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Krocko and Co. helping Hampshire make progress

From the early stages of the wrestling campaign, coach Terry Wilkinson's Hampshire team has been off and running, finishing strong in each tournament it has attended while already surpassing its 14-win season from a year ago.

On Wednesday, Anton Krocko and his teammates extended the good vibe, treating a senior night crowd to victories over visitors Elmwood Park and Elgin as the Whips improved to 15-5.

Hampshire overwhelmed an undermanned Elmwood Park 60-15 before finishing with a 46-18 triumph over Elgin. The Maroons went 1-1 on the night after defeating Elmwood Park 48-12 in the first matchup of the evening.

"I feel like the guys are coming together and peaking at just about the right time," said Wilkinson, whose staff honored seven seniors before the Elgin dual. Joining them were several future stars from the Hampshire Wrestling Club, who stepped onto the mats for instructions from the match officials.

"It's nice to see the entire team begin to hit its stride together," said Wilkinson, "but I am not surprised by that because everyone has shown the desire and work ethic needed to make the step forward."

One such athlete is Krocko (26-4), who last weekend at the Sycamore tournament recorded his 100th career victory, becoming just the second to do so in program history.

"That was clearly the highlight on my season, and one of a few in my career here," said the two-time state qualifier, who will attend UIC next fall in pursuit of a future in architecture. "It's great to see how this team has progressed from our first day together, and I feel many of us have a chance to do some very good things when the conference tournament begins in two weeks - then in regionals, sectionals, and hopefully state."

Krocko is one of eight Whips who have already reached the 20-win level. Others include, 2014 state qualifier Kyle Szlenk (113, 24-6), Max McGowan (145, 23-8) and Josh Bybee, who earned his 20th win of the year following a pair of wins at 138 on Wednesday.

Bybee and McGowan fueled a 13-0 run against the Maroons (5-9-0) with a major decision. McGowan's hard-fought 2-1 decision over Anthony Ruiz gave Hampshire a 31-12 advantage.

Moments later, Jake Oury's pin at 1:59 paved the way for a Max Fleury (170) pin at 3:37, and Krocko's 4-0 victory over one of the Maroons' best, Matt Gedritis (14-6), effectively ended the match.

"Both Matt and Nathan Romero (132, 17-3) were involved in the two best matches of the night," said Elgin first-year coach Jordan Bakley. "Anton is one of the top 2A guys at his weight in the state, and Matt was right there with him. And if he didn't give up those first points, maybe the match ends a little differently for him.

"As far as Nathan, he just continues to shine. His confidence and composure are just amazing, and he's a great kid as well and one that takes coaching from the staff and puts it to use to the best of his ability."

Romero, who won a championship at Wheaton Warrenville South's Ewoldt Invite, is encouraged by his recent progress.

"My opponent tonight (Wylie Allen) is one of the better 2A guys at 132 in the area, and I feel like I can be one of the best in 3A when conference and regionals begin in a couple of weeks," Romero said. "So this was a good test tonight, and one that I like because I got the early lead and just rode it out from there."

Romero defended a low first-period single from Allen (25-6), then took the lead at three minutes before Allen drew closer with an escape.

Starting down in the third period, the Elgin senior put two more points on the scoreboard with a reversal before defending two more shots from Allen down the stretch to hold on for a 4-2 victory.

Dan Easter (126), Max Troyke (160) and Tony Huerta (220) were each victorious against Hampshire, while Mason Fleury (195) and heavyweight Christian Morales both recorded falls over their rivals from Elgin.

Wilkinson had hoped Elmwood Park standout Marco Padilla might bump up to meet Jake Szlenk (24-5) at 113 pounds, but the Tigers 2014 state qualfiier stayed at 106, thus erasing what might have been a potential future bout at sectionals.

The Whips are at Prairie Ridge on Thursday in a Fox Valley Conference contest, while Elgin hosts Streamwood on Friday in the Upstate Eight.

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