Wrestling: State tournament scouting, Northwest
Wrestling / State tournament scouting
Where: State Farm Arena, Champaign
Thursday: 2A prelims at 3 p.m., 3A prelims at 5 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. quarterfinals, 7 p.m. semifinals
Saturday: 9 a.m. quarterfinal wrestlebacks, 1 p.m. third- and fifth-place matches; 5:30 p.m. Grand March, followed by championship matches.
The lowdown: Barrington nearly joined MSL mates Conant and Prospect as a regional champion two weeks ago. And all three of those Mid-Suburban League heavies will be well represented this weekend in Champaign, with a total of 15 competitors hailing from that trio. A daunting task awaits all who join the action, as there are some incredibly deep and talented weight brackets.
Here's a brief preview of all 24 wrestlers from the Mid-Suburban League, St. Viator and Maine West who earned a chance to prove themselves against the state's best.
Gold Club memberBobby Alexander (Conant, 138, 39-0): This four-year standout and two-time state medalist will begin the weekend as the clear favorite after one convincing week after another was placed in the Cougars' scorebook. "It's been quite a record-setting year for Bobby, but he'll tell you none of that matters without a state title to bring back home," says Conant coach Chad Hay. The No. 1 rated 138-pounder from the very start of the season heading into Champaign, Alexander won his fourth MSL title last month, while at the same time, broke the program record for career victories of 146 set by former state runner-up Dominick Marella. Alexander currently stands atop the list with 153. He can deliver a tantalizing all-around game, and the senior will get his chance to strut his stuff Thursday in an opener with Tyree Johnson (31-6) of Downers Grove, and likely either Jake Barszkowski (Notre Dame, 13-4) or Anthony Chelini (Marmion Academy, 31-11) in the semifinals. On the flip side of the bracket is 2014 state medalist Andrew Mehrholz (42-2), a junior from Deerfield.
Frequent flyersTyler Cooke (Hersey, 285, 35-8): This Hersey senior found a way to set himself free from a championship bunch at the Barrington sectional to ensure a second trip downstate in two years. "I am very happy for Tyler, and his ability to overcome the odds in back-to-back years to get himself downstate, despite being in such a highly competitive weight class," said Hersey coach Jeff Kramarcyzk. Cooke came back from loss to eventual champ Michael Gomez to win 2-1 over MSL long-time rival Juan Hernandez (Wheeling) to stay alive, then finished up the tournament with a bang with a pin of Jacob Heavlin of Rockford East. Cooke placed in every tournament this year, including title at the Antioch Invite. Also has 16 pins this season entering an opening bout in Champaign against EJ Phillips (14-5) of Downers Grove North.
James Ford (Prospect, 220, 36-4): A powerfully build two-time state qualifier, Ford is also a two-time regional champion. "James has had a terrific career with us, and if he gets focused and aggressively goes after each match this weekend, he can have a great state tournament despite having a tough road ahead of him in a very difficult weight classes," said Prospect coach Tom Whalen. Ford advanced downstate the hard way, coming back through wrestlebacks, after a disappointing loss to eventual sectional champion Blake Zalapi of Hononegah in the semifinals. Was consistently around the top three or four in state polls all throughout the season, rising as high as No. 2 heading into last weekend. Opens with No. 5 Eric Johnson (43-3) from Plainfield East.
Kyle Peisker (Conant, 126, 36-3): Went from a 13-win season two years ago into a dynamic attacking machine who is capable of bringing home a state medal. His sensational junior year included another MSL and regional crown, before earning his second consecutive state appearance. "Kyle is a low-key, quiet kind of guy naturally, but on the inside, he has that killer instinct needed to put his opponents away," said Conant coach Chad Hay. Peisker has 5 tournament titles on the season and will open up against McHenry senior Robbie Duh before a likely meeting against favorite Rudy Yates (31-0) of Sandburg on Friday.
Hazen Rice (Schaumburg, 106, 38-4): After having a bust-out season a year ago to advance downstate, this junior graduated from hopeful to medal favorite following a tremendous season which included championship stops at both the MSL and regional tournaments before a third-place sectional finish at Glenbard North. "Hazen got himself a good draw for Thursday night, and if we can get by a quality opponent in (Ian) Mullen (37-3) from McHenry, then he gets another chance against No. 3 Michael McGee (Plainfield East, 35-2) in the semifinals," said Schaumburg coach Mike Levanti. Rice fell 6-2 to McGee in the finals of the Illini Classic. Rice placed third at the prestigious Dvorak and won at the Lake Park, MSL and regional tourneys. The two-time state qualifier has 45 career pins thus far.
Julius Smith (Barrington, 170, 33-5): Hard to believe this two-time state qualifier won just three times as a freshman before learning his trade behind several veterans during the next season in advance of a break-out year last winter. He ended up falling one victory short of bringing home a state medal last February as a junior. "The difference between last year and this with Julius has been amazing - he's bigger, stronger and faster than ever before, and he had so much more ahead of him as he continues to grow in this sport," says Barrington coach Dave Udchik. Smith was outstanding on his way to a sectional title last weekend, which helped place him in a nice comfy spot at the very bottom of the bracket - and plenty far away from the freshmea phenom Jack Jessen (46-2). Smith would meet Jessen in the semifinals; Smith opens up with a two-time state qualifier from Notre Dame, Marco Orlandi (17-5).
Joey Vogeney (Maine West, 182, 44-1): The undisputed leader of his team, Vogeney has build a staggering resume during this three seasons under coach Lance Weber, including a pair of CSL and regional titles, his first sectional crown last weekend, and now a second consecutive trip downstate. "It's exciting, but there's still a lot of work to do in order to reach my goal of being state champion," says Vogeney, who is on his way to the Naval Academy next fall to play football. His 121 career wins is 10th all-time on a list of glorious former Maine West stars, while his 35 pins this season places him 10th on the all-time IHSA list. "His funky style and incredible work rate will give him a chance to do some great things this weekend, but he's a guy who never takes anything for granted, at any time," says Weber. Vogeney opens with Tyrone Johnson (Thornton Fractional South, 21-9) and is one win away from meeting Stevenson standout Tyler Harrington (35-3), who is responsible for his only loss of the year.
Tulga Zuunbayan (Wheeling, 152, 37-1): Affectionately nicknamed the Mongolian Nightmare by his coaching staff, Zuunbayan showed little mercy toward his opponents during the past two weekends as the now two-time state qualfiier mandhandled the competition, including an impressive 18-6 major in his sectional final. "Tulga is feeling good right now, and is very happy with the way things are, and it shows with the way he is going out and competing at a very high level," said Wheeling coach Neal Weiner. The all-action junior is a whirlwind of activity from the opening whistle. He can attack and score with the best of them, making him a darkhorse to medal in this division, which was turned upside down last weekend when Juwan Edward (Hinsdale Central, 37-3) was stunned in the sectional quarterfinals, thus sending the standout senior directly into the path of Matt Rowland (Willowbrook, 44-2) in a terrific opening match.
Maiden voyagesDan Andress (Conant, 160, 36-3): One of Conant's standouts, Andress just missed a first trip downstate last year but rebounded to turn in a superb senior season for the Cougars. "Dan has been a great leader for this team and is always there to pick someone up who is down," said Conant coach Chad Hay, who adds the senior is a real student of the sport. Just 15-18 as a freshman, Andress turned things around in a hurry to go 34-10 last season. Andress will meet Chris Prosser (Edwardsville, 22-8) on Thursday evening. Libertyville's Joey Gunther and Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, 19-3) both reside in Andress's half of the bracket.
Connor Boundy (Barrington, 145, 35-6): The Broncos' captain led the team in victories, one year after a quick exit in the sectionals motivated him to work and train harder than ever to reach Champaign. "To get downstate along with four other seniors who have been here since the very beginning is a hard thing to describe, but something that I am very proud to be a part of," said Boundy, who climb up the state polls each week following a second-place finish at the Mudge along with a tourney crown at the Berman Holiday Classic. Boundy's opener today is No. 7 Nick Foster (Belleville West, 31-7). Boundy led the Broncos with 74 takedowns.
Travis Cysewski (Barrington, 160, 25-9): Friends and family of this four-year veteran don't have to hold their breath any longer. Their favorite wrestler finally advanced from his own sectional downstate after a trio of key victories in wrestlebacks erased a disappointing ending last year, when Cysewski lost his state-qualifying match on his home mats.
"When you get back to the same place you were last year, knowing what the outcome was then, getting here once again, but now in your senior year, it's just an amazing feeling to realize your dream of getting downstate," said Cysewski, who fueled his big finish by winning a regional title two weeks prior. The three-year varsity standout has had 10 pins this year and opens up Thursday against Tom Slattery (36-3) of Sandburg.
John DePersia (Barrington, 195, 34-13): This year's Cinderella story, Depersia came out of nowhere with one convincing performance after another until his top four finish last weekend on his home floor sent the first-year varsity senior downstate along with four of his teammates. "John has been one of our biggest surprises this year, coming from being one of our best guys on the JV last season to someone who got himself a well deserved trip downstate," said Barrington coach Dave Udchik. Depersia's first-round opponent is No. 5 Tim Young (East Aurora, 35-1). Depersia has recorded 16 falls and 50 takedowns.
Logan Gruszka (Schaumburg, 145, 39-7): The Saxons junior broke the sectional spell at last when a strong performance in wrestlebacks at Glenbard North finally sent the three-year veteran into his first state tournament. "Logan had an exceptional weekend, and now that the state-qualifying monkey is off his back, I believe he can be extremely dangerous down in Champaign," said Levanti, who watched Gruszka bounce back from a disappointing loss in the regional final to Jackson Schoen to beat the Lake Park junior a week later in his third-place sectional bout. A Cadet National Greco runner-up, Gruszka owns a 3.40 GPA and will take his 39 career pins into his opener against the gritty Johnny Mologouris (Lyons Township, 30-8). Next would be Phyllip DeLoach (Alton, 37-0) in the quarters.
Alex Jacobs (Fremd, 195, 33-4): With two of his losses to 2014 state runner-up Christian Brunner (40-1) it's quite apparent the Vikings junior has proven to be right there among the best heading into his first state tournament. "I feel like I belong, especially after those two (8-7) defeats to Brunner, who I was right there with until a couple of late mistakes on my part," says Jacobs, who lost to the Dundee-Crown junior in the closing moments of his sectional semifinal last weekend. "We're all excited about this first trip downstate for Alex, and if he comes out and performs like he's capable of right from the very beginning, it's possible he could have a very good tournament," said Fremd coach Dan Ruettiger, who hopes to guide his top man to the Vikings first medal since 2012, when Ronnie Hauser finished fourth overall.
Danny Madonia (Conant, 120, 34-3): The other half of the Cougars' terrific one-two punch along with Kyle Peisker, Madonia helps the Cougars get going on the lower end of their lineup. "I put a lot of extra time in during the off-season, and it's helped improve my confidence heading into the season," said Madonia after defeating 2A standout Francis Edelen (Oak Forest) for the title at the Leyden Invite in January. The three-time regional champion, who won his first MSL title three weeks ago, will have his biggest challenge of the season when he faces Carlos Jacquez (47-7) of West Aurora in a state opener. "Jacquez comes out after it, but Danny has beaten the No. 4 seed, so he'll be ready for this one," saod Hay, who watched his junior battle No. 1 Alex Madrigal (OPRF) before dropping a 3-0 decision in his sectional final.
Mitch MacTavish (Hersey, 120, 34-11): The third time was the charm for the Huskies junior, who failed to advance out of the sectionals during his first two visits before succeeding last weekend - albeit after needing some last-minute dramatics just to stay alive on the first day to allow for his second-day success. "Mitch is proof that hard works equals success," said Hersey coach Jeff Kramarcyzk, who held his breath before MacTavish's 5-point explosion in the closing moments of his sectional opener allowed him to avoid wrestlebacks and brough him closer to a first trip downstate. MacTavish now has 74 wins and opens with junior Vinnie Piunti (Lincoln-Way Central, 33-9).
Michael Meier (Conant, 220, 33-9): A key figure in the Cougars' run toward consecutive MSL and regional titles, this senior helped fill the gap left from the graduation of its top big man from a year ago, Tyler LaBarbera. Meier won a regional crown and followed up with his first trip downstate - not bad for a guy who was sixth two years ago as coach Chad Hay's heavyweight at the MSL tournament. "Michael has come a long way since then, and has shown he can bounce back from a loss, and put it behind him right away," said Hay. Meier lost his state-qualifying match a year ago, but responded in cool fashion when presented with another opportunity, winning by fall to seal his downstate trek. Meier faces No. 2 Josh King (41-1) of Hinsdale South in Thursday's opening round.
Alex Preissing (Prospect, 120, 37-6): Preissing delivered an impressive regional title along with a 37-win season, which included several key victories as he steadily climbed the state rankings throughout the season. "Something just clicked with him during the off-season - that and the fact that he's just a non-stop worker has made a big difference from last season," said Prospect assistant coach Dan Keller. Brought up midway through the season last winter as a sophomore, Preissing would feed in against Jake Silzer (St. Rita, 39-3) should he win his opener Thursday against Tanner Ambry (33-13) of Edwardsville.
Mason Skloot (Wheeling, 106, 31-15): One of several pleasant surprises from a team filled with underclassmen this season, Wildcats freshman did what the veterans know to do - and that was to win a regional title, earn a first-round bye at the sectional, and then stay in the front draw as long as possible in order to qualify to state. "Even though we'll lose a handful of great seniors, such as our captain Ricky Muro, the future is bright with young men like Mason," said Wheeling coach Neal Weiner. An IESA state place-winner during the off-season, Skloot scored 165.5 team points for the Cats and recorded 16 pins, 47 takedowns and 24 near falls. Skloot opens Thursday with a standout, Michael McGee (35-2) of Plainfield East.
Tanner Strobel (Prospect, 160, 35-9): During the past two seasons, this junior has been the bridge to the Knights power-packed top half of its lineup. He's recorded back-to-back 30-win seasons, including one of his biggest when he won a regional title at Glenbrook South. "It feels good to finally get downstate after missing out last year," said Strobel, who lost a 5-3 decision in his state-qualifying match to Ryan Wosick of Loyola at 182 pounds. Strobel gave two-time state qualifier Sage Heller (Deerfield, 43-3) all he could handle during a wild sectional semifinal to show he can go with the best - which he'll get to do against his first-round opponent, 2014 state place-winner Trace Carello (19-3) of Marmion Academy.
James Valentino (St. Viator, 285, 28-10): The Lions sophomore wowed a crowded Class 2A field last weekend in Antioch to grab his ticket downstate after falling just short the previous year. "You've got to be impressed with the way he responded at sectionals, especially as a sophomore, and against a terrific heavyweight, and great kid like (Joe) Blitstein (of Vernon HIlls) - beating him by a decision in the regional final, then with a pin in the third-place match at sectionals," said St. Viator coach Jason Churak, who likes the chances of his big man in Champaign. "His first two opponents are lighter, quicker heavyweights, so he'll have to go at them right away." Then, hopefully, after that, anything is possible if he's still alive in the bracket. First up Thursday for Valentino will be Cariel Beasley (32-8) of Sterling. Of his 28 victories this season, Valentino has recorded a dazzling 23 pins.
Matt Wroblewski (Prospect, 170, 33-3): This sophomore made an immediate impact, from the moment he tossed on the royal blue singlet for Prospect coach Tom Whalen. "He loves being part of our program. He is as excited for his teammates' success as he is for his own, and each day he brings with him a great work ethic and attitude into our room," says Whalen of his No. 9 rated star, who won 34 times during his freshman year. Already a two-time regional champion plus an MSL champ, Wroblewski won the frosh-soph tournament as a freshman and was sixth at the Fargo National Tournament during the off-season. His first-round match will be against No. 11 Max Metzger (OPRF, 31-12).
Alex Zentner (Barrington, 285, 32-8): In the heavyweight tradition of former state medalists such as Aaron Castagna and Ben Calamari, Zentner up stepped this year as the Broncos' unknown big man. Last season, he won just 11 times, but you'd never have known it this year as he impressed each time out, including a second-place sectional finish. "Alex has been amazing, and along with (teammate John) DePersia, such an incredible story of success," said Udchik. Able to keep even the best of the best under control, the two-year starter dropped a 5-2 decison to No. 1 Brian Ditchman (Lincoln-Way Central) while beating a handful of state ranked opponents along the way. Zentner, an MSL champion who leads his team with 19 pints, opens against ESCC champ Jake Ford (41-2) of Marist.
Andrew Zerfas (Conant, 195, 25-12): Yet another in the Cougars' star-studded lineup, Zerfas embraced his role as an important man on the varsity level and gave his team quality matches night after night. He saved his best for the postseason, where his three big second-day wins at the MSL tourney helped fuel a big comeback for his team plus a third-place finish for himself. Like his teammate Meier, Zerfas will have a tall task as his first-round opponent is 2014 state runner-up Tyler Johnson (18-0) from Lockport. "Not the ideal guy you want to have in your first match of the tournament, but Andrew is so calm and collected, especially right now, so he'll be just fine out there on Thursday," said coach Chad Hay.
- Mike Garofola