Antioch boasts 8 sectional qualifiers

Antioch’s wrestling team will not make a return trip to the Class 2A Elite Eight tournament later this month.

But the Sequoits do have eight wrestlers competing in their own individual sectional this weekend.

The top three individuals in each weight class will earn a berth to the state meet in Champaign next weekend with the two-day competition getting under way today at 4:30 p.m.

The second session takes place Saturday at 11 a.m. before the third and final session starts at 5 p.m.

Antioch is led by 2010 state qualifiers George Gonzalez (39-4 at 145) and Zack Epker (35-2 at 189).

The Sequoits’ other state hopefuls include Mike Gussarson (125), Lee Shannon (285), Brandon Schultz (112), Mike Morales (130), Hunter Moseley (160) and Zach Freundt (171).

“I hope (Gonzalez and Epker) learned something from last year and they actually bring back a medal,” said Antioch coach Wilbur Borrero. “I’m optimistic about the other six guys. As long as they wrestle well I think they can reach state.”

Grayslake North teammates Rich Downes (36-3 at 135) and 215-pounder Jimmy Prince also hope to return to state.

They will be joined by teammates Nick Klein (112), Angel Cabrera (119) and Stone Dax (152).

Wauconda had no state qualifiers last year. But the Bulldogs have two wrestlers in 215-pounder Brian Kent (30-1) and 160-pounder Pete Kootstra (33-6) who could advance deep into the state tourney.

The Bulldogs’ Devin Tortorice (103), Tim Alvarado (145) and freshman Nate Magiera (171) want to reach the Assembly Hall.

Vernon Hills features five qualifiers, led by third-ranked senior Gideon Yim (35-2) at 125. Dan Klema (145) also reached state last year for the Cougars.

Vernon Hills’ trio of Jonathan Ramirez (135), David Pierce (140) and Jeremy Brazil (285) hope to advance.

Grayslake Central’s Dylan Hay was eliminated last weekend. But teammates Bobby Raines (103), Joey Valdivia (189) and Kevin Hein (215) will try to return to state. Sean Keever (140) is also wrestling for the Rams.

Lakes is represented by Kyle Gibson (140), Tyler Booth (135) and Jose Callado (130).

At Barrington

Libertyville and Warren head into the Class 3A Barrington individual sectional Friday at 4:30 p.m. with six wrestlers apiece aiming for state.

Session II starts Saturday at 9 a.m., followed by the final session at 2 p.m. The top four finishers in each division will reach state.

Libertyville 215-pounder Luke Miller (30-9) continues his quest to return to state, while teammates Kevin Tavakoli (145) and David Allen (171) also won regional crowns.

Coach Dale Eggert and the Wildcats are pushing for Charlie Meyer (125), Luke Gaeth (130) and Sayad Banifazl (152) to reach Champaign.

Warren coach Jim Ouimette’s six individuals include 2010 state medalist Josh Dust (285), T.J. Parker (160), Shakiem Chapman (189), Craig Mason (103), Israel Santiago (112) and Brandon Tyler (140).

Stevenson has five entries, including 2010 state champion Danny Sabatello, who is 35-0 at 125.

The Patriots will look for Mark Futterman (152), Ken Waks (171), Brandon Weber (215) and Mike Kuhn (285) to stay alive.

Carmel has five grapplers competing, including Tim Hourihan (152), Brian Waldron (119), Evan Palmer (140), Bobby Dandino (145) and Jake Cochrane (285).

Grant is led by Devin Monroy (140), Nick Kramer (103), Ben Soumar (112) and Quinton Quarles (215).

Mundelein 135-pounder Payton Cruz (2010) and 130-pound teammate Matt Ornoff (2009) will be bidding for their second trips to state. Pablo Mato (171) also hopes to advance for the Mustangs.