Bruno Cassioppi at 113 (30-4, .882).

Freeport and Harlem both had four individuals who placed third. Taking third for Harlem were Nathan Corder (106), Izayah Olejniczak (132), Ethan Hagerman (138) and Ayden Goodwin (285) while Freeport got thirds from Thomas Olson (113), Maddox Olson (150), Sajjad Abdulrazzaq (165) and Dawson Holland (215). Others who took third place were Guilford’s Josh Seagren (120) and Xzavier Lindhe (144), Belvidere’s Landon VanAcker (157) and Auburn’s Peter Eziagulu (175).

Auburn had five fourth-place finishers, Tyrone Sims (106), Arshoun Island (150), Dardan Jakupi (165), Joshua Nabors (190) and Joseph Rodriguez (285). Freeport had four individuals who took fourth place, Josh Avila (126), Dayvion Fernandez (144), Kyle Clem (157) and Michael Tillmon (175). Also finishing fourth were Harlem’s Jaydee Doke (120) and Chandler Jack (215),

Belvidere’s Austin Bouback (113) and Guilford’s Ayden Macklin (132).

Lee Smith, Jr. had the most total match points with 43. Xzavier Lindhe had the most falls in the least time with three in 4:05. Evan Musil was seeded seventh at 126 and took second place. Hononegah has the most total match points with 246 and Rockford East ranked second with 229. And Harlem and Rockford East tied for the most falls with 18.

Championship matches for the NIC-10 Conference Tournament

106 – Rocco Cassioppi (Hononegah) F 1:07 Dominic Angileri (Guilford)

113 – Bruno Cassioppi (Hononegah) TF 2:17 Justin Lewis (Harlem)

120 – Jospeh Young (Rockford East) F 4:19 Carlos Borges (Hononegah)

126 – Bryson Teunissen (Belvidere) TF 4:36 Evan Musil (Hononegah) 

132 – David Cannon (Rockford East) MD 12-2 Robert Darling (Hononegah)

138 – Thomas Silva (Hononegah) TF 4:50 Dominik Girardin (Belvidere)

144 – Dana Wickson (Rockford East) MD 17-5 Max Aranki (Hononegah)

150 – Max Haskins (Hononegah) D 7-3 Andrew Bucci (Belvidere)

157 – Brody Sendele (Hononegah) F 1:16 Ty Smart (Rockford East)

165 – Connor Diemel (Hononegah) TF 2:15 Malachi Cannon (Rockford East)

175 – Kurt Smith (Hononegah) MD 11-3 Juan Cervantes (Belvidere)

190 – Karlondo Dubois (Jefferson) D 4-2 Andrew Redmon (Harlem)

215 – Isaak Smith (Hononegah) D 8-1 Zander Martinez (Belvidere)

295 – Lee Smith, Jr. (Rockford East) F 1:38 Sami Odeh (Freeport)

Third-place matches for the NIC-10 Conference Tournament

106 – Nathan Corder (Harlem) F 3:10 Tyrone Sims (Auburn)

113 – Thomas Olson (Freeport) F 1:24 Austin Bouback (Belvidere)

120 – Josh Seagren (Guilford) F 1:38 Jaydee Doke (Harlem)

126 – Rafael Esquer Santana (Rockford East) F 1:50 Josh Avila (Freeport)

132 – Izayah Olejniczak (Harlem) SV 8-6 Ayden Macklin (Guilford)

138 – Ethan Hagerman (Harlem) MD 14-6 Cameron Terronez (Rockford East)

144 – Xzavier Lindhe (Guilford) F 1:17 Dayvion Fernandez (Freeport)

150 – Maddox Olson (Freeport) D 12-9 Arshoun Island (Auburn)

157 – Landon VanAcker (Belvidere) F 5:48 Kyle Clem (Freeport)

165 – Sajjad Abdulrazzaq (Freeport) MD 12-3 Dardan Jakupi (Auburn)

175 – Peter Eziagulu (Auburn) F 5:59 Michael Tilmon (Freeport)

190 – Mekhi Byrd (Rockford East) F 5:41 Joshua Nabors (Auburn)

215 – Dawson Holland (Freeport) F 5:24 Chandler Jack (Harlem)

285 – Ayden Goodwin (Harlem) F 3:23 Joseph Rodriguez (Auburn)

Team scores for the NIC-10 Conference Tournament

1. Hononegah 261, 2. Rockford East 176, 3. Freeport 125, 3, Harlem 125, 5. Belvidere 122.5, 6. Guilford 82, 7. Auburn 63, 8. Jefferson 38.5, 9. Boylan Catholic 3.

Rich Township repeats as Southland Athletic Conference champion

Rich Township had five individual champions and three second-place finishers to help it capture the title of the Southland Athletic Conference Tournament, a five-team competition that it hosted in Richton Park. The hosts, who also won the SAC championship last season, finished with 141 points while Bloom Township got past Thornton Township 118.5-111.5 for second place.

Top performers for coach Alexander Pell’s champion Rich Township Raptors were title winners Keyshawn Pittman (106), Deyonte Drake (113), Kyrin King (120), Caleeb Jones (126) and Tristin King (144) while Chiff Okolo (138), Kelcey Span (175) and Jadin Billingsley (190) placed second. Carl Jeffries (132), Marquis Taylor (150) and Nicholas Parker (165) took third, Sam Kemp (157) and Emmanuel Gyan (215) finished fourth and Ahmah Brown (285) was fifth.

Taking first place for coach Gabe Damiani’s runner-up Bloom Township Blazing Trojans were Kentei Grady (138) and Jonathan Ivy (150) while Cameron Davenport (126), Arryck Dowdy (132), Khalil Craig (144) and Josiah Taylor (165) all placed second.

Thornton Township co-op had four title winners, Emmanuel Adedeji (132), Brandon Dumas (157), Qilee Jackson (190) and Lionel Senior (285). The other three Southland Athletic Conference champions were Kankakee’s Caleb Dickens (175) and Jacob Vinardi (215) and Crete-Monee’s Malakai Scott (165).

Other second-place finishers were Crete-Monee’s Bandile Gcabashe (113), Amaris Crump (150) and Jaylene Johnson (157), Thornton Township’s Adrian Valadez (106) and Taofeeq Amuda (215) and Kankakee’s Aiden Fields (120) and Rogelio Cornejo (285).

Kyrin King and Jacob Vinardi had the most team points with 20 while Kentei Grady and Jonathan Ivy were next-best with 19 team points. Jacob Vinardi was also the only individual in the tournament to record four falls and Chiff Okolo had 34 total match points while Jonathan Ivy and Tristin King both had 33 points. Rich Township had the most match points with 189 while the champion Raptors and Thorntown Township tied for the most wins by fall with 15.

Championship matches for the Southland Athletic Conference Tournament  (round robin)

106 – Keyshawn Pittman (Rich Township) D 7-5 Adrian Valadez (Thornton Township)

113 – Deyonte Drake (Rich Township) F 2:29 Bandile Gcabashe (Crete-Monee)

120 – Kyrin King (Rich Township) F 1:52 Aiden Fields (Kankakee) 

126 – Caleeb Jones (Rich Township) F 1:56 Cameron Davenport (Bloom Township)

132 – Emmanuel Adedeji (Thornton Township) F 2:46 Arryck Dowdy (Bloom Township) 

138 – Kentei Grady (Bloom Township) F 1:09 Chiff Okolo (Rich Township) 

144 – Tristin King (Rich Township) D 10-3 Khalil Craig (Bloom Township)

150 – Jonathan Ivy (Bloom Township) F 5:02 Amaris Crump (Crete-Monee)

157 – Brandon Dumas (Thornton Township) F 5:55 Jaylene Johnson (Crete-Monee)

165 – Malakai Scott (Crete-Monee) D 8-4 Josiah Taylor (Bloom Township)

175 – Caleb Dickens (Kankakee) D 4-2 Kelcey Span (Rich Township)

190 – Qilee Jackson (Thornton Township) D 7-2 Jadin Billingsley (Rich Township)

215 – Jacob Vinardi (Kankakee) F 1:50 Taofeeq Amuda (Thornton Township)

285 – Lionel Senior (Thornton Township) D 5-0 Rogelio Cornejo (Kankakee)

Team scores for the Southland Athletic Conference Tournament

1. Rich Township 141, 2. Bloom Township 118.5, 3. Thornton Township 111.5, 4. Kankakee 78, 5. Crete-Monee 68

By Gary Larsen

Rickover Naval Academy coach Guillermo Mejia put it best in describing the inaugural season of IHSA regional competition in girls wrestling.

“It’s nice to see the growth in the sport,” Mejia said. “It seems like some of the regionals this year were as competitive as some of the sectionals last year.”

Round Lake hosted a regional of 42 teams and when it was over, Phoenix Military Academy had topped the field with 195.5 team points, to second-place Lakes 164. Zion-Benton (129) was third, followed by Grayslake North (123) and Rickover (109) to round out the top five team finishes.

Phoenix also topped the field at this year’s Chicago Public League tournament, where Rickover placed second.

Phoenix coach Dan Curin advanced 11 girls through to this year’s Evanston sectional on Feb. 9-10. The Firebirds’ Diana Lopez (110), AJ Grant (145), and America Cabrera (155) won individual regional titles, Jocelyn Quiroz (130) placed second, and Jitzel Arande (100) finished third.

Phoenix also got fourths from Marisol Castro (120) and Ariel Foreman (135), fifths from Mia Thomas (115) and Alexia Ramos (140), and sixths from America Sanchez (105) and Anne Johnson (170).

“I have never been more proud of a team I’ve coached in my life,” Curin said. “For a school from the west side of Chicago with less than four hundred kids to make this big of an impact is mind-blowing. The amazing thing is the entire squad is back next year. All of these girls are extremely committed and hardworking.”

Nine of the regional title matches in Round Lake were decided by fall, three were decided by straight decision, and two went to overtime before a champion was crowned.

Second-place Lakes advanced seven wrestlers to the sectional, with Zayria Mouzon (105) and Ava Babbs (125) winning regional titles. Lakes coach Devin Tortorice also got seconds from Olivia Heft (120), Christina Hasner (135), and Josie Larson (190), a third from Haven Sylves (110), and a sixth from Davalyn Hampton (140).

“If I was to round up the weekend in a few words, I would call it nearly perfect,” Tortorice said. “I was extremely proud of the ladies. My 140-pound senior (Hampton) was truly the exciting story, though. She came into the tournament as the second-to-last seed and got herself qualified for sectionals, as a first-year senior who put it all together when it mattered. I’m very proud of her.”

With only six wrestlers entered, third-place Zion-Benton entered the least number of girls among the top nine teams. Coach Hal Lunsford got individual titles from Emily Ortiz (130) and ILeen Castrejon (190), seconds from Adrianna Ketchum (140) and Grace Johnson (155), a third from Naomi Foote (145), and a sixth from Jay Thompson (135).

“I am so proud of this team,” Lunsford said. “These young women are amazing student-athletes and I am truly blessed to have them on my team. Taking third as a team with only six wrestlers is a true testament to the hard work they do every day in the practice room.”

Other individual regional champions at Round Lake were Loyola Academy’s Harlee Hiller (115), Glenbrook North’s Ariella Dobin (120), Grayslake North’s Quinna Sheets (135), New Trier’s Jillian Giller (140), and Waukegan’s Jennifer Perez (170). 

Here are the individual champions’ stories:

100 – Mia Vazquez, Rickover Naval Academy

Rickover Naval Academy’s Mia Vazquez and Round Lake’s Riley Kongkaeow kicked off the championship round in fine fashion, going into overtime before a Vazquez takedown gave her an 8-6 decision and a regional crown.

Illinois’ fifth-ranked Vazquez (29-3) posted two takedowns in the first period and sixth-ranked Kongkaeow (29-3) had one in the second to make it 4-3 heading into the third. Kongkaeow chose down and escaped to make it 4-4 before a wild finish saw another Vazquez takedown followed by a Kongkaeow reversal in the final 30 seconds to send the match to overtime.

Vazquez earned her regional title-winning takedown thanks to a quality that the Rickover coaching staff has been helping her adopt.

“I’m more calm now,” Vazquez said. “I can get too anxious to win but if I’m (ahead) in a match, now I know how to get through it a little better. And my shots are better this year. In the past I just used my strength more but now I’m taking better shots.”

Vazquez also won an 8-6 decision over Kongkaeow in the semifinals of this year’s Sally Berman tournament at Palatine. 

“What I love about it is there’s a lot of appreciation and respect between those two girls, and those two families,” Rickover coach Guillermo Mejia said. “They’re obviously hard matches but afterwards there’s a good connection and respect between them.”

Vazquez won tournament titles at the BTS, Palatine, and Chicago Public League tournaments and placed second at Niles West. Kongkaeow won titles at the Waukegan, Conant, and Lake County tournaments and placed third at Palatine.

Phoenix Military Academy’s Jitzel Arande (10-5) placed third, New Trier’s Sundus Aitzemkour (18-11) took fourth, Clark’s Asia Boss (9-3) was fifth, and Grayslake North’s Ester Migues-Gaytan finished sixth to advance.

105 – Zaryia Mouzon, Lakes

Winning her fifth individual title of the season, Lakes senior Zaryia Mouzon used a pin in the finals over Westinghouse College Prep’s Kimani Glasper to become a regional champion.

Top-seeded Mouzon (30-4) pinned second-seeded Glasper (16-5) at the 5:54 mark. Mouzon also won individual tournament titles at Lakes, Waukegan, Dundee-Crown, and Lake County this season.

“Z’s performance was solid,” Lakes coach Devin Tortorice said. “She executed aggressively as she usually does and seized critical opportunities.”

Mouzon won individual titles at Lakes, Waukegan, Dundee-Crown and the Lake County tournaments this year, and was second at Palatine.

Both Mouzon and Glasper used a pair of pins each to reach the finals. Vernon Hills’ Hanna Lee (12-13) placed third, Lane Tech’s Sofia Guerrero (14-13) was fourth, Antioch’s Londyn Lloyd (3-2) took fifth, and Phoenix Military’s Academy’s America Sanchez finished sixth.

110 – Diana Lopez, Phoenix Military Academy

The day’s second overtime match in the finals came when Phoenix Military Academy’s Diana Lopez (18-3) and Niles West’s Zoe Pomeranets (24-10) squared off at 110 in the finals.

A 4-4 tie after three periods gave way to overtime, where the junior Lopez applied what she’s been taught.

“In practice coach (Dan Curin) says it’s whoever wants it more, so I just wanted to try my hardest,” Lopez said. “I just had to remember what we work on every day. And I’m taking more shots now.”

Lopez’s OT takedown gave her a 6-4 decision and earned her the right to be called a regional champion. She was a state qualifier last year and admitted to getting re-dedicated to wrestling this season. 

Lopez will use the two-week break before sectionals begin on Feb. 9 to recover and fine-tune.

“I got sick a week ago and my conditioning is still coming back,” she said. “Now I hope to get downstate, win a couple matches, and get up on the podium.”

Lopez won the title at 110 at this year’s Chicago Public League and Rickover tournaments, and was third at the Lakes tournament.

Third-seeded Pomeranets (17-4) won by fall in her semifinal against second-seeded Haven Sylves (24-9) of Lakes, while top-seeded Lopez won by tech fall in her semifinal against fifth-seeded Alyssa Bentley (18-8) of Warren.

Sylves went on to place third at 110, Bentley took fourth, Grayslake North’s Amara Facundo (20-20) finished fifth, and Taft’s Alyssa Martel placed sixth.

115 – Harlee Hiller, Loyola Academy

Last year’s state champion at 105 pounds is back.

After missing four weeks due to injury, Loyola Academy junior Harlee Hiller returned one week before Saturday’s regional to make another run at state glory.

Hiller was dominant in Round Lake, winning by fall in under 30 seconds in three of her matches. Only Phoenix Military Academy’s Mia Thomas pushed her into the second period before Hiller won by fall in their semifinal at 2:38.

Hiller fell to the bottom of the state rankings at 115 due to her absence. She won by fall in 0:16 in the finals Saturday against Round Lake’s Ireland McCain (29-7).

“I was hurt for the second half of the season but I feel good,” Hiller said. “I’m happy to be back, for sure. I haven’t had any issues. I worked really hard on my own (to stay conditioned).”

New Trier’s Zoe Lee placed (20-11) third at 115, Stevenson’s Nastasia Kobets (16-6) took fourth, Phoenix’s Thomas (17-7) finished fifth and Taft’s Jennifer Arenas (10-9) placed sixth.

120 – Ariella Dobin, Glenbrook South

Two of the top-ranked 120-pounders in Illinois met on the title mat, when Lakes’ No. 4 Olivia Heft (27-2) met Glenbrook South’s No. 8 Ariella Dobin. The freshman Dobin (27-2) built a 6-2 lead in the second period and led 9-3 in the third, before the senior Heft  earned a takedown but couldn’t turn Dobin to the final buzzer.

Both wrestlers had posted three wins by fall to reach the title mat. Heft finished second at 115 at the IHSA’s inaugural girls state finals two years ago.

Dobin won individual titles this year at Niles West and Waukegan, and Heft won titles at the Lakes, Palatine, Dundee-Crown and Lake County tournaments.

Dobin has exceeded whatever expectations GBS coach John Gilchrist may have had for her.

“Being a freshman you don’t really know what kind of wrestler (Dobin) will be,” Gilchrist said. “As the season goes on, you realize how competitive she is. She was a bit nervous but excited to compete (at the regional). We are so very proud of her and the rest of the team.

“It was so impressive to watch all the quality wrestlers from all schools. As a team, we did really well. Zoe Handler (105) was one match from qualifying, Siena Dini (135) took fifth and, of course, Ariella won her weight class.”

Grayslake Central’s Gianna Arzer (31-8) finished third at 120, Phoenix Military Academy’s Marisol Castro (18-6) was fourth, Lake View’s Raynisha Sims (8-3) placed fifth, and Lane Tech’s Nyah Lovis (29-4) placed sixth.

125 – Ava Babbs, Lakes

Fifth-ranked in Illinois and unbeaten at 25-0, Lakes senior Ava Babbs

Is a different wrestler than the one who finished third at last year’s state finals at 125.

For one thing, as her four first-period pins showed Saturday, she’s even more aggressive.

“I’m just attacking, right away,” Babbs said. “Get into my offense and be the first one to score. Leave not doubt at all. Just get it done.”

Babbs only took up wrestling as a sophomore two years ago. She’s much more savvy and experienced on the mat as a senior, but her evolution has gone beyond the nuts and bolts of the sport.

“Of course I’ve grown in my wrestling but a lot of it has been my mindset,” Babbs said. “I’ve had a big mindset shift and I think that helped me a lot. I used to get nervous knowing I was going against people who were good, and be a little afraid of that. But now I want to scrap, and come out firing.

“I had to realize that I can push myself and wrestle against these girls, and I’m there for a reason.”

Babbs also won individual titles in tournaments at Waukegan, Dundee-Crown, and Lake County this year. She won her first regional title by fall against another of the state’s top 125-pounders, Waukegan’s second-seeded senior Noelani Rodriguez (26-6), a two-time state qualifier who won a title at Niles West and placed second at the Waukegan, Palatine, and Lake County tournaments.

Noelani won a tough 2-1 semifinal decision over sixth-seeded Kamile Rayome (14-7) of Lake Forest, who went on to place third. 

Warren’s Jane Kelly (16-12) took fourth, New Trier’s Katelynn Parsawasdi (16-13) finished fifth, and Carmel Catholic’s Haley Ramos placed (5-6) sixth at 125.

130 – Emily Ortiz, Zion-Benton

Zion-Benton’s Emily Ortiz and Phoenix Military Academy’s Jocelyn Quiroz locked horns in the biggest barnburner of the finals, with Ortiz ultimately winning a 16-10 decision.

“She has grit,” Zion-Benton coach Hal Lunsford said of Ortiz. “She is a second-year wrestler and she is all-in with the sport. She works towards being the best in the practice room and in competition.

Ortiz’s win helped the Zee-Bees to a third-place team finish.

Top-seeded Ortiz (31-4) won titles at the Waukegan and Lake County tournaments this year, and was second at Niles West.

Ortiz posted a pair of pins to reach the finals. Quiroz (16-9) posted a fall and then a 10-5 semifinal decision over Grayslake North’s Vanessa Alvarez (14-11).

Stevenson’s Karina Lojowski (11-11) took third, Bree Hirsch (12-7) finished fourth, Round Lake’s Brianna Perez (14-18) was fifth, and Alvarez finished in sixth at 130.

135 – Quinna Sheets, Grayslake North

Seeded fifth at 135, Grayslake North’s Quinna Sheets had her work cut out for her. The senior won her first two matches to reach a semifinal match against Highland Park’s top-seeded Clara Ugaz, ranked fourth in Illinois at 140 pounds.

Sheets (22-7) won by fall in the third period over Ugaz. 

Next up in the finals for her was Lakes’ second-seeded Christina Hasner – a wrestler Sheets has a history with. “I wrestled (Hasner) three times this year,” Sheets said, “and I’ve lost all three of them.”

Sheets got off the schneid against Hasner, winning by fall in the first period to capture a regional title. Wrestling is all about turning corners, and the Grayslake North senior feels like she turned one.

“Even in the last few weeks, I’ve figured out so much more about how to (wrestle) well,” Sheets said. “It’s only my second year wrestling but it feels like everything is starting to fall into place. I’m comfortable in my weight class after cutting and I just felt like (Hasner) was who I had to beat. My mentality was a lot different today.”

Sheets has always known that it’s the space between her ears that matters most.

“It’s always been about my mentality,” Sheets said. “I always felt like I could come here and do well but mentally it was still something I struggled with. So it was a confidence I needed and I just felt ready today. I felt like it was finally my time to be who I needed to be.”

Ugaz (16-3) pinned her way to third place, Phoenix Military Academy’s Ariel Foreman (11-3) was fourth, Glenbrook North’s Siena Dini (16-8) took fifth, and Zion-Benton’s Jay Thompson (27-9) finished sixth at 135.

140 – Jillian Giller, New Trier

New Trier junior Jillian Giller is ranked sixth in Illinois at 140 and she was the class of the division in Round Lake. Top-seeded Giller (28-4) opened with a pair of falls to reach the finals, capped by her fall against Zion-Benton’s second-seeded Adrianna Ketchum (19-15) on the title mat.

Her regional title marked Giller’s first tournament crown of the season; she was second in tournaments at Niles West and Palatine this year.

“Jillian is really wrestling her best right now,” coach Mike Kanke. “She is a special talent and she has set her goals high. Her unique ability to focus and to capitalize on her opponent’s subtle mistakes creates the opportunity for her to score points in any position. I was really proud of the way our girls performed out on the mat and carried themselves throughout the tournament.” 

Ketchum won by 8-3 decision in her semifinal match against Mundelein’s Khloe Heerdegen (29-11), who went on to place third. Grayslake North’s Alyson Alvarenga (12-11) finished fourth, Phoenix Military Academy’s Alexia Ramos (6-4) was fifth, and Lakes’ Davalyn Hampton finished sixth.

145 – AJ Grant, Phoenix Military Academy

A state qualifier last year at 155, Phoenix Military Academy sophomore AJ Grant dropped to 145 this year and won individual titles at the BTS, Morris, Rickover, and Chicago Public League tournaments, and placed second at the Lakes tournament.

Top-seeded Grant (22-1) used a pair of pins to reach the regional title mat at 145, where she won by fall at 1:05 against Stevenson’s fourth-seeded Sajra Sulejmani (7-4).

“AJ Grant has taken to wrestling like a fish to water,” Phoenix coach Dan Curin said. “She started wrestling as a sophomore and hasn’t stopped competing, since quickly rising in the ranks as one of the best wrestlers in the country.”

Sulejmani reached the finals with a major decision win in her semifinal match against second-seeded Naomi Foote (32-7) of Zion-Benton.

Foote went on to finish third, Round Lake’s Raven Burnett (20-8) took fourth, Warren’s Ashley Fugelseth (13-6) placed fifth, and Grayslake North’s Victoria Marquez (23-14) was sixth at 145.

155 – America Cabrera, Phoenix Military Academy

Phoenix Military Academy’s America Cabrera placed second at this year’s Chicago Public League tournament, and finished third in a tournament at Morris.

The second-seeded sophomore (21-4) finally grabbed the brass ring, when she won a regional title with a fall at 0:38 against Zion-Benton’s top-seeded Grace Johnson (28-6).

“America missed her freshman year with health issues,” coach Dan Curin said. “But she has really made a statement, getting herself ready to go this year.”

Cabrera won by fall and then by tech fall to reach the finals; Johnson posted a pair of falls to advance to the championship mat.

New Trier’s Nina Aceves (25-6) placed third, Marshall’s Cecilia Colon (3-2) finished fourth, Grayslake North’s Jacqueline Cordova-Marquina (16-8) was fifth, and Rickover Naval Academy’s Camila Martinez-Gonzalez (17-10) took sixth at 155.

170 – Jennifer Perez, Waukegan

There are moments that make or break a match and Waukegan senior Jennifer Perez arrived at one of those moments, mid-way through the first period of her title match against Rickover’s Clara Biela.

“She went for a shot and I just grabbed her arms,” Perez said. “Then I was like ‘you know what? Headlock, throw, and then whatever comes from it’.”

What came from Perez’s throw was a pin at 1:19 and a regional title. The win upped top-seeded Perez’s season record to 23-3.

Heading into the finals, Perez had a good, healthy dose of butterflies.

“I was scared but my coach told me it’s a good thing to be a little scared, getting  ready, getting your (adrenaline) up,” Perez said. “And once I hit the mat, I felt good. I just went in thinking ‘whatever happens, happens’ and tried to go out and have confidence and have fun.”

Perez was a state alternate last year and is currently unranked — nothing a deep run at this year’s Evanston sectional won’t make up for, and Perez has been preparing to chase some downstate glory this year.

“I started practicing with guys to learn what I could about strength from them,” Perez said. “And whatever I learned I’ve tried to put into my matches.”

Biela (20-6) also used two pins to reach the regional title mat. Vernon Hills’ Madeline Borkowski (14-7) finished third, Grayslake North’s Jeniah Robinson (22-12) was fourth, Lane Tech’s Lily Cohen (10-8) placed fifth, and Phoenix Military Academy’s Anne Johnson (5-6) took sixth at 170.

190 – ILeen Castrejon, Zion-Benton

Familiarity between Zion-Benton’s ILeen Castrejon and Lakes’ Josie Larson isn’t breeding contempt, but it sure made it tough on both wrestlers when they lined up against each other for the fifth time this season.

“We know how we both wrestle,” Castrejon said. “It’s hard because we both know what’s coming.”

Castrejon (18-1) won a hard-fought 2-0 decision over Larson (27-6) for a regional title. A scoreless first two periods saw Castrejon ride Larson out for the entire second period, earn a reversal to start the third, and then ride things out to victory. Four of their five matches this year have gone the distance.

Third-ranked Castrejon improved to 5-0 against fourth-ranked Larson this season. The two and could potentiall square off twice more, at the sectional and state finals.

Larson placed fifth at 190 at last year’s state finals; Castrejon was state runner-up at 170 in 2022 and 2023. A knee injury to start the season put Castrejon on the shelf, leading her to make the move up to 190, since conditioning with a sore knee made it difficult to cut back down to 170.

“I had to change my style this year, wrestling heavier girls,” Castrejon said. “Girls are bigger and stronger, but they’re slower so I’ve tried to use my speed to my advantage. That’s what’s really different. In this match I tried to stay upper-body. I have to work on turns but my riding has been good.”

Castrejon won tournament titles at the Palatine, Dundee-Crown, and Lake County tournaments this year, while Larson was an individual tournament champion at at Lakes and Waukegan.

Noble/ITW Speer’s Aileen Galvez (13-6) placed third, Rickover Naval Academy’s Julia Augello (5-6)  finished fourth, Mather’s Julissa Az (7-6) was fifth, and Evanston’s Fatima Gomez took sixth at 190.

235 – Jasmine Mejia, Rickover Naval Academy

In her freshman year, Rickover Naval Academy’s Jasmine Mejia had a lead in her sectional title match when a knee injury ended her season.

She bounced back her sophomore year to place fifth in Illinois at 235. Now a junior, seventh-ranked Mejia had to show resilience again, after losing her first match of the season recently via overtime tiebreaker.

Mejia lost a 3-2 tiebreak in this year’s Chicago Public League tournament to Curie’s second-ranked Aaliyah Grandberry, who has twice finished second in Illinois at 235.

“It’s fun to watch the level of competition Illinois has at the heavyweight division,” Rickover coach and father Guillermo Mejia said.

Mejia (23-1) got back on track Saturday, pinning her way to a regional title in chasing another state finals place medal.

Mejia’s capped her three pins on the day with a win by fall at 0:19 on the regional title mat, against Round Lake’s Yareli Macias (12-7). 

Mejia has also been a state qualifier in discus and shot put for Rickover. She began wrestling as a freshman and her coach sees a different 235-pounder on the mat this year.

“There’s a lot more confidence for her and a lot more ability to react to what’s given to her,” Mejia said. “It’s fun to watch how she approaches matches and how she’s taking advantage of what others are giving her. Instead of having one or two go-to moves, now she can kind of adjust. She’s ready to go and she’s excited.”

Niles West’s Ari Leon (3-1) took third, Grayslake North’s Allison Poole (6-3) was fourth, Noble/ITW Speer’s Areli Espinoza (8-8) placed fifth, and Taft’s Rim Ayouchi (10-8) finished sixth at 235.

Round lake regional championship match results:

100 – Mia Vazquez (Rickover) SV-1 8-6 Riley Kongkaeow (Round Lake)

105 – Zaryia Mouzon (Lakes) F 5:54 Kimani Glasper (Westinghouse)

110 – Diana Lopez (Phoenix) SV-1 6-4 Zoe Pomeranets (Niles West)

115 – Harlee Hiller (Loyola) F 0:16 Ireland McCain (Round Lake)

120 – Ariella Dobin (Glenbrook North) D 9-5 Olivia Heft (Lakes)

125 – Ava Babbs (Lakes) F 1:42 Noelani Rodriguez (Waukegan)

130 – Emily Ortiz (Zion-Benton) D 16-10 Jocelyn Quiroz (Phoenix)

135 – Quinna Sheets (Grayslake (North) F 1:41 Christina Hasner (Lakes)

140 – Jillian Giller (New Trier) F 0:47 Adrianna Ketchum (Zion-Benton)

145 – AJ Grant (Phoenix) F 1:05 Sajra Sulejmani (Stevenson)

155 – America Cabrerra (Phoenix) F 0:16 Grace Johnson (Zion-Benton)

170 – Jennifer Perez (Waukegan) F 1:19 Clara Biela (Chicago (Rickover)

190 – ILeen Castrejon (Zion-Benton) D 2-0 Josephine Larson (Lakes)

235 – Jasmine Mejia (Rickover) F 0:19 Yareli Macias (Round Lake)

3rd-place match results:

100 – Jitzel Arande (Phoenix) D 9-7 Sundus Aitzemkour (New Trier)

105 – Hanna Lee (Vernon Hills) F 1:19 Sofia Guerrero (Lane Tech)

110 – Haven Sylves (Lakes) F 4:32 Alyssa Bentley (Warren)

115 – Zoe Lee (New Trier) F 4:46 Nastasia Kobets (Stevenson)

120 – Gianna Arzer (Grayslake Central) F 0:38 Marisol Castro (Phoenix)

125 – Kamile Rayome (Lake Forest) F 2:31 Jane Kelly (Warren)

130 – Karina Lojowski (Stevenson) F 0:55 Bree Hirsch (Lake Forest)

135 – Clara Ugaz (Highland Park) F 1:14 Ariel Foreman (Phoenix)

140 – Khloe Heerdegen (Mundelein) F 3:48 Alyson Alvarenga (Grayslake North)

145 – Naomi Foote (Zion-Benton) D 14-8 Raven Burnett (Round Lake)

155 – Nina Aceves (New Trier) F 4:54 Cecilia Colon (Marshall)

170 – Madeline Borkowski (Vernon Hills) D 5-2 Jeniah Robinson (Grayslake North)

190 – Aileen Galvez (Noble/ITW Speer) F 3:35 Julia Augello (Chicago (Rickover)

235 – Ari Leon (Niles West) F 1:38 Allison Poole (Grayslake North)

5th place match results:

100 – Asia Boss (Clark) F 1:28 Ester Migues-Gaytan (Grayslake North)

105 – Londyn Lloyd (Antioch) F 3:46 America Sanchez (Phoenix)

110 – Amara Facundo (Grayslake North) F 4:28 Alyssa Martel (Taft)

115 – Mia Thomas (Phoenix) F 2:00 Jennifer Arenas (Taft)

120 – Raynisha Sims (Lake View) med. fft. Nyah Lovis (Lane Tech)

125 – Katelynn Parsawasdi (New Trier) F 1:38 Haley Ramos (Carmel)

130 – Brianna Perez (Round Lake) F 0:58 Vanessa Alvarez (Grayslake North)

135 – Siena Dini (Glenbrook North) med. fft. Jay Thompson (Zion (Z.-Benton)

140 – Alexia Ramos (Phoenix) F 2:24 Davalyn Hampton (Lakes)

145 – Ashley Fugelseth (Warren) F 5:26 Victoria Marquez (Grayslake North)

155 – Jacqueline Cordova-Marquina (Grayslake North) F 4:26 Camila Martinez-Gonzalez (Rickover)

170 – Lily Cohen (Lane Tech) F 0:19 Anne Johnson (Phoenix)

190 – Julissa Az (Mather) F 0:38 Fatima Gomez (Evanston)

235 – Areli Espinoza (Chicago (Noble/ITW Speer) F 1:08 Rim Ayouchi (Taft)

Final team scores: 1. Phoenix Military Academy (195.5) 2. Lakes (164) 3. Zion-Benton (129) 4. Grayslake North (123) 5. Rickover Naval Academy (109) 6. New Trier (104.5) 7. Round Lake (104) 8. Stevenson (70) 9. Warren (60) 10. Waukegan (55) 11. Niles West (51) 12. Glenbrook North (48) 13. Vernon Hills (45) 14. Lane Tech (44.5) 15. Taft (39) 16. Lake Forest (38) 17. Loyola Academy (30) 18. Highland Park (29) 19. Westinghouse (28) 20. Noble/ITW Speer (26) 21. Mundelein (25) 22. Grayslake Central (22) 23. Evanston (19) 24. Lake View (17) 25. Marshall (16) 26. Antioch (15) 27. Carmel Catholic (11) 28. Clark (10) 29. Mather (10) 30. Intrinsic Charter-Downtown (7) 31. Libertyville (3) 

Chicago Academy, Chicago Hope Academy, Crane Medical Prep, Noble/Golder, Noble Academy, Roosevelt, Schurz, Sullivan, and Deerfield also competed.