Wrestling: Scouting Northwest

MSL EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Jeff Vlk (1st year).

Last season: 9th at MSL tournament.

Graduation losses: Jake Siebert (145, 29w), Chase Ori (126, MSL champ, sectional qualifier, 26w), Stevie Gutierrez (113, 18w), Ulysses Ocampo (152, 21w), Blake Yonin (132, 7w), Christian Durant (285, 11w), Kris Biestak (195, 5w)

Key returnees: Seniors Alex Horvat (195), Noah Festenstein (138, 5w); juniors Jake Greenberg (106, 23w), John Toriumi (145).

New faces: Senior John Maddox (170).

Outlook: One of four new coaches in the division this season, Jeff Vlk has already made inroads in a program which has been hit hard with heavy graduation losses, and a serious shortage in sheer numbers as well. "There were just 13-14 in the program when we took things over, but we're back up with 25 freshmen, and another 30 on the JV to help get us going in the right direction," says Vlk, who serves as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bison football team. "Obviously, our lack of experience will be our disadvantage at the start, so we'll count on a good group of veterans to help us get through that." Greenberg had a strong sophomore campaign and figures to get the Bison going on the lower end of the lineup. Maddox, the football team's MVP and a wrestler prior to high school and in his freshman year, will bolster the top end with his return to the mat.

Elk GroveCoach: Dan Vargas (1st year).

Last season: 11th, MSL tournament.

Graduation losses: Ethan Hartowicz (160, sectional qualifier, 18w), Sean Oldenberg (170, 14w).

Key returnees: Senior Dominic Stacey (10w); junior Daniel Jamieson (220, 10w).

New faces: Senior Franco Greco; junior Chris Gatwood.

Outlook: The Grens have struggled for quite some time with numbers and coaching staff turnover, which has hindered the growth of the program. They may have finally found their man with the hire of former Wheeling and Elmhurst College standout Dan Vargas, who brings plenty of experience and success from the prep and collegiate levels in an effort to make a difference in the rebuilding process. "We have an entirely new coaching staff with a rejuvenated and hungry bunch of guys that want to make a name for themselves and the program, and that's exactly what I want them to do - but it's going to take a lot of hard work, and commitment on all of us," says Vargas, who was the CCIW champ for Elmhurst at 285 during his final season for the Bluejays, which also saw the former state medalist (2009, 189, 42 wins) earn All-American scholar honors. Vargas hopes to provide a pipeline from football to wrestling as the Grens linebacker coach during the fall.

HerseyCoach: Jeff Kramarczyk (1st year).

Last season: 15-7-0.

Graduation losses: Dean Simmons (160, sectional qualifier, 31w), Tom Somenek (152, sectional qualifier, 28w), Anthony O'Brien (106, sectional qualifier, 16w), Jaylen Shaw (138, sectional qualifier, 13w, transfer to Wheeling) Frank Sherman (170, 12w), George Vladimirov (220, 13w).

Key returnees: Senior Tyler Cooke (285, regional champ, state qualifier, 28w); juniors Mitch Mactavish (113, 2013 regional champ, two-time sectional qualifier, 26w), Grant Warner (138, regional champ, 24w), Jordan Montesenos (170, 15w).

New faces: Seniors Austin Wade (160), Vlad Pavlenko (220).

Outlook: The one-time St. Viator coach now runs the show after long-time and successful leader Jim Wormsley stepped down to spend more time with his growing family. "We're very young this season, but we are very fortunate to have terrific leaders with Mactavish, Warner and Cooke, who are seasoned and show great work ethic to the young guys who themselves are looking forward to making their mark on the varsity level," said Kramarczyk, who was Wormsley's assistant the past two seasons. The Huskies have a good one with heavyweight Cooke, who parlayed a regional title into his first state appearance a few weeks later, while expectations are high for the duo of Mactavish and Warner, who will be among the best in the MSL in their divisions.

ProspectCoach: Tom Whalen (6th year).

Last season: 22-5-0, MSL East champs, regional champions, lost to Hononegah at dual-team sectionals.

Graduation losses: Jackson Wrede (195, regional champ, 30w, Notre Dame), Sam Lobono (138, sectional qualifier, 22w, Indiana), Joe Benway (132, 20w, Alabama), Mike Ragucci (152, regional champ, 18w), Brian Maigler (170, sectional qualifier, 30w, Iowa), Alex Peck (285, 16w, Harper JC), Nick Ragucci.

Key returnees: Seniors James Ford (220, state qualifier, regional champ, 35w), Adrian Wroblewski (182), Jack McDermott, Alex Straczek (132, 17w), Chris Rivera (126, sectional qualifier, 30w), Dema Govalla (195); juniors Tanner Strobel (160, sectional qualifier, 31w), Bobby Jarosz (18w), Frank Mazur, Alex Preissing (120, sectional qualifier, 12w); sophomores Matt Wroblewski (170, regional champ, 34w), Vince Lobono (sectional qualifier, 15w).

New faces: Senior Igli Velcani (145); juniors Sami Al Dakka (138), Jake Verschoor, Joe Siracusa (170); sophomores Dexter Straczek (106), Alex Palczewski (285)

Outlook: Tom Whalen's club signaled its intent this season with a strong performance at the Moore-Prettyman last weekend, finishing fourth overall and just behind state powers Lyons Township and Lincoln-Way Central, and in front of NSC favorite Grant and MSL rival Barrington. "With what we return, there's no reason why we cannot be a force in the conference and make a run at getting to the Elite Eight, but we have to come out and wrestle each and every time we get onto the mats," said a cautiously optimistic Whalen, who returns nearly every man from an MSL East championship unit which also won a regional title before being humbled by Hononegah in dual-team sectional action. "I am pleased with the work ethic and commitment to improve we have, and if we can stay healthy and get everyone where they belong in our lineup, we'll be OK when it really counts," Whalen said. The Knights' firepower begins with Matt Wroblewski and James Ford, who shined brightly during the action at the Moore-Prettyman, but there's plenty more all throughout the lineup capable of influencing the outcome of a given night.

Rolling MeadowsCoach: John Bassler (1st year)

Last season: 13-10-0 (3-2-0).

Graduation losses: Dardan Kardiu (182, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 36w, Harper JC), Lamart Burress (138, two-time sectional qualifier, 28w, DePaul).

Key returnees: Senior Kasey Jauch (160, sectional qualifier, 9w); juniors Grant Palmer (220, 20w), Eric Chalupa (17w); sophomores Nick DelPorte (152, state qualifier, regional champ, 16w), Jackson Kohlberg (106, 18w), Liam Collins (120, sectional qualifier).

New faces: Seniors Raumeen Hosseini (145,152), Daniel Stubing (145,152); junior Christian Flood (138); sophomore Ethan Pardilla (132); freshmen Jacob Holm (113), Michael Womeldorf (126).

Outlook: The fourth new head coach in the division this season replaces the legendary Dave Froehlich, who moved on after nearly 400 victories following last school year. "You don't replace a guy like Dave, that's for sure, but for me, being around him for 11 years as an assistant has made the transition much easier - but he's always a phone call away if there's a question or two," said coach Bassler, who inherited a nice core from his mentor, including Nick DelPorte, who surprised to advance to the state tournament as a freshman. The talented 152-pounder, who also excels on the football field, is joined by Jackson Kohlberg, who appears ready to make his move after finally growing into his 106-pound weight class. Long-time veteran Jauch, who's dealt with numeorus injuries along the way, is 100 percent healthy this fall and showing what he can do after his third-place finish last weekend at the prestigious Hruska Classic. "We still have a few injuries we're dealing with, plus others who need to get themselves in speed with the mental toughness associated with competing at this level, but if it all falls into place, we could be a pretty tough team to deal with," said Bassler.

WheelingCoach: Neal Weiner (29th year).

Last season: 18-11-0 (3-2-0).

Graduation losses: Sam Blair (170, 22w, Harper), James Grady (182, 12w, NIU).

Returning: Seniors Johny Carvijal (120, MSL champ, sectional qualifier, 35w), David Gonzalez (126, two-time sectional qualifier, 28w), Ricky Muro (138, 2013 MSL champ, sectional qualifier, 34w), Juan Hernandez (285, sectional qualifier, 24w); juniors Tulga Zuunbayan (145, state qualifier, two-time MSL, regional champ, 41w), Chas Guest (106, 9w), Yoni Medina (220, 20w), Josh Diaz (160, 11w); sophomores Zach Ylfantis (195, 24w), Tristan Guaman.

New faces to watch: Senior Carlos Giles (182), Alec Rybek (195); junior Robert Torres (195), David Vergel (132); sophomores Jalen Shaw (152, transfer from Hersey, 13w), Andrew Lara (160), Adlai Flores (125), Scott Anderson (170); freshmen Brian Madrigal (113), Mason Skloot (106).

Outlook: Coaches from around the league have anointed Prospect as the team to beat, and rightly so with its star-studded lineup - but don't write off coach Neal Weiner's club this season. The Cats boast an impressive array of talent up and down the weight divisions, including superb state qualifier Tulga Zuunbayan, who showed he belonged with the best with a sensational finish down the home stretch and appears ready to make an even bigger splash this time around. "We return three MSL champions and five other place-winners, and our MSL championship freshman team should help contribute the depth and quality we've been missing the last couple of years to help make us very competitive in our division, and the conference," says Weiner, who is now officially the dean of MSL coaches with the retirement of Dave Froehlich from Rolling Meadows. The solid, and sometime dominant trio of Carvijal, Gonzalez and Miro at the bottom end of the lineup (97 victories last year) will provide the perfect bridge to Zuunbayan in the middle, leading to a reliable and steady bunch at the top: Ylfantis, Medina, Hernandez, who combined for nearly 70 wins in their first full season.

MSL WESTBarringtonCoach: Dave Udchik (1st year)

Last season: 15-7-0, regional champion, lost to Libertyville (31-20) at dual-team sectional.

Graduation losses: Matt Conrad (132, state qualifier, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 33w, wrestling at Harper JC), Jack Bornhofen (220, MSL champ, two-time sectional qualifier, 25w playing football at Augustana), John Blanke (152, 10w, Kendall College Culinary School).

Key returnees: Seniors Julius Smith (160, state qualifier, MSL champ, 28w), Travis Cysewski (170, sectional qualifier, 30w), Connor Boundy (145, sectional qualifier, 29w), Colin Thomson (182, sectional qualifier, 23w), Peter Minwegen (138, sectional qualifier, 16w), Alex Zintner (285, sectional qualifier, 11w); juniors Mitch Stathakis (106, state medalist, MSL, regional, sectional champ), Jake Cysewski (106, 19w).

New faces: Senior John Depersia (195).

Outlook: Injuries, a demanding schedule and a handful of lineup changes led to a slow start last season, but once the Broncos were in form, they were a tough bunch for most to handle down the stretch on their way to a regional championship. This year might be the same during the early going for first-year head coach Dave Udchik, and the end result might also be worth waiting for. "We've got to get a few guys healthy, tweak the lineup here and there, but when we do, I feel we'll be in the hunt at the end for a MSL title and more when the postseason begins," said Udchik, a one-time assistant to Dave Froehlich at Rolling Meadows. The same rugged tourney schedule is in place for returning state medalist Stathakis, who is on the mend right now, but the club has a bigger, faster and stronger Julius Smith to lead a balanced lineup full of veteran talent. The addition of two-time IKWF champ Hartmann clearly will help, as he took top honors last weekend at the Moore-Prettyman.

ConantCoach: Chad Hay (6th year).

Last season: 19-3-0, MSL, and regional champions, 3A Elite Eight.

Graduation losses: Tyler LaBarbera (three-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 26w), Gus Karapanos (sectional qualifier, 29w), Marcus Williams (sectional qualifier, 21w)

Key returnees: Seniors Bobby Alexander (138,145, two-time state medalist, three-time state qualifier, three-time MSL champ, 41w), Griff Rose (152,160, state qualifier, three-time sectional qualifier, MSL, regional champ, 31w), Dan Andress (160,170, sectional qualifier, 35w), Michael Meier (220,285, sectional qualifier, 21w); juniors Kyle Peisker (126,132, state qualifier, MSL, regional champ, 33w), Danny Madonia (120,126, sectional qualifier, two-time regional champ, 35w), Jason Giuliano (113,120, sectional qualifier, 27w), Nick Catalano (145,152, sectional qualifier, 21w).

New faces: Freshman Tyler Futris (106).

Outlook: By winning the MSL going away and later enjoying its most successful season in years with a spot in the Elite Eight, the Cougars look to be quite capable of lifting more trophies under Chad Hay on the eve of a new campaign. "The core of our team from last year is back, one year older and stronger, and our depth throughout is very good. So there's no reason why we cannot have another successful season, but there's plenty of teams in the MSL we have to be wary of, such as Prospect and Barrington, who have solid teams themselves, and won't be easy to get past," said Hay, who guided his club to its first team-state appearance since 2003. All but three sectional qualifiers are back from the 11 the Cougars advanced last year, including the consensus No. 1 according to IllinoisMatmen.com at 138, Bobby Alexander, who could finish off a brilliant four-year career atop the podium in Champaign. Expectations will be high for most of the returning standout, with Peisker already making a statement after his championship crown last weekend at the Hruska Invite inside the Cougars' home gym. The reigning MSL champs return nearly 249 victories from last season.

FremdCoach: Dan Ruettiger (1st year).

Last season: 10-11-0 (3-2-0).

Graduation losses: Cody Hauser (170, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 24w), Djameno N'towe (220, sectional qualifier, 18w), Jake Ellin (132, 12w), Patrick McMahon (285, 12w).

Key returnees: Dominic Lorig (145, 19w), Dom Gallo (182, 9w); juniors Alex Jacobs (195, secitonal qualifier, 28w), Grant Barwacz (132, 24w), Trevor Kisto (152, 15w), Matt Kurtishi (160, sectional qualifier, 14w).

New faces: Junior Aaron Cortez (220); sophomores Mike Rattin (106), Ian James (138), Conor McMillan (170), Zach Nemec (285); freshman Cole Reimer (113).

Outlook: Dan Ruettiger's arrival signals a changing of the guard at Fremd as the former Providence all-American and NIU star officially takes over for long-time head coach Ralph Cortez, who retired after recording 369 career victories, in addition to 4 divisional and MSL titles. "Ralph is a tough guy to follow, but I learned a lot from working with him, and right now I am looking forward to working with this group and watching them compete at a high level," said Ruettiger, who was Cortez's assistant last season. The Vikings' new coach has a nice blend of young and old, including the 1-2 punch of Jacobs and Barwacz, both juniors. Jacobs is a star in the making after a sensational 28-win freshman season, while Barwacz was 1 win away from qualifying for sectionals along with Kurtishi, who did so in his first year with the big club.

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Tony Ganas (6th year).

Last season: 7-20-0.

Graduation losses: Junior Castillo (285, 22w), Roberto Alvarado (126), Tylic Grace (170, 12w).

Key returnees: Seniors Mustafa Hashim (132, 15w), Cliff Eiring (138,145, 17w), Danny Gordon (145,152, 14w).

New faces: Sophomores Malik Walker (138,145), Nathan Quimet (106,113).

Outlook: The Hawks hope to force opponents to take them more seriously this winter as coach Ganas looks to fill out his lineup card to completion for the first time since taking over. "We'll be close to having a full starting 14 this season if we can get a few guys at weight and on course to be fully committed to being a part of our team," said Ganas, who lost one of the best big men in the league when Junior Castillo graduated. Ganas feels the success of the Hawks' football program will have a direct effect on helping the overall wrestling depth in the long run. For the moment, the coach's focus will be on getting what he calls two or three "legit" darkhorses on his roster capable of getting into the sectional tournament in late February.

PalatineCoach: Dan Collins (12th year).

Last season: 13-10-0 (2-3-0).

Graduation losses: Juan Guajardo (126, sectional qualifier, 25w, NIU), Austin Tipper (220, 14w), Ricky Ruano (152, 13w), Jeremy Arnold (170, 6w), Evan Heintz (14w).

Key returnees: Seniors: Mikalos Jackson (152, sectional qualifier, 23w), Gavin Frey (120, 11w), Zach Mobile (160, 11w); juniors Oscar Rodriguez (113, 21w), Jason Lopez (195, sectional qualifier, 24w).

New faces: Sophomores Chris Flores (132), Sammy Ceracus (285), Jon Alanis (220).

Outlook: As numbers continue to swell in the program, the extra work put in by coach Dan Collins and his staff have led to both quality and depth at the varsity level. "Attendance has been great, the team is working very hard, giving 110 percent, which all leads to intense practice sessions, which is all we can ask for," says Collins. "We're still a little short in varsity expereience in some weights, but we have terrific kids (there) who I know will come around in time." The Pirates' to competitor, Jackson, appears to have all the ability to excel during his final year here, while Collins points to the trio of Rodriguez, Frey and Lopez as having made the biggest off-season gains.

SchaumburgCoach: Mike Levanti (4th year).

Last season: 14-7-0

Graduation losses: Matt Stopka (195, two-time state qualifier, 2014 state medalist, 106 career victories, two-time MSL, regional champ, 35w, wrestling at UW-Parkside), Sadarris Patterson (170, MSL, regional champ, two-time sectional qualifier, 2013 state qualifier, 33w, wrestling at Ellsworth CC, Iowa), Luke Gruszka (160, 2013 MSL champ, 2013 state qualifier, two-time sectional qualifier, 30w, Illinois State University), Matt Zolper (285, MSL champ, state qualifier, 31w, playing football at Mankato State, MN), Eric Race (three-time sectional qualifier, 33w, Illinois State).

Key returnees: Seniors Tylor Alanis (285, state qualifier, 24w), MIke Bruno (182, sectional qualifier, 23w), Rafael Garcia (113, 10w); juniors Hazen Rice (106, state qualifier, regional champ, 31w), Logan Gruszka (145, two-time MSL champ, regional champ, 15w), Tony Vezzetti (152, sectional qualifier, 22w), Eric Ortiz (15w).

New faces: Junior Anthony Batterham (120); sophomores Hunter Hansen (132), Olijah Sally (152), Nolan Warner (170).

Outlook: The Saxons appeared destined for a serious run at the MSL West crown, then later a regional title, but injuries and the Conant juggernaut proved too much in the end. "Conant was very strong last year, and this time around, they look like they won't be touched in our division, with Barrington next closest," said Saxons coach Mike Levanti. "For us, we matriculated five really good wrestlers and outstanding young men, so that puts us in an interesting position right from the start. We do have some real talent back with us, and while our new guys are a bit raw, they certainly are not afraid of hard work or the competition." The Saxons' coach will find out for sure with the likes of state powers OPRF, Dakota and a trip to the Dvorak all on the schedule. But as always, Levanti will circle February as the time for his athletes to peak. Despite the aforementioned tough graduation losses, Gruszka looks destined for big things this season after earning Freestyle National Team status, and a Greco-Roman Cadet National runner-up trophy at 138 pounds.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Mike Fumagalli (3rd year).

Last season: 7-11-0 (3-3-0).

Graduation losses: Dominick Miro (126, 24w, Triton JC), Anthony Lonigro (285, 20w, playing football at Concordia), Aaron Farkas (152, 20w, Triton JC), Jack Machnik (170, 11w, Triton JC), Jesus Rodriguez (182, 8w, wrestling at University of Dubuque), Matt Wnek (145, 15w).

Key returnees: Seniors Ryan Soch (145, 19w), Sergio Garcia (113, 17w), Chris Powe (16w); junior Jeremiah Recinos (132, 20w).

New faces: Shane Dziadosz (106), Wesam Alabed (126), Husam Alabed (170), Juan Puga (285).

Outlook: The Eagles took a small step backward last season after heavy graduation losses the year before, but eve- positive coach Mike Fumagalli sees better times ahead on several fronts. "We're going to be a tough bunch from 126-145 who are going to get after their opponents very hard, and although we have a few holes to fill early on, there's no reason why we can't come on strong in the second half and surprise a few of our unsuspecting opponents," he said. Both Recenos and Soch are expected to deliver plenty of extra points in the Eagles' lineup from the spots at 132 and 145 as the returning team leaders in overall victories. The future is bright, according to Fumagalli, with a strong freshman group in advance of a youth program which will begin to yield solid prospects into the program during the next couple of years.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Lance Weber (8th year).

Last season: 12-8-0.

Graduation losses: Adeel Afshar (126, regional champ, two-time sectional qualifier, 37w, Illinois), Kevin Mendoza (145, sectional qualifier), Kevin Mendoza (145, sectional qualifier, 26w), Brian Cutro (Oakton CC), Jamie Marquez (2013 sectional qualifier), Jakauri Jones.

Key returnees: Seniors Joey Vogeney (195, state qualifier, CSL champ, 2013 regional champ, 42W), Brendon Lowe (145, sectional qualifier, 26w); junior Jake Riportella (160, 27).

New faces: Senior Leo Bravo (145,152); sophomores Joe Bellizzi (152), Sam Kindle (145), Jack Omally (126); freshmen Arsalan Afshar (113).

Outlook: Lance Weber and his staff once again will look to regroup after another bout of heavy graduation losses, including the heart and soul of its club, Adeel Afhsar, who conducted himself with plenty of class and style on the mats and in the classroom. "Losing Adeel is a tough one for us because of what he brought into the room, and then into the competition, which is something that is so difficult to replace," said Weber. "Fortunately, we have Joey back for his final year, and if he continues on that upward swing he's on, in my opinion, I feel he is capable of being atop that podium in Champaign in late February." Vogeney has shown remarkable staying power during his career, never letting nagging injuries slow his progress. In preseason polls, the three-year veteran was ranked 6th by IllinoisMatmen.com. Like the rest of its CSL rivals, the Warriors will be chasing state power Deerfield all season long, but with Vogeney and teammates Lowe and Riportella, in the lineup, many nights will go in favor of West in the end.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Jason Churak (2nd year).

Last season: 12-14-0 (3-5-0).

Graduation losses: Kyle Koss (138, sectional qualifier, 17w, Missouri), Charles Walberg (Villanova).

Key returnees: Seniors: Brandon Suchyta (138, state qualifier, 23w), Shamon Johnson (170, 26w), Michael Baxendale (195, 23w), Tim Cullinan (138, 15w), Nick DeBartolo (152, 6w); juniors: Joe McIntyre (182, 28w); sophomores James Anthony Valentino (285, sectional qualifier, 30w), Arlan Hermanson (160, sectional qualifier, 19w), Jack DeBartolo (152).

New faces: Senior Marc Mason (160); sophomore John Augustyn (106).

Outlook: Confidence is sky-high in the wrestling room for the Lions this season after a program-record 12 victories, followed up by a highly successful postseason, which included Brandon Suchyta advancing to the 2A state tournament during Jason Churak's first year in charge. "There's a new feeling in and around our program, and we feel we can compete for a top-three finish in the ESCC, and later at regionals, where we hope to get several guys downstate," says Churak, who was named ESSC coach of the year by his peers. Suchyta and James Anthony Valentino provide powerful 1-2 punch in a lineup which returns four sectional qualifiers, and two others (Johnson and Baxendale) who were 1 win away from joining their teammates downstate. Churak says five athletes with high-level experience in IKWF will bolster depth and the lower levels for first time in years.