Scouting Fox Valley area wrestling

Bartlett HawksCoach: John O'Brien (4th season).

2014-15 record: 4-16-0.

Graduation losses: Sam Valencia (120, 15w),

Top Returnees: Seniors Josh Fernandez (106, 12w), Dan Flores (113, 14w), Brandon Johnson (138, 12w), Marc DeGiola (152, 11w), Jake Canata (170, 6w), Alex Montbriand (182, sectional qualifier, 21w), Alex Triantos (195), Miante Winters (195); juniors George Moretti (145, 6w), Eric Cook (285, 4); sophomore Ryan Pancamo (160).

Top newcomers: Seniors Ross Johnson (138,145), Nico Tolia (152,160); juniors Nick Dawson (182,195), Vince Cortino (145,152); sophomore Brandon Kim (120,126); freshmen Trent Johnson (145,152).

Season outlook: Once veteran head coach John O'Brien gets his team up to speed with the new certification protocol, and at their proper weight, the Hawks should be a more competitive side than they are at the onset. "I figure around the Berman Holiday Invite come the end of December for us to be at full strength, and ready to be at 100 percent," admits O'Brien. "We'll have 4-5 guys out of our stating lineup for awhile, so that will give others their chance to gain some experience, and make their mark, but in the meantime, we'll lean on our seniors, and especially guys like Brandon who won (18) as a sophomore, and was well on his way to 25 or more last season, until sustaining a broken orbital bone ended his junior season abruptly. We moved Brandon into the starting lineup in the postseason when he was a freshman, and he's shown he's belonged ever since."

Batavia BulldogsCoach: Scott Bayer (fourth year)

2014-15 record: 15-13, 7-0; Upstate Eight River champion.

Top returnees: Dylan Dornaski, so., 126, Michael Dornaski, sr., 132, Derek Nutley, sr., 182, Dylan Uzumecki, sr., 195, Seth Winkle, Jr, 138.

Top newcomers: Justin Major, fr., 120, Andy Posledni, fr., 106.

Season outlook: The Bulldogs ended a lengthy St. Charles East conference winning streak last year to win the Upstate Eight River Division with an unblemished league record. But Bayer is cautious regarding the Bulldogs' potential mastery over the Saints. "I still would say that St. Charles East is the class of the conference until we beat them on a regular basis," Bayer said. "Not just in dual meets but in tournaments, too." Uzumecki is the one known commodity for the Bulldogs as a returning state qualifier. "We have been talking about him being on the podium (at state)," Bayer said.

Burlington CentralCoach: Vince Govea (4th season).

2014-15 record: 13-11-0 (4-2-0).

Graduation losses: Kyle Blankenburg (195, 23w, University of Illinois), Ray Coklan (152, sectional qualifier, 26w), Matt Overstreet (220, 23w, University of Iowa), Christian Quiles (160, sectional qualifier, 29w, Elgin Community College).

Top returnees: Seniors Ray Rushing (152, sectional qualifier, 21w), Adam Mengel (145,17w), TJ Titock (160, 20w); sophomore Austin Macias (120, regional, sectional champion, state qualifier, 41w).

Top newcomers: Seniors Jackson Brummel (220), Brad Sorensen (182); juniors Erik Hansen (170), Jacob Janovich (285); freshman Nick Termini (113).

Season outlook: Where the Rockets fit in the final standings of the Big Northern Conference is yet to be determined, but what coach Vince Govea does know for sure is where the strength of this year's club is. "There's no doubt our core group of Austin Macias, Ray Rushing and the four-year starter (Adam Mengel) will clearly anchor a team this year which has, and continues to work so hard to improve, so in my mind, there's no reason why we cannot have a very good season," said Govea. BC's coach is expecting big things from the aforementioned senior duo of Rushing and Mengel, while the sky's the limit for the Macias, who came this close to a medal last February in his rookie season, and appears ready to make a serious run this time around after finishing 5th in Greco-Roman, and 7th overall at nationals. The addition of the highly-touted Termini gives the Rockets a potent one-two punch at the lower weights.

Cary-Grove TrojansCoach: Michael Buhr (1st season).

2014-15 record: 10-23-0.

Graduation losses: Michael Cullen (120, 2014 state champion, 4-time state medalist, FVC, regional, sectional champion, 44w, wrestling at Wisconsin), Mike Gomez (285, FVC, regional, sectional champ, 6th place state medalist, 36w, playing football at Winona State), Dale Charlier (126, sectional qualifier, 25w, wrestling at Augustana College).

Top returnees: Seniors Jon Cullen (138, two-time state qualifier, 29w), Sean Cullen (132, 14w), Grant Glueck (152), Mike Gustafson; sophomores Adam Pinter (113, 16w, sectional qualifier.), Nick Gerstbrien (120, 7w).

Top newcomers: Cadin Koeppel; Senior Eric Lind (182); sophomore Justin Medina (132).

Season outlook: You don't lose the likes of a Michael Cullen without feeling the effects all throughout your program. Cullen was the face of Cary-Grove wrestling during a four-year career that was in another stratosphere, that reached the ultimate level when he captured a state title last season, his fourth-straight state medal, to send him off to the University of Wisconsin. "It's a new era here now that we don't have Michael around, but we will regroup and, in time, others will step up, and we'll become a competitive team once we get everyone healthy, and back from football," offered Michael Buhr, who takes over for the well-regarded Ryan Ludwig. Buhr is quite familiar with the going-Ons of the FVC after starring for rival Crystal Lake Central, capturing an individual title during on Central's 2008 conference championship club, and winning 34 matches that year as well. "The strength of Cary-Grove wrestling always has seemed to be in the middle weights, so when we get our guys back from football, that's where we'll build from, along with the twins (Jon and Sean Cullen), who have been right there in the mix for us as part of a strong core group which included their older brother (Michael) and our big man (Michael Gomez) who became a great heavyweight for us the past couple of years," Buhr said. Buhr is excited about his sophomore class as he looks to the future, and he promises many of them, along with others will get their chance to get their feet wet, and make their mark against a well balanced, and competitive nonconference schedule.

Crystal Lake South GatorsCoach: Ross Ryan (9th season).

2014-15 record: 9-12-0.

Graduation losses: Eric Barone (145, 2014 state champion, FVC, regional, sectional champ, three-time state qualifier, 47w, wrestling at Illinois), Garrett Dziedzic (132, 6th place state medal, two-time state qualifier, FVC, regional, sectional champion, 34w, wrestling at UW-Oshkosh), Roland Gastfield (220, sectional qualifier, 29w).

Top Returnees: Seniors Budy Gabric (285, 14w), Frank Woods (152, 8w), Ethan Weinandy (160, 20w), Doug Cain (120, 7w); juniors Vinny Fontanetta (182, 14w), Daniel Castiblanco (145, 7w).

Top newcomers: Matt Lancero (126), Anthony Castro (132), Tyler Gardner (138), David Hernandez (145,152), Shahyan Malik (152,160).

Season outlook: The Gators possessed one of the most potent double-acts in the FVC, and state in Eric Barone and Garrett Dziedzic, who not only brought spectacular work on the mats each and everyday, but perhaps more importantly, the kind of leadership that comes along just a few times during the career of a head coach. "With all due respect to the guys we have here now, it is absolutely impossible to replace what both Eric and Garrett did in the room, and for this program," says Ryan, who still vividly remembers the euphoric feeling he experienced after watching Dziedzic collect his state medal last year, before Barone lifted the big trophy, the first in Gators history. "The great thing is we still have a few guys around who were able to see first hand how those two guys carried themselves, and how hard they worked to achieve their individual success, and hopefully that will help this team eventually find its identity when the new year comes around," Ryan said. Ryan admits this year's club will make its share of mistakes, due mainly to its lack of varsity experience, but he feels, in time, the extra time spent in the room, and against some quality opponents will help shape and sharpen the Gators for the stretch run.

Dundee-Crown ChargersCoach: Tim Hayes (1st season).

2014-15 record: 14-10-0 (2-4-0).

Graduation losses: Jarrod Rapp (182, 29w, Lewis University), Adam Gutierrez (126, 33w, Elgin Community College), Brett Peters (220, sectional qualifier, 14W, enlisted in U.S. Army, currently attending Western Illinois University), Taborist Robinson (138, 18w, Harper Junior College), Armando Gutierrez (University of Iowa), Jevon Mayfield (132, 17w), Raymond Turskey (145, 7w), David Campos (Elgin Community College), Quentin Willingham (120, 17w, transfer to Belvidere North).

Top returnees: Seniors Christian Brunner (195, FVC, regional, sectional champion, two-time state medalist, 2014 state runner-up, 43w), Christian Rodriguez (220, 27w), Jack Devincetis (170); junior Chase Rapp (182).

Top newcomers: Seniors Jaidan Borja (145), Mike Nazaro (126), John Saucedo (285); junior Michael McCorkle (152); sophomores Nathan Cardinal (106,113), Brandon Rico (120); freshmen Ivan Gonzalez (132), Ricardo Zambrano (106).

Season outlook: Chargers faithful welcome the program's third coach in four seasons in former D-C star Tim Hayes, who takes over for his former 2005 teammate, Matt Wahl, who moved over to become an assistant for Dale Eggert at Libertyville. Hayes co-captained the Chargers fourth-place state team for Hall of Fame coach Al Zinke, winning 33 matches at 119 pounds. "I'm excited to be back where I began, and this season, there will be two things to focus on. The first is add another state champion into our record books here, the second is to begin the rebuilding project with a very young team, which has plenty of potential, but just needs time," admits Hayes. The mention of an individual state championship clearly is that of senior Christian Brunner, who has already committed to Purdue University, and whose two-year record of achievements suggests he is one gifted 195-pounder, capable of remarkable things each and every time he steps onto the mat. From his humble beginnings as a freshman, the all-everything Chargers captain competes with a lot of class and sportsmanship, but is a coldblooded six-minute finisher, who will be looking to give the program just its third state champ, and first since Mike Lukowski in 2008.

Elgin MaroonsCoach: Mark Woollard (1st season).

2014-15 record: 5-9-0 (1-5-0).

Graduation losses: Nathan Romero (132, 26w, University of Michigan), Matt Gedritis (182, sectional qualifier, 27w, Michigan State University, environmental science), Ariel Barraza (220, 15w, Elgin Community College, criminal justice).

Top returnees: Senior Anthony Ruiz (160, 13w); juniors Julian Guiab (138, 5w), Noe Sanoval (170, 5w).

Top newcomers: Juniors Max Troyke (145), Livan Rodriguez (182), Ismael Sanchez (220), Abner Chicas (285); sophomore Antonia Huerta (220), Erick Diaz (120), Angelo Poland (160, transfer from Bartlett).

Season outlook: The Maroons have a new head coach on board, their third in as many years with the arrival of Mark Woollard, who himself wrestled at Schaumburg High School, and would later assist at Bartlett High School for nearly a decade. "It's great to be back on the high school scene, and with a great young coaching staff, who are eager to help change the mentality of wrestling here," says Woollard, who spent six years as head coach of the Bartlett Junior Hawks, while another five as an IHSA and NCAA wrestling official. "We will begin to rebuild with basics, along with structure, stability and the guidance in order for us to first become competitive in our conference, then grow from there." The Maroons lost three players to graduation with Romero, Gedritis and Barraza, so for now, the head coach will look to a trio of newcomers (Huerta, Diaz, Poland) to make an imprint on the roster, and against opponents while the staff sorts out its starting lineup during the early stages.

Geneva VikingsCoach: Tom Chernich (10th year)

2014-15 record: 14-12, 5-2; third in the Upstate Eight River

Top returnees: Alex Crowe, sr., 195, Tyler Landrum, sr., 120, Steven MacDonald, sr., 132, Zach Ostrowski, sr., 220, Ivan Velchis, so., 132.

Top newcomers: Cole Campbell, fr., 182, Kevin Huck, Jr, 138, Honor Nguyen, so., 106, Nick Sowers, Jr, 170.

Season outlook: Geneva will count on its four returning veterans who have qualified for a Class 3A sectional in the last two years. "We're going to be really young, but we had kids working really hard in the spring and summer," Chernich said. "I think that's going to pay off." A fundamental issue for Chernich will be determining his eventual starting lineup. "We have a little bit of a logjam in the lower to upper weights," Chernich said. The decadelong coach views the Upstate Eight River to come down once again to Batavia, St. Charles East and his squad. Among his new varsity athletes, Chernich feels Nguyen is the one to watch.

Hampshire Whip-Purs

Coach: Brian Iossi (1st season).

2014-15 record: 15-5-0.

Graduation losses: Anton Krocko (170, three-time state qualifier, FVC, regional, sectional champion, 41w, wrestling at Harper Junior College), Jake Szlenk (FVC, regional champion, state qualifier, 106, 33w), Kyle Szlenk (113, regional champion, state qualifier, 31), Jonathon Jimenez (285, regional champion, 29w), Jake Oury (152, sectional qualifier, 21w), Max Oury (160, 12w).

Top returnees: Seniors Wylie Allen (152, state qualifier, 30w), Josh Bybee (138, sectional qualifier 24w); junior Max McGowan (160, sectional qualifier, 26w); sophomore Casey Allen (132, 26w).

Top newcomers: Junior Pawell Barnes (285); sophomore Christian Puente (126, sectional qualifier, 9w).

Season outlook: The Whips had a storming start to last season, and would go on to hit program highs before it was over, including sending 8 wrestlers into sectionals, four of whom lifted championship trophies at their own regional. Alas, that quartet has moved on, as have two others, giving Brian Iossi plenty of challenges in his first year after taking over for Terry Wilkinson. "We're young in some spots, but the work ethic is very high here, and I am excited to be the new head coach at Hampshire," says Iossi, who first wrestled under legendary Glenbard North head coach Mark Hahn, before serving as an assistant to Bryan Medlin at 2A powerhouse Washington. Iossi got a good look at the future as the Whips' freshman coach last season, and with the new faces he speaks of, the former North Central College grad plans to lean heavily on the Allen brothers (Wylie and Casey) plus Josh Bybee and Max McGowan, who along with their mates combined for nearly 110 victories.

Harvest Christian LionsCoach: Dave Lockwood (2nd year)

Top returnees: Junior Rickey Lattanzio (132, 13-4, NAC champion); sophomore Dominick Olech (152, 11-8, 3rd, NAC).

Top newcomers: Senior Matt Hannan (145); junior Trevor Tellschow (160); sophomore Ryan Baker (138); freshman Griffin Ellis (120).

Season outlook: In just its third year of wrestling existence, coach David Lockwood will have six players to groom, and ready for the 1A state tournament series. Junior Ricky Lattanzio is the lone three-year veteran, and the 132-pounder, who has finished fourth during his last two regional appearances, leads the way, hoping to register his third consecutive NAC title. Olech garnered a third-place NAC medal, and should help provide a nice one-two punch for the Lions.

Huntley Red RaidersCoach: BJ Bertelsman (6th season).

2014-15 record: 15-10-0.

Graduation losses: Brandon Meyer (state qualifier, FVC champion, 40w, wrestling at Briar Cliff University, CO), Rick Vigil (two-time state qualifier, regional champion, 31w), Chris Gamboa

Top returnees: Seniors Dominic Swanson (285, 21w), Petros Mihalopoulos (195, 27w), James Gaynor (145, 9w), Jalen Blanchard (220, 9w); juniors Josh Stenger (120, regional, sectional champion, state qualifier, 41w), Joey Armijo (126, 4w), Kyle Smoot (126, 5w), Riley Brands (132, 9w), Jason Pawlak (132), Trey Coleman (195, 9w); sophomores Zach Spencer (113, regional champion, state qualifier, 36w), Juan Quiroz (138, 24w), Brad Zbilski (152, 20w).

Top newcomers: Gannon Kosowski (106), Justin Allen (170).

Season outlook: There's been a recent pattern of success from the Red Raiders, culminating with a record four state qualifiers last winter, as head coach BJ Bertelsman and his staff continued to fashion an ultra-talented roster that could compete at a high level, both in the FVC and around the area. There was plenty of firepower within that quartet of state qualifiers, unfortunately, two of those stars have moved on (Brandon Meyer and Ricky Vigil) as the top two victory leaders in program history. "We've got more than capable guys to help fill in our lineup here and there who have some varsity experience, and have given plenty of hard work during the offseason to warrant their spot in the lineup, but our schedule is once again very tough, but we feel it's a necessary evil as we look to peak when regionals roll around," says Bertelsman, who in the early stages of the campaign has his team facing Crystal Lake Central, Marmion Academy, Mt. Carmel, then the prestigious Dvorak, before heading downstate just before the new year to compete at Granite City. "If anyone is still standing, we'll be in good shape," adds Bertelsman. The Red Raiders' one-two punch at the lower weights will be second to none with Spencer and Stenger, and aside from the vast amounts of wins, and championship each should collect, their ability to earn bonus points and start their club off on the front foot will prove invaluable. Huntley remains young in spots, yet strong at the light and upper weights, with heavyweight Dominic Swanson ready to make a big step forward.

Jacobs Golden EaglesCoach: Gary Conrad (4th season).

2014-15 record: 18-2-0 (5-1), FVC, regional champs, lost to Deerfield at 3A dual-team sectionals.

Graduation losses: Cody Ferencz (120, regional champion, three-time sectional qualifier, 35w, NIU), Jacob Orth (152, sectional qualifier, 23w), Michael Ricks (170, 36w), Carson Shoemaker (220, sectional qualifier, 25w), Jacob Sabella (138, 23w).

Top returnees: Seniors Chris Dranka (138, sectional qualifier, 41w), Dean Lane (160, 33w)), Jack Golnick (220, sectional qualifier, 26w), Michael Bujacz (195, sectional qualifier, 33w); juniors Beau Harrier (120, sectional qualifier, 30w), David Dudych (132, sectional qualifier, 31w); sophomore Loren Strickland (170, sectional qualifier, 19w).

Season outlook: After the heady optimism of a first-year in charge, followed by an acute case of second-season syndrome, followed by additional growing pains, Gary Conrad and his Jacobs club would reach the summit last year with its first FVC title, then regional championship to enjoy a memorable, and record-setting year for the program. "It was a great year for all of us associated with Jacobs wrestling, but our expectations for this year is to win a second-straight FVC title, and to give ourselves a chance to advance into the dual-team state tournament," says Conrad, who admits that despite all of his team's success, the inability to send not one individual downstate still lingers one year later. "It was heartbreaking to send so many into the sectionals, and not get anybody through, so that will be a big focus for us this year, in addition to the others," Conrad said. The Golden Eagles lost their heart and soul in Cody Ferencz, who was there right from the start for Conrad, and his departure, along with several other seniors will squarely put the onus on the backs of several others, six of whom were sectional qualifiers, to be the featured stars. The seven starters who return from the 2015 team combined for nearly 225 victories to help Jacobs enjoy its windfall of trophies and accomplishments last season.

Kaneland KnightsCoach: Joe Orosco (second year)

2014-15 record: 10-7, 3-3 in the Northern Illinois Big XII East

Top returnees: Colin Gussman, Jr, 182, Austin Kedzie, Jr, 113, Zac Parker, sr., 195, Matt Redman, Jr, 138, George Strang, sr., 152, Riley Vanik, Jr, 170.

Top newcomer: Nathan Orosco, fr., 106.

Season outlook: Kaneland captured its first Class 2A regional last year since the IHSA expanded the sport to three classes in 2008. The Knights fell short against league crossover rival Geneseo at the team-dual sectional, but Vanik headlines four returning sectional qualifiers. The junior was all-state last year with his 35 victories. "They're going to pull their weight," coach Orosco said of his seasoned veterans. "I am feeling pretty good about who we have." Orosco views Yorkville and DeKalb to be the chief contenders for the conference championship this winter. "They have to be at the top of the heap," Orosco said of the longtime powers.

Larkin RoyalsCoach: Steve Hoyt (4th season).

2014-15 record: 9-13-0 (3-5-0)

Graduation losses: Jacob Quintanilla (132), Ramon Vargas (182, enlisted in Army).

Top returnees: Seniors Roosevelt Hopkins-Williams (152, 6w), Leo Martinez (160, 25w), Hector Perez (170, 9w), Aaron Marshall (285, 6w, sectional qualifier); juniors Hugo Barraza (126, 23w, sectional qualifier, 2014 frosh-soph state qualifier), Hector Perez (170, 9w).

Top newcomers: Juniors Jose Flores (132), Enrique Morales (182, 11w, transfer from Belvidere H.S.); sophomores Alejandro Baeza (113), Anthony Dent (145), Jesus Facio (195).

Season outlook: Off to their fastest start in years, the Royals hope to be in the hunt for a top three finish in the Upstate Eight River. "We should be a stronger team, up and down, but we still have a couple of holes in order to contend in order to be right there with St. Charles East and Batavia in the end," says coach Steve Hoyt, whose club went 5-1 in the first week of the campaign. Hoyt will have quality in both leadership, and on the mats with the dynamic duo of Leo Martinez and Hugo Barraza, who combined for nearly 50 victories a year ago, and spent plenty of time during the offseason getting extra matches under their belt. "Hugo never wrestled before high school, but he qualified for (frosh-soph) state, then sectionals last year, before adding another 30-plus matches in the summer while Leo, our co-captain, is a three-year starter who is quite capable of a long and successful run in February," suggests Hoyt. Big man Aaron Marshall was another who spent his offseason training with his mates to help the club form a tighter bond, which has the Royals' man in charge thrilled to see. "Our willingness to study, and learn from our mistakes, in addition to working together during the offseason has made our team so much stronger than ever before," Hoyt said.

Marmion CadetsCoach: Donny Reynolds (second year)

2014-15 record: 18-9; no conference affiliation

Top returnees: Mikey Callahan, sr., 145, Trace Carello, sr., 160, Anthony Cheloni, Jr, 138, Riley DeMoss, sr., 170, AJ Jaffee, sr., 138, Nathan Traxler, sr., 195.

Top newcomers: Trevor Chumbley, fr., 106, Patrick Daum, fr., 120, Brad Gross, fr., 145.

Season outlook: The Cadets are once again nationally ranked behind their superlative senior class. Marmion boasts five Division-I recruits in Callahan, Carello, DeMoss, Jaffee and Traxler. DeMoss and Traxler won back-to-back state championships last February in Champaign; the other three seniors finished in the top three. Marmion wrestles a schedule second to none; the squad will further sharpen up in the Chicago Catholic League this winter. "That was the conference I wanted to go to," said Reynolds, who has ties to the conference as a Providence Catholic alumnus. The Class 3A landscape features some of the top teams in the nation. Oak Park-River Forest, which knocked the Cadets out of the playoffs last year, and Sandburg are both ranked ahead of them.

St. Charles East SaintsCoach: Jason Potter (fourth year)

2014-15 record: 16-4, 7-1; second place in the Upstate Eight River.

Top returnees: Niko Derain, so., 132, DJ McDermott, sr., 152, Antony Rubino, sr., 132, Joe Ruffino, Jr, 106, Jeff Sommer, sr., 160.

Top newcomers: Ben Anderson, fr., 120, Justin Benjamin, fr., 113.

Season outlook: St. Charles East had its three-year conference championship streak derailed by Batavia last year. "They're in the driver's seat to win conference again," Potter said of Batavia. Rubino, all-state last season, is the heart and soul of the program. "There is no one who trains harder (than Rubino)," Potter said. "His work ethic is unlike anything I have ever seen before." Rubino won 43 of his 50 matches last season. St. Charles East and Batavia are seemingly on a collision course for the River title this winter. "It's marked on the calendar, to say the least," Potter said. "The guys have been talking about (the match)."

St. Charles North North StarsCoach: Ben Hummel (third season)

2014-15 record: 3-16, 2-5; sixth in the Upstate Eight River.

Top returnees: Kolbe O'Brien, Jr, 126, Chad Reynolds, Jr, 160, Dominic Testa, Jr, 145, Stewart Vazquez, sr., 182, David Washington, sr., 152.

Outlook: St. Charles North has historically been bedeviled by low numbers. Once again this season, the North Stars will have to forfeit at least four classes at their dual meets in all likelihood. O'Brien is a returning state qualifier for the North Stars. He and Reynolds will constitute the heart of the lineup this winter. "(O'Brien) has a challenge in front of him," Hummel said. "He is jumping up quite a few weight classes." Hummel will concentrate his attack on individual performances at the North Stars' invites this season.

South Elgin StormCoach: Mark Cameron (11th season).

2014-15 record: 9-15-0 (3-4-0).

Graduation losses: Josh Menendez (138, sectional qualifier, two-year Mormon mission to Mexico, 29w), Matt Cravins (285, sectional qualifier, 25w), Izzy Villareal (106, 18w), Mike Perez (132, two-time sectional qualifier, 26w), Nikiel Williby (145, sectional qualifier, 23w), Grant Saldivar (152, 22w), Sebastian Johnson (195, 10w), John Alfaro (195, 11w).

Top returnees: Seniors Zack Crosby (182, UEC runner-up, sectional qualifier, 32w); juniors Angel Rios (126), Spencer Feerer (170, 17w); sophomore Bobby Tornebene (113, sectional qualifier, 11w).

Top newcomer: Junior Mike Lombardo (126).

Season outlook: Handcuffed by injuries and unexpected losses, Storm head coach Mark Cameron may be forced to rely on several newcomers as he and his staff look to piece together a starting lineup void of the type of quality the program possessed one year ago. "It's been quite an offseason," admits Cameron, who lost a first-class veteran in Menendez to graduation, along with Perez and Johnson, who each chose not to return this year, making the season-ending injury to Williby (torn rotator, football) yet another setback to overcome. "Despite (those) losses, the great thing about this group is its work ethic, and the way they never stop working to improve, and although our youth will lead to some mistakes early on, later it will lead to the experience and mat presence needed when the postseason comes around," says Cameron. Shining star for the Storm will continue to be Zach Crosby, poised to be one of the top men in the area in his weight class.

Streamwood SabresCoach: Bill Peach (11th season).

2014-15 record: 7-10-0.

Graduation losses: Tae Reetz (170, 12w), David Villareal (152).

Top returnees: Seniors Sunny You (132, sectional qualifier, 17w), Charles Crumlett (138, 10w), Jeremy Gumila (145), Emilio Lopez (160), juniors Andres Luna (106, 7w), Carlos Lopez 113), Juan Ramirez (120), Fabian Garcia (152), David McMahon (170), Adan Segovia (182), Jordan Ryan (220, 11w), Adrian Benesiewics (220, 5w), Arin Klimek (285, 9w).

Season outlook: That big smile on the face of Bill Peach says it all for the longtime Sabres' head coach, who can finally use the word depth when describing his Streamwood roster. "Depth, depth and more depth. We've got it this year," says Peach, who has the makings of having one of his better clubs in recent history. "If our 126-pounder didn't leave us last week, we could have been at full strength for the first time in awhile but with that, I am pleased to have a competitive varsity roster, which in time, could be one that on most nights give our opponents a strong challenge." The quartet of Crumlett, Gumila, Ryan and Klimek appear ready to do so after their season-opening efforts against Elk Grove and Schaumburg, but the one to watch for sure is the four-year veteran Sunny You (132), the team leader in every statistical category, and perhaps the Sabres' best chance for a long and successful postseason run.

West Aurora BlackhawksCoach: Charles Curran (second year)

2014-15 record: 10-10, 5-2; third in the Upstate Eight Valley.

Top returnees: Alex Gonzalez, sr., 170, Joe Griffin, sr., 182, Issac Jacquez, Jr, 120, Erik Olson, sr., 145, Alex Roldan, Jr, 132.

Top newcomers: Johnny Acevedo, fr., 132, Bryan Baldwin, soph., 106, Xavier Bijarro, soph., 113.

Season outlook: Jacquez is a legitimate state-title contender following an all-state campaign in which he and his older brother Chachi broke the program record for most wins in a season. Curran has a primary focus on winning the Valley Division of the Upstate Eight. "I think West Aurora will be our main challenger," Glenbard East coach Kevin Carlson said. "I think I am on the exact same page as the Glenbard East coach," Curran said. "I think we have a great opportunity to win the conference." Jacquez follows a family tradition of two older fellow all-staters. "He is on a mission," Curran said of his prized 120-pounder. "Isaac is the hardest working kid I have ever seen." Gonzalez is also a returning state qualifier for the Blackhawks.