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Scouting Fox Valley wrestlers at state

Where: State Farm Arena (Champaign)

When: Thursday - 3 p.m. (Class 2A prelims); 5 p.m. (Class 3A prelims). Friday - 8:30 a.m. quarterfinals), 7 p.m. semifinals). Saturday - 9 a.m. quarterfinal wrestlebacks, 1 p.m. 3rd, 5th place matches, 5:30 p.m. Grand March followed by championship matches.

The lowdown: Area wrestlers at both Class 2A and 3A were involved in some of the toughest sectional tournaments in the state, and several top players saw their seasons end suddenly and quickly, making those who survived relieved to have done so, as they move onto this weekend's three-day state tournament in Champaign. Only a few will come back with state medals, but all who have advanced need to be recognized for their impressive work during a grueling regular season, and barnstorming postseason, when there's little room for error.

Here's a brief look at all who will compete from the Fox Valley area beginning Thursday afternoon:

Gold ClubMichael Cullen (Cary-Grove, 120, 36-1)

The time might be here for Cullen to rise above all others after a brilliant, near flawless senior year, which brings the four-time Fox Valley Conference champ into this tournament physically and mentally ready for the three-day grind which awaits the University of Wisconsin-bound Trojans' senior. "I've learned during my four years that anything is possible down here, and that any and every opponent is capable of springing a surprise, but with that said I am looking forward to this tournament like no other," said Cullen, who earned the top seed in the IHSA seeding process. With a resume as long as the names of the 12-man bracket he is part of, the tourney favorites bracket goes like this: opener against Connor Broyles (Alton, 37-8), quarterfinals with the winner of No. 2 Nick Lukanich (Marist, 37-8) versus No. 6 Pat Augustyn (Glenbard North, 40-5) followed by Carlos Jacquez (47-7) of West Aurora in the semifinals. A much anticipated final with either No. 1 Alex Madrigal (OPRF, 9th in the nation) or No. 3 Jake Silzer (St. Rita) would treat fans hungry for a bout like this.

Eric Barone (Crystal Lake South, 145, 39-1)

Along with FVC compatriots Cullen and Christian Brunner of Dundee-Crown, the University of Illinois-bound four-year star is considered one of the favorites to reach the top of the podium Saturday night. "Eric is at a whole different level than most, and his desire and drive are unmatched," says Gators' head coach, Ross Ryan. Will seize the moment like a man possessed, punishing opponents with a relentless style in his attack, the 2014 state medalist conceded just 2 takedowns this year, while recording 102. Three-time state qualifier earned a second-straight sectional crown last weekend, after yet another regional, and FVC title. Gators captain opens with Brady Sharp (35-11) of Yorkville, followed by winner of Michael Callahan (Marmion Academy, 36-11) vs. Anthony Metallo (Addison Trail, 36-6). Rematch with No. 1 Larry Early 111 (OPRF, 22-0) would be in final, where he'll look to avenge a 3-2 loss on the big stage last year.

Frequent FliersChristian Brunner (Dundee-Crown, 195, 40-1)

Thunder and lightning junior has been frightening for most every opponent this season, as well as last year, when he rose up to capture a second-place state trophy, setting up D-C fans and his coach, Matt Wahl a run at a state title. "Christian never takes anything for granted, and it shows with his work rate, and time he puts in away from his competitions," says Wahl, who took over as head coach for Robert Skillman. Only loss was to 2A defending champ, and nationally ranked Andrew Marsden (Crystal Lake Central) in finals of FVC tourney. A couple of close calls the past weekend at sectionals illustrates how the three-year veteran can hold up even during the tightest situations. Opener versus Cole Bateman (Sandburg, 25-7) with a semifinal match with No. 4 Tim Young (Aurora East, 35-1) likely happening. No. 1 Tyler Johnson (18-0) of Lockport awaits on the other side of the bracket.

John Cullen (Cary-Grove, 138, 29-10)

The Cary-Grove junior is back once again, but it wasn't easy. After his 2014 postseason included several OT and ultimate tiebreaker winners finally led to spot in the state tournament program, Cullen came back this year and once again proved he runs with ice-water in his veins in order to survive another round of thrillers to earn a second straight trip downstate. "John is a gamer. He's composed in those tense situations, and right now he's peaking when he needs to be, and that makes him dangerous this weekend," suggests Cary-Grove coach Ryan Ludwig. Took No. 4 Andrew Mehrholz (Deerfield) to the edge in a 3-2 loss at sectionals, so he'll be ready for No. 2 Shayne Oster (35-3) from Lockport in his opener.

Garrett Dziedzic (Crystal Lake South, 132, 28-10)

Gators' senior validated his No. 7 ranking in the state polls with several key victories during the season over high profile opponents, including No. 3 AJ Jaffe (Marmion Academy) as well as No. 8 Phil Partipilo of Glenbard North. "Garrett didn't qualify for sectionals as a sophomore, but he's come such a long way since that season to become one of the best at his weight in the state," says Ryan. Tireless, high work rate, and relentless pace makes the FVC and regional champ almost impossible to get in on, while his ability to defend continually frustrates opponents. Third on team with 73 points scored. First match against Datrelle Kozeluch (Bloom Township, 35-5) then likely facing No. 4 Jaime Hernandez (29-7) from Oak Park-River Forest.

Anton Krocko (Hampshire, 170, 39-4)

Whip-Purs' four-year star makes his third straight appearance in Champaign after finishing up the tournament season with a second-place finish to No. 4 Juan Alfaro (Fenton) at the Antioch sectional one week after earning back-to-back championship rings at the FVC and regional tourneys for the first time in his career under head coach Terry Wilkinson. "This is Anton's last shot, but he has a good route to bring home a medal if all goes well this weekend for him,"says Wilkinson. "Winning it all has to be the goal before anything else, and to get that state medal would be an amazing feeling to me," admits the UIC-bound Krocko, who went over 100 victories in his career just after the holiday break. Jacksonville senior Dillon Miller (39-7) is first up for the 5th-ranked Whips' captain, followed by No. 1 Jacob Warner (Washington, 41-3) Friday morning.

Kyle Szlenk (Hampshire, 113, 33-9)

Although the Whips' junior will face the nation's top-rated Jabori Moody (Rich Central, 35-0) his coach feels the chances for success this weekend are much better than most believe. "Kyle will give it all he has in that first match, but Moody is the perfect guy to follow, with the way the tournament is set up, and I look for him to take advantage of that situation," says Wilkinson, of IHSA protocol of advancement. Earned an FVC title ring last year, his first, finishing with 36 wins, then first regional crown last month, before coming back through wrestlebacks last weekend to secure ticket downstate.

Ricky Vigil (Huntley, 132, 31-4)

Red Raiders' senior earned his second trip downstate but it wasn't easy. Coming back through wrestlebacks after a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to his FVC rival (Garrett Dziedzic of CL South) this four-year star, just 90 seconds away from elimination, caught and surprised Noah Drabek, and put the 2014 state qualifier to his back before pinning the Grant senior, who was ready to claim his 44th win on the season. "It was hard to believe my career had come down to that moment, but it sure feels good to win, and get back downstate," said the two-time regional champ last Saturday afternoon. The three-time sectional qualifier is second in program history (behind Brandon Meyer) with 120 career wins. First round opponent is Jack Pradel (Oswego, 29-9) and one win away from No. 1 Austin O'Connor (41-1) from St. Rita. Made it downstate a year ago after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Parker Stratton of DeKalb.

Maiden VoyagersMichael Gomez (Cary-Grove, 285, 31-3)

With just three years under his belt on the mats, this two-sport star (football) has risen nearly to the top of this always demanding weight class with one impressive outing after another, including three straight championship performances to capture FVC, regional and sectional trophies. "Michael has come so far, so quickly, and it could not happen to a nicer young man," says a proud Ludwig. With the combination of strength, his terrific speed, and quickness afoot, the Trojans' big man can easily control his oversized opponents, with a style seen on the collegiate level.

Austin Macias (Burlington Central, 106, 37-1)

Rockets' rookie became the first since Taylor Schuck in 2010 to win a sectional title, and only third to win a regional and sectional crown in program history. "Austin is just dialed in," says his coach, Vince Govea. "He's been terrific from the very beginning as we expected, and he has had just one goal in mind, and that's to be a state champion. He will work harder than anyone to reach that goal, so now we'll just see how it all comes together this weekend." With one more victory he will tie the school single-season record of 38 wins, an impressive stat sheet which includes 20 pins, 4 technical falls and 67 takedowns. State opener for the No. 2 rated Macias is against Joe Arroyo (25-7) of Grayslake North. Will eventually feed into No. 1 Real Woods (Montini, 36-3) should the duo advance into the semifinals.

Brandon Meyer (Huntley, 152, 40-7)

One of a record four to advance for head coach BJ Bertelsman, this will be the first for the Red Raiders' senior, who was eliminated last season in his state qualifying bout. "This was it for me, so to get downstate on my final chance really means a lot to me," said the all-time program leader in victories with 123, who led the club with 40 this season. "I can't tell you how happy I am for Brandon," admits Bertelsman. The four-year starter won his first regional title two weeks at Rockford East, while totaling a team-high 82 takedowns, and 7 major decision victories as well. Big test awaits in state opener against No. 7 Nick DeLoach (47-0) from downstate Alton.

Zach Spencer (Huntley, 106, 36-9)

This freshman came on down the stretch, beginning with an impressive OT win over No. 7 Dylan Utterback in January then duplicating that effort with another strong six minutes to defeat the Deerfield sophomore in his state qualifying bout last weekend at Barrington. "It's an unbelievable feeling to be going downstate as a freshman, it's been one of my goals to do so since the very start of the season," said Spencer, who with his recent regional title, plus second-place finish at regionals, helped solidify a No. 12 ranking in state polls prior to the sectional tournament. Orchestrated team-high 59 escapes. Opens with Marcus Povlick (Plainfield North, 36-4).

Josh Stenger (Huntley, 113, 38-7)

Red Raiders' sophomore provided Bertelsman with a terrific one-two punch at the lower end of his lineup, as well as a terrific base for the future of his outstanding program. "Not making downstate last year after losing my state qualifying match stayed with me forever, so it felt good to put that behind me, and finally make it to Champaign," said the two-year star, who has been undefeated since his loss to No. 6 Britches Sikula (McHenry) in the FVC final. Wonderfully played 5-2 victory over Sikula gave Stenger the Red Raiders their first sectional title since state medalist Josh Symbal did so in 2012. First round match against Emmanuel Garcia (West Chicago, 17-10) then in all likelihood, No. 7 Robbie Precin (Sandburg, 30-9) for the No. 8 ranked Stenger.

Jake Szlenk (Hampshire, 106)

The younger brother of Kyle makes his first appearance in Champaign after jump-starting his postseason hopes with a dominating performance to win a regional title, followed by a second-place finish behind No. 1 Real Woods of Montini at the Antioch sectional. "Jake is very excited after missing out on a chance to qualify last year when (Kyle) was in our lineup at his weight, so he's really looking forward to his opportunity this year," says Wilkinson. Will open with Ethan Harsted (Ottawa, 34-4) and face No. 4 Criston Tucker (30-6) from East St. Louis on Friday should he be successful Thursday.

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