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Scouting sectional wrestling / Northwest

Scouting sectional wrestling

It was a red-letter day last weekend for Mid-Suburban East wrestling, which turned out a pair of regional champions as Prospect and Wheeling emerged on top at Lake Park and Glenbrook South, respectively.

In a test of endurance, will and plenty of patience, the Knights outlasted Conant with a big push down the stretch to seal the deal and gain a second consecutive regional title.

"That was one of our goals at the start of the season, and while it was great to see the guys come back from falling short at the MSL tourney and put in a maximum effort to win another regional championship, it's time to move on and turn our focus on the sectional here as we try to get as many of our guys into the state tournament," said Knights coach Tom Whalen.

Wheeling and coach Neal Weiner, meanwhile, captured the 10th regional title in program history and the first since 2009.

"The guys have been wrestling very well, so I am happy that their hard work paid off with by winning our regional," said Weiner. "We're putting everything we have into this weekend first, and my philosophy on draws and brackets remains the same. I don't look at draws as being bad or good. We train our guys to be physically and mentally ready for what's ahead in order to compete at the highest level as possible. If they do that this weekend, good things could and should happen."

So the attention turns to state tournament advancement on the individual level this weekend, and an accompanying raise int he overall stress level for the athletes. It looks especiallys strong at Batavia, where it's a who's who of prep wrestling - it's so deep here that three weight classes have the Nos. 1 and 2 wrestlers in the state, and many others weights have three of the top five in the state.

Closer to home, all eyes will be on a pair of Mid-Suburban League sites - Barrington and Conant - where the top four finishers advance onto the Illinois campus next Thursday afternoon for the Class 3A state tourney at State Farm Arena.

Let's take a look at both venues, and a few divisions of especially high interest:

Class 3A at BarringtonWhen: 4:30 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. Saturday (1:30 p.m. finals)

The lowdown: Fremd big men Alex Jacobs (220, 32-1) and Zach Nemec (285, 29-4) continued their superlative postseasons last weekend when the pair mashed a handful of their rivals en route to individual titles at the Glenbrook South regional.

"We're very fortunate to have guys like Alex and Zach, as well as Aaron Cortez, at the upper weights this year," said Fremd coach Dan Ruettiger. "It's meant a lot to our lineup, program and the success that we've enjoyed."

Ruettiger is hopeful the best is still ahead for his big three.

"Alex can win a state title in Champaign because what sets him apart from others at his weight is his speed, quickness and exceptional movement that other '20-pounders cannot match," Ruettiger said. "As for Zach, he is so big and dangerous, thanks in part to going at it everyday in the room with a guy like Alex, who is the perfect workout partner for him."

Jacobs admits a case of nerves took its toll on him during his first trip downstate last season.

"I was already thinking about meeting the No. 1 guy in the state (Tyler Johnson) in the quarterfinals, and lost a match that I should not have to (Dru) Walker 4-3," said Jacobs, a two-time MSL and regional champ. "And when he lost in the quarters to Johnson, it was one and done for me. I either knew, or wrestled and beat, just about everyone else in that bracket. But mentally I wasn't ready to go. I learned a valuable lesson, which I remember each and every time I go out there."

Jacobs has been sharp from the opening weekend, and his opponents have paid the price as he continues to put his faith in Ruettiger and the Fremd staff.

"Coach is fantastic," Jacobs said. "He's a cool guy, someone you want to see and talk to each day, which I do in class. And his knowledge and experience is so valuable to myself and the entire team. His goal of helping all of us reach our potential is something I really appreciate."

Jacobs, who has played football all four years while at Fremd, the last two with the varsity as a defensive tackle alongside Nemec, will sort out his future following the state tournament.

"If Alex wrestles in college, it will be at D-I," said Ruettiger. "He has all the tools to do so, and there isn't a kid around like him. It's been great watching him become one of the best there is during my first couple of years here at Fremd."

Nemec echoes the sentiments of Jacobs about their head coach, calling Ruettiger the reason for his success in second varsity season.

"Alex just beats me up each day in the room and I keep coming back for more," jokes the Vikings junior. "Coach is the best because he is younger, and still really close to the sport, and has taught me all of the 'little' guys moves while making sure none of us has an easy day in the room."

"Zach truly gets it," Ruettiger said. "That's why it is so much fun to be around him and to be his coach. And he truly has grown leaps and bounds since the first time we saw him."

That growth has been physically apparent. Nemec started out as a 195-pound freshman and has evolved into a 270-pound beast.

"Zach is huge, but he's awfully quick on his feet, and at heavyweight, where a lot can happen at any time, he's as well equipped as anyone to succeed," Ruetigger said.

Nemec figures the advice and suggestions from Jacobs have been one key to his improvement. That's helped him deal with the extra weight he's added since last year when he was a somewhat undersized heavyweight at 230 pounds.

"My set-ups are much better this year, and working with Alex and Aaron, who offer such different styles has been great," Nemec said.

Ranked No. 10 in the state by IllinoisMatmen. com, Nemec finished second at the Dvorak to No. 2 Tony Cassioppi (Honenegah, 37-2) and has beaten No. 4 Dominic Swanson (Huntley, 38-6) and No. 11 Anthony McKinney (Harlem, 24-2), each by a 2-1 decision. McKinney could be Nemec's opponent tonight, while Swanson awaits in the semifinals if all goes to form.

Can't weight to watch:113: Oscar Rodriguez (Palatine, 23-9), Jarit Shinhoster (Barrington, 28-4), Mason Skloot (Wheeling, 26-9, 2015 state qualifier): The MSL champ Shinhoster and runner up Skloot both earned regional victories last weekend, thus earning first-round byes and setting up a likely semifinal between the two - although Zach Spencer (34-11) of Huntley, a state qualifier last season, might have other ideas. Those three will battle it out on the bottom half of the bracket, while the top half features plenty of starpower in No. 5 Holden Heller (Deerfield, 36-4) and No. 8 Beau Harrier (Jacobs, 26-4). "This sectional, and this weight class as well, are very balanced, so you can't get too far before wrestling someone tough," said Barrington coach Dave Udchik.

152: Matt Kurtishi (Fremd, 22-8), Jake Meyer (Barrington, 29-12), Jaylen Shaw (Wheeling, 30-8). Talk about the potential for some Saturday morning fireworks. A semifinal between No. 2 Dylan Geick (Stevenson, 36-3) and No. 3 Fernie Silva (Hononegah, 33-2) seems a certainty in what would be a rematch from the first weekend of the season, when the Patriots' standout defeated the two-time state qualifier and 2014 runner-up 9-4 in the quarterfinals of the Moore-Prettyman. Two months later, the stakes are higher as an unwanted trip to the consolation bracket awaits the loser. Shaw will have plenty of his own to contend with on the bottom half of the bracket, first with Parker Stratton of DeKalb, then, in all likelihood, Kobe Lear (31-7) from Grant in the semis. This deep and talented division will have Meyer face off against his MSL West rival Kurtishi, with the victor going against Geick.

160: Quinn Burgles (Fremd, 24-8), Max Guhde (Barrington, 36-4), Carlos Montiel (Wheeling), Jon Toriumi (Buffalo Grove, 25-15): The Broncos' Guhde started fast and just seems to be at a different pace than just about everyone else in the area after claiming the top prize at the MSL tourney and a week later at the McHenry regional. "Max has worked harder than anyone since the off-season to get where he is right now, so his chances to continue right on through sectionals and into the state tournament are very good right now," says Broncos assistant Ross Grande, a former star at Palatine himself a two-time state qualifier. Guhde will likely run smack dab into the best man on the Jacobs roster this year, Dean Lane (29-1), who has been next to perfect in his final season under coach Gary Conrad. Should the two meet, it will pit the sixth- and 12th-ranked in the state. They don't have a common opponent this year, but both have plenty of tournament accomplishment behind them. Burgles will be Lane's first opponent, while Montiel, the regional champ at Glenbrook South, enjoys his first-round bye as he awaits the winner of the Dominic Ballano (Hononegah)/Alex Moran (Grayslake North) first-rounder.

Fun finals:

120: Mitch MacTavish (Hersey, 36-3) vs. Josh Stenger (Huntley, 39-4): Should both march into the finals on Saturday, as expected, it would be the second meeting of the season between No. 7 Stenger and No. 8 MacTavish. Stenger won a decision at the Dvorak back in December on his way to a fourth-place medal, while MacTavish finished fifth. Both are coming off strong regional performances and sharp second halves of their seasons. One of the few blemishes on their records are 1-point losses to No. 2 Abdullah Assaf of Lockport, with both stars looking for a chance to avenge their defeat next weekend in Champaign.

126: Markus Hartman (Barrington, 35-5) vs. Christian Kantzler (Grant, 33-2): It's a likely rematch from last weekend at McHenry, where Kantzler prevailed to claim his third straight regional title. The home crowd will be hoping things fall into place for the Broncos' sophomore, who is the fifth-rated '26-pounder. Hartman was well on his way to Champaign last year until an injury ended his season much to soon. Kantzler, who seems to deserve a higher spot in the state polls than No. 10, is after a second visit to the state tourney. The two met last weekend in the final at McHenry, with the Grant senior winning 8-4 to earn a third straight regional crown.

220: Alex Jacobs (Fremd, 34-4) vs. Blake Zalapi (Hononegah, 34-4): While these two batter and bruise the competition on their way to the finals, the MSL duo of Yoni Medina (Wheeling, 29-13) and Alex Crook (Barrington, 29-15) will attempt to find theirway through a very talented bunch - but only after meeting one another in a first-rounder. But the real story is the potential for a meeting between third-ranked Jacobs and fourth-ranked Zalapi. In their only meeting of the season, the Vikings senior pinned the NIC-10 champ. "I want it all this year, but it's got to be one opponent at a time," Jacobs said. "It can't be anything else." Jacobs' lone loss of the season was to No. 1 Eric Johnson (Plainfield East).

Class 3A at ConantWhen: 4:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. Saturday (3 p.m. finals)

The lowdown: Schaumburg 120-pounder Hazen Rice has served notice of his intentions during the postseason, and opponents have had few answers to his high-octane attack. The two-time state qualifier and 2015 state medalist will make plenty of noise over the weekend - not with his words, but instead with the kind of relentless action coach Mike Levanti has come to appreciate deeply. "In your talks with him, he's always been a soft-spoken young man," Levanti said. "But early on in his freshman year, I realized that his reticence to speak up belied an intelligence and insight about the sport that I've rarely if ever encountered with another kid."

Rice, meanwhile, aims to simply stay on track this weekend.

"The MSL and regional tournaments were used to help me prepare for this weekend," said Rice (34-2), who is on course to face top-rated Jason Renteria of Oak Park-River Forest in the semifinals. "But the focus has always been about getting back downstate and going after a state championship. After getting a little taste of what the enviroment is like at the state tournament my sophomore year, last year I went in with what I thought was a realistic goal of just placing - which I did, with my fifth-place finish. This year it has to be winning it all, because it's my last year in high school."

Rice won 32 time two years ago and came back with 41 wins last season before claiming his third MSL and regional championship titles this year to set up what he hopes is a deep state run.

The Saxons senior is not your protypical 120-pounder in that he is long and tall, and capable of applying that final touch at times with his instincts and scrambling ability.

"Hazen never looks nervous or rattled, and that scrambling of his is helped by his kinesthetic awareness, or whatever you call it - it's absolutely amazing," Levanti said. "If other kids are like a glass of milk sloshing around in the a glass, Hazen is an Oreo blizzard."

It's been a sweetly winning blend, that's for sure.

"I have kind of a funky style, and coach Levanti has been the perfect coach to help me fine tune my type of style," Rice said. "Plus he's great with the technical side of things also."

Rice says qualifying for the Fargo nationals during his sophomore year, and the accompanying extra work in freestyle and Greco, gave him a whole new experience which he's incorporated.

All of that has led to a superb prep career. Probably none of this should be a surprise, as his father Tracy was a two-time state champion at 126 pounds for Hoffman Estates in the early 1980s.

Rice's exceptional feel for the sport, high wrestling IQ and desire to share his knowledge made him a clear leader, according to Levanti.

"What I've come to appreciate most is how unselfish Hazen is," Levanti said. "I can point to the way he's taken Jack Lingle (113, 26-9, sectional qualifier) under his wing, and really helped him navigate his freshman season. Others have benefited also, and each time he steps onto the mat, I remind myself each time what an incredible young man he is."

Can't weight to watch:

126: Wesam Alabed (Leyden, 32-5), Eric Morales (Rolling Meadows, 11-17), Zach Nykiel (Schaumburg, 16-14), Alex Preissing (Prospect, 11-3): There's nowhere to hide in this first-class group, which features the reigning state champion, Austin Gomez (33-1) of Glenbard North, the No. 2-rated Anthony Madrigal (OPRF, 32-0) and a field which features five returning state qualifiers. Among them is Alex Preissing, back from an eight-week stint on the injured list, who looked sharp on his way to a regional title last weekend at Lake Park, where he pinned his way to the title. "I'm about as close to being 100 percent as I can be, and really excited to go from here," said the Knights senior, who will likely meet another 2015 state qualifier tonight in Kolbe O'Brien (St. Charles North, 31-3). A pair Central Suburban League rivals will meet for the right to face the two-time state qualifier from Evanston, David Rivera-Kohr (37-0), with Wesam Alabed taking on first time sectional participant Nykiel. Alabed has been on a roll all year, and among his 32 wins is one against No. 8 Anthony Rubino (St. Charles East, 32-7), who sits just above Preissing on the bottom half of the bracket. Rubino is on a collision course with Madrigal in one of the premier second-rounders.

145: Nick Catalano (Conant, 33-3), Jeremiah Recenos (Leyden, 34-7), Michael Wolmeldorf (Rolling Meadows, 33-9): Yet another impressive array of talent awaits here. Recinos, a 2015 sectional qualifier, spent plenty of time during the off-season barnstorming around the country in an effort to add quality matches to his resume, and coach Mike Fumagalli has been thrilled with his progress down the home stretch. "Jeremiah is very comfortable at this weight and is moving extremely well right now," the coach said. "I really feel like he has as good a re-shot as anyone, and he can score from any position." The Eagles' captain opens with Matthew Schneider (Maine South, 21-17), with No. 10 Anthony Marre (Glenbard North, 31-7) next up. Ninth-ranked Nick Catalano has just 3 losses, all to opponents here, including 2 to No. 7 Jackson Schoen, and another to No. 8 Recinos. A senior, Catalano is plenty feisty and owns tremendous firepower when he gets in gear - he'll need to find that level when facing No. 4 Michael Ordonez (OPRF, 31-8) in his probable second-rounder. Womeldorf edged his way into his second straight sectional appearance with a gutsy effort in his qualifying bout last weekend at Lake Park, and coach John Bassler feels determination can carry Wolmendorf a long way this weekend. "Michael is so tough on top and is such a competitor, which I feel helps keep him in every single match," said Bassler.

160: Husam Alabed (Leyden, 34-8), A.J. Herrmann (Conant), Bobby Jarosz (Prospect), Sam Kindle (Maine West, 26-15). You can all but concede the title here to the nation's No. 1 '60-pounder, Isaiah White (OPRF, 19-0) who recently signed on with Ohio State. With that portion of business put to rest, the real battle begins for the final three state spots up for grabs. Jarosz will be a strong contender thanks to an impressive second half of the season, including a brilliant showing at the Lake Park regional last weekend. The Knights senior seems to be on a headfirst run into White and the semifinals. But even a loss there would leave Jarosz in good shape in the backdraw, where he figures to earn his first trip downstate. Alabed is positioned against a tough customer in Herrmann, with the winner facing No. 4 Tom Czernak (Glenbard North, 33-6) a 2015 state qualifier. Junior Devon Donovan (Wheaton North, 27-4) who won 40 times a year ago on his way to Champaign, is on the same side of the bracket as Alabed and Herrmann.

285: Nathan Edwards (Hoffman Estates, 25-13), Tyler Hickerson (Conant, 23-18), Maciej Pogorzelski (Rolling Meadows, 35-5): This bunch boasts plenty of starpower up and down the bracket, with a fair share of state-ranked big men dotting the 16-man field. But everyone here knows a top-four finish will be elusive. Two of the best in the MSL know that for sure, as do their coaches. "Yes, it's the anything-can-happen weight class, but Maciej is unique in that he pays attention to all of his matches and opponents, always trying to find ways to improve by spending hours in the film room," says Meadows coach John Bassler. Pogorzelski, a regional champ, owns 19 pins this season and decisioned No. 5 Darien Kaufman (Glenbard West, 32-5), who would be his second-round foe. Hoffman Estates coach Tony Ganas cannot say enough about the Hawks' lone entrant here, who has reached a couple of the goals set forth early on, including, of course, a sectional appearance. "Nate was a football player who decided to give wrestling a real serious go, and he's really fallen in love with the sport," Gana said. "He's one of those guys who has progressed with each week because he is so coachable and has so much fun training and competing. He's a great representative for the high school." Edwards has recorded 14 pins thus far, and is on course to meet No. 7 Tommy Helton (York, 36-6) in the second round.

Fun finals:

132: No. 5 Danny Madonia (Conant, 31-1) vs. No. 4 Gabe Townsell (OPRF, 26-7): The four-time regional champion Madonia is an all-action, takedown master who comes into this weekend riding a wave of momentum and confidence, fueled by the opportunity to hopefully meet Townsell with a title at stake. The Cougars' star will look to add to an amazing 641 career takedowns along the way, and Conant coach Chad Hay feels his top man is as ready as ever. "Those two had a close match at preseason nationals a year ago, and Danny is wrestling as well as I've ever seen him. I think if we can keep our hands on Townsell and not let him get shots off from free-tie, his chance to win will improve. He's one of the best on his feet in the state, and we're all excited about his chances this weekend."

170: No. 3 Logan Gruszka (Schaumburg, 35-1) vs. No. 2 Rollian Sturkey (OPRF, 23-7): The Saxons senior made it clear just after winning his third regional title of his career last weekend that he won't look past anyone this weekend. But in the same breath, Gruszka admitted a bout with Sturkey in the final is exactly what he's hoping for - and why not? His only loss of the season is against No. 1 Matt Rowland of Willowbrook, and a victory in the final will almost surely put the two on opposite sides of the brackets in Champaign next weekend. "Luke is dominating people, and I really believe he can win a state title," said Hay. "Rowland is tough as well, but I think a match downstate with Luke's overall experience could end in his favor."

182: Matt Wroblewski (Prospect, 36-0) vs. Tony Vezzetti (Prospect, 28-5). Three times these two 182-pound giants have met thus far, and each time, closley fought. The Knights junior survived Vezzetti twice, both in overtime, so another nerve-wracking final is likely. "That was a tough ending for Tony last weekend, but he continues to wrestle extremely well, and right now, we've tried to impress upon him that while squaring things with Matt is a goal, the main focus is to secure a place on the podium next weekend in Champaign," said Levanti.

Class 2A at AntiochWhen: 4:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. Saturday (3:15 p.m. finals)

The lowdown: The big three of St. Viator keeps rolling along, as James Valentino, Joe McIntyre and Elijah Black all emerged from the Antioch regionals with relative ease. This weekend, the Lions' bunch is back at the same venue, only this time the stakes are higher as each looks to advance into the Class 2A state tournament next weekend.

Valentino (285, 16-3) won his second consecutive regional crown last weekend, and if the junior comes with the same intensity and striking power that he's shown this season, he will book his second straight trip downstate. On paper, it appears the Lions' big man will be making plans for Champaign as he is the only state-ranked athlete in this 16-man field, with only senior Blake Boyle (28-9) of Johnsburg close to the top ten in recent polls by IllinoisMatmen.com. The fifth-rated Valentino has been a fixture in the state polls ever since the middle of the last season, and this year if all goes well, there could be a spot on the podium for the three-year star.

Lions captain McIntye (182, 22-7) came oh-so-close to joining Valentino in Champaign in 2015, but a heartbreaking loss to eventual state medalist Cody Sawyer (Grayslake North) dashed that dream. The three-year veteran is as confident as ever that his final attempt will be his best, and it begins in earnest Friday with an opening bout against Fabian Mora (18-13) of perennial 2A power Crystal Lake Central. A win would send the senior against Numan Ayhan (34-3) of Glenbard South in a key second-rounder. The best '82-pounder is Nick Sundberg (Woodstock, 31-4), but the third-rated senior is on the other side of the bracket alongside No. 11 Tyler Stankiewicz (Wauconda, 26-10).

Black (152, 22-4) has burst onto the scene during his first high school season at a weight reserved mostly for upperclassmen. But the freshmen has shown his mettle with an impressive record and state ranking (9), right there in the mix with his opponents including No. Dan Baker (St. Patrick, 28-12) and Joe Herff (Marian Central Catholic, 23-8), who were all top-four finishers at the recent East Suburban Catholic Conference tournament.

Black, third at the ESCC tourney, is on course to meet Jake Fiorito (Woodstock North, 32-7) Friday night in a second-rounder. On the top half of this bracket is No. 2 Patrick Schoenfelder (Antioch, 41-2), who will be one of the favorites to win it all next weekend in Champaign.

- Mike Garofola

  Fremd's Aaron Cortez, left, defeats Prospect's Alex Koczwara by a 10-9 decision in the 195-pound final of the Mid-Suburban League meet at Palatine. The Vikings and Knights will be part of the sectional action at Barrington this weekend. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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