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Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Central CatholicCoach: Randy Glaudel (4th year).

Last year: Class 1A regional champions.

Graduation losses: Chris Pedersen (182, regional champ, sectional qualifier, 33w, University of Iowa), Ruben Franco (170, sectional qualifier, 24w).

Top returnees: Seniors Kyle Hammond (132, sectional qualifier, 12w), Chris Gamboa (220, two-time sectional qualifier, 10w), Sam Martin (285, regional champ); juniors Mike Schmidt (120, two-time sectional qualifier, 14w), Keegan Donnelly (145, sectional qualifier, 11w), Michael Jasin (152, sectional qualifier, 9w); sophomores Antonio Cepeda (126, sectional qualifier, 16w), Garrett St. Clair (160, regional champ, 15w), Ken Hiltenbrand (195).

New faces in the room: Sophomore Javier Negron (138); freshmen Brian Schmidt (106), Cole Zajac (113), Travis Donnelly (182).

Outlook: 2016 was one for the books for the Chargers after winning their first regional crown since 1977, and in the process, sending nearly the entire starting lineup into sectionals. "Last season was a great season but as we all know, that's gone and with a new year, there's always unanswered questions in advance for the new challenge ahead," said coach Randy Glaudel. "While we have great experience in some spots, there's also a lot of youth and inexperience in others, so it will be all about how our young guys respond. If they do, we could be a difficult team to beat."

Aurora ChristianCoach: Justin Pearch (1st year).

Last year: First year program.

New faces in the room: Junior Cristian Cervantes (285); sophomores Julian Jaimes, 195); freshmen Noah Villareal (120), Cameron Johnson (106), Zeke Marshall (113), Noah Villareal (120), Alex Knauf.

Outlook: There's plenty of excitement in and around the room at AC as the Eagles celebrate their first wrestling program in school history, headed up by Justin Pearch. "The school has been super supportive, and has put everything it has into getting us up and running, but obviously, the culture for wrestling is not there yet," Pearch said. "So, our lineup has a few holes in it, but every day we have another kid joining the team, and as we go on, the wrestling atmosphere will be built, and we'll have a team to watch out for." Despite his short roster at the onset, Pearch says Noah Villareal, a well accomplished three-time IKWF state champ, who recently beat 2016 1A state champ, Chase Bittle (Althoff) at the 'Conflict at Carver' (Iowa) in a preseason tournament will anchor the Eagles' lineup at the bottom, while big man Cristian Cervantes will do the same up top, while also serving as captain. AC will be a part of the Chicago Catholic Northeast Athletic Conference, and competes in its first tournament this weekend at Rockford East.

BartlettCoach: John O'Brien (5th year).

Last year: 6-12-0.

Graduation losses: Alex Montbriand (170, regional champ, 30w, wrestling at Concordia University, WI.), Brandon Johnson (138, sectional qualifier, 19w), Dan Flores (113, sectional qualifier, 15), David Flores (132), Marc DiGioia (160, 16w), Miante Winters (182, 13w), Alex Triantos (285, 13w).

Top returnees: Jack Oliver (106,113, 10w), Paul Kearns (120,126), Jonah Medina (138,145), Trent Johnson (145,152, sectional qualifier, 11w), George Moretti (152,160, 12w), Nick Dawson (195, 14w), Eric Cook (285, 6w).

Outlook: The Hawks will need to replace captain Alex Montbriand, who finished on a high note last season beginning with a second-place medal at the Upstate Eight tournament then narrowly missing out on a trip downstate following his regional championship effort. The three-sport (football, track) star gave the program a tremendous lift, as did his teammate and three-year veteran Brandon Johnson, who overcame injuries to advance into sectionals along with four others one of which, Trent Johnson, returns this season after winning a UEC frosh/soph championship.

BataviaCoach: Scott Bayer (5th year)

Last year: 16-12-0 (5-1-0), Upstate Eight champs.

Graduation losses: Dylan Uzumecki (220, two-time state qualifier, UEC, regional champ, 40w, wrestling at North Central College), Mike Doranski (132, UEC champ, 22w, University of Indiana), Chris Paton (152, 23w), Derek Nutley (182, 25w, University of Wisconsin), Nolan Adams.

Top returnees: Seniors Seth Winkle (145,152, sectional qualifier, 32w), Joe Posledni (160, 9w), Nick Benson (170, UEC champ, 26w).

New faces in the room: Sophmores Alex Cruz (113), Angel Cruz (126).

Outlook: Despite losing their all-everything star Dylan Uzumecki, who squashed the competition on a nightly basi, while providing plenty of bonus points into the Bullodgs' scorebook, head coach Scott Bayer still feels his club can attain many of same results it did last year when it rose above all others to win the UEC conference tournament in late January. "I expect our boys to compete for UEC conference and River Division championship, with St. Charles East being the favorites, and the one we'll chase. But we had a strong offseason of work and competition to help put us in a position to challenge," says Bayer. There's no reason to doubt the optimism of Bayer, who returns a terrific trio in Winkle, Posledni and Benson, but the decision of Josh Fischer (113, 15w) and Dylan Doranski (126, 32w) who was one win away from heading to Champaign not to wrestle, is a tough loss for Bayer and his club.

Burlington CentralCoach: Vince Govea (5th year).

Last year: 6-18-0.

Graduation losses Adam Mengel (145, sectional qualifier, 30w, Illinois State University), Ray Rushing (152, 24w, Elgin Community College), TJ Titock (170, sectional qualifier, 22w, Elgin Community College), Jason Brummel (220, sectional qualifier, 20w).

Top returnees: Seniors Eric Hansen (182,195, sectional qualifier, 12w), Jacob Janavich (285, sectional qualifier, 11w), Bishop Kronmberg (160, 8w); junior Austin Macias (120, 3rd place, 2A state tournament, 2-time state qualifier, sectional, regional champ, 41w); sophomores Nick Termini (126.132, state qualifier, 31w), Ethan Laria (126, 13w).

New faces in the room: Senior Sean McMillan (152).

Outlook: Rockets junior Austin Macias followed up his breakout rookie season with a superb sophomore campaign, which ended when he became only the fourth in program history to claim a state medal with his third-place finish in Champaign. The addition one year ago of another freshman phenom (Termini) gives BC a powerful, and enviable one-two punch at the bottom of the lineup to link up with the club's two other sectional qualifiers up top, Eric Hansen and Jacob Janavich. "We're young and a little thin in spots, but we have such a hardworking bunch of guys, who are willing to do the work beginning with Adam and Nick, who we fully expect to bring back some state hardware in February," says head coach Vince Govea. It appears the offseason results of both have provided a head start of better things to come after Macias finished second at Greco Nationals, Termini first at frosh/soph state with each qualifying for Freestyle Nationals as well while a championship ring last weekend at the highly regarded Moore-Prettyman for Macias says plenty.

Cary-GroveCoach: Will Petersen (1st year).

Graduation losses: John Cullen (138, three-time state qualifier, University of Illinois), Sean Cullen (Illinois State University), Mike Gustafson (160), Eric Lind (170), Joey Beeman (182),

Top returnees: Senior Dennis Woodring (220, sectional qualifier); juniors Adam Pinter (120, sectional qualifier, 25w), Cadin Koeppel (195, sectional qualifier, 26w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Ryan Ratkovich (145), Hayden Hill (152); junior Andrew Stokes (220).

Outlook: The move of Michael Buhr after one season to take over at Wauconda sees former Crystal Lake South assistant Will Petersen in charge of the Trojans this season, making it three head coaches in three seasons for the program. "I was able to learn a lot under Ross Ryan at CLS, he runs a classy program there, and his support of me taking this head coaching job has made it very easy to come here," said Petersen, who will count on his three returning sectional qualifiers, Pinter, Koeppel and Woodring, to lead the way. "The great thing about this season is every guy we have with us has wrestling experience, nobody with us is starting from scratch so they understand the sport, and what it takes to be successful, and each of them is willing to do what's necessary to be successful," Petersen said.

Crystal Lake SouthCoach: Ross Ryan (10th year).

Last year: 3-24-0

Graduation losses: Buddy Gabric (285, 13w), Ethan Weinandy (170, 29w), Frank Woods (152, sectional qualifier, 25w).

Top returnees: Seniors Dom Bolanos (195, 17w), Anthony Castro (126, 9w), Vinny Fontanetta (195, sectional qualifier, 24w), Matt Lancero (132), Shahyan Malik (160, 19w); sophomores Alec Natrop (225), Jacob Poulos (138), Brady Weidner (170).

New faces in the room: Seniors David Hernandez (152), Collen Pedersen (170); junior Mohamed Elmeligi (160); sophomore Noah Laney (285); freshmen Peyton Timmons (106).

Outlook: The rebuilding project continues at South and for Ross Ryan, whose club had a rough go of it after its memorable 2014 season, which resulted in two state medals, one of which resulted in Eric Barone winning a state title. "Last year we reached the bottom of the cycle, but this year I see us building momentum and taking a big step forward," says Ryan, who will lean on his sole returning sectional qualifier and varsity veteran Vinny Fontanetta. "We have more guys back then we did last year, and some solid young wrestlers who are working hard to make their mark in our lineup."

Dundee-CrownCoach: Tim Hayes (2nd year)

Last year: 9-18-0

Graduation losses: Christian Brunner (195, state champion, three-time state medalist, three-time FVC, regional, sectional champ, 48w, wrestling at Purdue University), Christian Rodriguez (220, sectional qualifier, 30w), John Saucedo (285, 13w), Jaidan Borja.

Top returnees: Seniors Chase Rapp, 182, regional champ, 37w), Michael McCorkle (170); junior Brandon Rico (120, 8w); sophomore Ricardo Zambrano (106,113, 13w).

New faces in the room: Sophomores Jose Gutierrez (126), Callen Schmeiser (132), Colin Mays (138), Gabe Kurzynski (220); freshmen Gabriel Scales (106).

Outlook: There were few in the world of wrestling in the state of Illinois who was as well respected and appreciated than Christian Brunner, and when the Chargers star lifted the championship trophy in Champaign last February the roar of approval from fans, peers and coaches would validate the appreciation all would have of his superb talent and wonderful personality. The four-year star would squash the competition all throughout the season and the postseason to give the storied Chargers program its third state champ in program history and first for head coach Tim Hayes, who could not have asked for a better rookie season in charge. "You could always count on Christian, not only for six (pin) but all the other things he brought into the room each and every day, so there's no way to replace what he did on so many levels," said Hayes, who will now turn to Chase Rapp who himself, enjoyed a magnificent 2016 season, one in which he fell one victory short of his first state appearance. "Chase learned a lot from Christian, so we expect him to step in as our next leader, while having another solid season to get himself downstate to compete for a medal," Hayes said.

ElginCoach: Mark Woollard (2nd year).

Last year: 5-13-0 (0-6-0)

Graduation losses: Eric Colter (285, sectional qualifier, 14w, Southern Illinois University), Angel Ocampo (126, Elgin Community College), Vic Ramirez (U.S. Army), Anthony Ruiz (152, University of Illinois).

Top returnees: Seniors Max Troyke (145, 15w); junior Angelo Poland (152, 11w).

New faces in the room: Senior Julian Guiab (138); juniors Jaron Cano (120), Marco Otero (160), Ivan Avalos (170); sophomores Ivan Gutierrez (113, freshmen conference champ), Angel Lopez (195).

Outlook: The Maroons' weakness will be in their starting lineup numbers according to coach Mark Woollard, who admits his club might have a few too many holes to fill in the early going. "Small numbers will make it difficult to compete as a team, so individual based success will be the goal moving forward," says Woollard. "We have a great group of kids who are eager to learn, as well as put in the work, and they're not afraid to get after it." Core group of Gutierrez, Otero, Poland and Troyke put upward of 50 matches in during the offseason, so their head coach will look to them to provide the leadership needed to inspire his young guys.

GenevaCoach: Tom Chernich (11th year).

Last year: 14-12-0 (4-2-0).

Graduation losses: Alex Crowe (195, state qualifier, UEC, regional champ, 29w), Steven MacDonald (132, sectional qualifier, 20w), Tyler Landrum (120, 13w), Zach Ostrowski (220, sectional qualifier, 11w).

Top returnees: Seniors Kevin Huck (145, 19w), Nick Anastasia (152, sectional qualifier, 23w), Nick Sowers (160, sectional qualifier, 21w), Ryan Elmendorf (120), Kelly Larsen (182; juniors Honor Nguyen (113, sectional qualifier, 28w), Ivan Vilchis (132, 2014 sectional qualifier), Armando Martinez (152, 7w), Riley Anderson (170); sophomores Cole Campbell (220, 22w), Nevin Donati (285).

New faces in the room: Ian Huck (106), Tony Vilchis (106), Justin Rupnow (120,126).

Outlook: Vikings might be a team to watch this season with the return of three sectional qualifiers, and another, Kevin Huck who was a win away from joining his mates: Nguyen, Anastasia and Sowers, who would all celebrate the advancement of Alex Crowe to the state tournament following a brilliant postseason run by the then senior. "Our strength this season is we have 4-5 guys who should have great seasons, and our expectation is to get multiple kids downstate," said head coach Tom Chernich. "We'll be a better tournament team than dual which is usually the other way around for us, but we're a little thin here and there, which is something we'll have to address along the way." Once Cole Campbell returns from a broken hand after the new year, the concerns at the upper weights will lessen for Chernich and his staff.

HampshireCoach: Brian Iossi (2nd year).

Last year: 13-7-0 (4-3-0).

Graduation losses: Wylie Allen (152, 3rd place, 2A state tournament, sectional, FVC champion, 40w, wrestling at Cornell College, Iowa), Josh Bybee (145, 24w, Navy), Andrew Buckwinkler (220, 13w), Mike Tiedt (195, 12w).

Key returnees: Seniors Max McGowen (160, regional champ, 30w), Pawel Barnas (285, regional champ, 30w); junior Casey Allen (138, state qualifier, regional champ, 30w), sophomore Christian Rivero (106, 20w).

New faces in the room: Junior Dominic Senese (195,220); sophomore Andrew Tiedt (195,220).

Outlook: What a memorable year 2016 was for Whip-Purs head coach Brian Iossi and the Allen brothers, Wylie and Casey. Iossi would guide both into the final weekend of the season, then watch the veteran Wylie finish his amazing postseason run by earning a Class 2A third-place state medal, the first in 30 years for the program. "It was a great thrill to be a part of Wylie's performance at state, it was so deserving after watching him put so much work in to achieve his success," said Iossi. "We have good senior leadership, and a great group of wrestlers this season, who work incredibly hard, and are hungry to succeed." Casey Allen appears ready to take over for his brother as the Whips' No. 1, while the dynamic sectional qualifying duo of McGowen (a Cadet all-American) and Barnas (who was one win from qualifying for state) are right there with their teammate. The Whips' schedule is new and improved to better prepare for the postseason.

Harvest ChristianCoach: Tommy Creutz (1st year).

Last year: Did not compete in dual format. Tournament team only.

Top returnees: Senior Ricky Lattanzio (two-time sectional qualifier, 21w); junior Dominick Olech (11w).

New faces in the room: Sophomore Thomas Nelson (126,132).

Outlook: David Lockwood would hold two titles during the first four years of the program, doubling as athletic director and head coach before taking on Tommy Creutz to run things after building a solid foundation for the future for his new coach. "Tommy is a former high school state champion (Wilmot Union) in Wisconsin, who also wrestled at the University of Tennessee, and in his short time here he's already done a terrific job expanding and growing the program already," said Lockwood. The hard work from Creutz has already paid dividends with the big club at a program-high 10 wrestlers on the roster, which includes its best in senior Ricky Lattanzio, who has an eye on becoming the first from Harvest to make it downstate.

HuntleyCoach: BJ Bertelsman (7th year).

Last year: 19-7-0 (4-1-0), FVC champions.

Graduation losses: Dominic Swanson (285, state qualifier, 42w, playing football at UW-Whitewater, WI), Petros Mihalopoulos (195, state qualifier, 30w, wrestling at Harper Junior College).

Top returnees: Seniors Josh Stenger (126, 4th place 3A state medal, FVC, regional, sectional champion, 45w), Joey Armijo (132, 23w), Kyle Smoot (113,120, 8w), Hunter Kowalski (170, 13w), Riley Brands (145, 8w), Jason Pawlak (138, 20w), Trey Coleman (195, 5w); juniors Zach Spencer (120, state qualifier, 38w), Luke Loprieno (145, 16w), Juan Quiroz (152, 29w), Justin Allen (182,195, 20w), Brad Zbilski (152, sectional qualifier, 29w); sophomores Nik Wise (182), Gannon Kosowski (120,132, 28w).

New faces in the room: Junior Jimmy Pellegrino (113); freshmen Sammy Spencer (106), David Ferrante (145).

Outlook: The Red Raiders came back to be kings of the FVC last season after finishing behind division champ Jacobs then, inspired by Josh Stenger, its second state medalist ever, fans would celebrate a program-best four state qualifiers, two of which are back and ready to lead the club to bigger and better things this season. "We're still young, but our lightweights through the middle will be our strength. Our biggest challenge will be filling spots up top after losing all of our starters from 182 on up," admits BJ Bertelsman, who will expose his guys to the likes of state powers Marmion Academy, Marist, Stevenson, Mt. Carmel and Deerfield, among others, while taking the club to high profile tournaments Dvorak and Granite City over the holiday break. Stenger and Spencer will jump start the Red Raiders' attack, with newcomer David Ferrante adding quality to an already well-balanced middle of the lineup in which Bertelsman says are a hard working, experienced unit that is quite capable of producing throughout the upcoming season.

JacobsCoach: Gary Conrad (5th year).

Last year: 18-0-0 (6-0-0).

Graduation losses: Dean Lane (160, state qualifier, FVC, regional champ, wrestling at Harper Junior College), Chris Dranka (138, regional champ, 29w), Jack Golnick (220, state qualifier, 35w, playing D-3 football), Michael Bujacz (195, state qualifier, 34w, University of Iowa), David Schillmoeller (285, 24w, University of Alabama).

Top returnees: Seniors David Dudyich (145,152, sectional qualifier, 31w), Beau Harrier (120,126, FVC, regional champ, 27w), Jacob Sabella (152,160, sectional qualifier, 32w); junior Loren Strickland (170,182, sectional qualifier, 19w).

New faces in the room: Freshmen Jake Harrier (113).

Outlook: It didn't get much better for Jacobs wrestling during these past two seasons for Gary Conrad's men and even though the club was unable to replicate its success from two years ago when it advanced to its first state dual-team sectional, things on the individual side of things were sensational. Conrad would help guide a program best three to the state tournament last February but one year later that trio, along with two others from its 2016 undefeated team are off to college. "We lost a lot, no doubt, but we've got a nice core of returning wrestlers, and will be tough at the lower weights, but our depth at the upper weights, somewhere we've been very good at, is something we'll have to address," says Conrad, who once again has amped up his nonconference and weekend schedule to ready his club for the postseason. That core Conrad spoke of, Harrier, Dudych and Sabella, key figures in the program revival, enter their final season with over 175 victories between them, making them a force to be reckoned with.

KanelandCoach: Joe Orosco (3rd year).

Last year: 8-11-0 (2-3-0).

Graduation losses: George Strange (152, sixth place 2A state medalist, two-time state qualifier, regional champ, 34w, wrestling at Loras College, IA), Zac Parker (195, two-time sectional qualifier, 29w, wrestling at North Central College).

Top returnees: Seniors Austin Kedzie (113, state 2A runner - up, regional, sectional champ, 38w), Hayden Patterson (160, state qualifier, 25w), Riley Vanik (182, two-time state qualifier, regional champ, 36w), Colin Gussman (220, 2015 state qualifier, regional champ, 33w); sophomore Nathan Orosco (106, sectional qualifier, 25w).

Outlook: The hits just keep coming for the Knights who for the sixth consecutive year brought home state medals from the 2A tournament, this time their best single finish in three years when Austin Kedzie came close to winning the first state title since Dan Goress did so in 2013. George Strang would give the program its 27th with his sixth-place medal. "After losing some very good young men, we have a terrific senior group back to help provide the leadership that we need to hopefully translate well this season as we look to be competitive in a very tough dual meet schedule," says Joe Orosco, who has four returning state qualifiers sprinkled through his starting lineup, including Riley Vanik and Colin Gussman, who will provide a dynamic one-two punch at the top of the lineup, and likely, another 70-75 victories between them.

LarkinHead coach: Michael Hodge (1st year).

Last year: 15-8-0 (4-4-0).

Graduation losses: Roosevelt Hopkins (152, 17w), Leo Martinez (160, sectional qualifier, 29w), Oscar Perez (220, 24w), Aaron Marshall (285, sectional qualifier, 20w).

Top returnees: Seniors Hugo Barraza (132, 2015 sectional qualifier, 28w), Jose Flores (145, 16w), Hector Perez (220, 15w); junior Jesus Facio (195, frosh-soph sectional qualifier, 10w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Ricardo Martinez (126), David Barrientos (138), Mikey Villanueva (285, frosh-soph state qualifier); sophomore Justin Valle (106,113).

Outlook: Royals lost plenty from a memorable 2016 campaign, including their fine head coach Steve Hoyt, who stepped down after a sparkling 15-win season. "There's a solid foundation left by coach Hoyt, and the plan is to continue that on our way to the top," says new head coach and former DeKalb star Mike Hodge, who was a third-place state medal winner in 1996. "We lack experience because we're a very young team, but our kids have great drive and the will and desire to put in the work." The Royals' trio of Martinez, Perez and Marshall bagged nearly 75 victories and plenty of bonus points along the way to pace last year's club and while that appears to be nearly impossible to replace Hodge does have the three-year veteran Barraza to lean on. The senior won 23 two years ago on his way to a spot in the frosh/soph state tourney, then followed up last year by lifting the championship trophy at Wheaton-Warrenville South, then Geneva, before finishing third at the UEC conference tourney.

Marmion AcademyCoach: Donny Reynolds (3rd season).

Last year: 26-6-0, regional champs, 2nd place, 3A state-dual tournament.

Graduation losses: Nate Traxler (182, two-time state champion, three-time state medalist, three-time regional champ, two-time sectional champ, wrestling at Stanford, 46w), AJ Jaffe (138, 2016 state champion, three-time state medalist, three-time regional, champ, 2015 sectional champ, wrestling at Harvard, 43w), Trace Carello (152, 2015 state champion, four-time state qualifier, two-time state medalist, four-time regional champ, 38w, Air Force Academy), Michael Callahan (160, 2015 state qualifier, two-time regional champ, Duke University), Matt Ferraro (170, state qualifier, regional champ, wrestling at John Carroll University, OH.), Riley DeMoss (170, 2015 state champion, 201 regional, sectional champ, wrestling at Princeton University), Jeremy Daum (220).

Top returnees: Seniors Anthony Cheloni (138, two-time state medalist, 2015 state runner-up, three-time regional champ, two-time sectional champ, 38w), Jake Polka (145, state qualifier, two-time regional champ, 25w), Weston Kramer (285); juniors Nate Jimenez (170, 3rd place state medalist, regional champ, Tyler Surges (182, 10w), Sean McKenna (113,120); sophomores Nathan Callaway (113,120, regional champ, 9w), Ryan Fleck (120, 15w), Trevor Chumbley (126, state qualifier, 31w), Brad Gross (152, 6th place state medalist, regional champ, 26w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Austin Esposito (160), Nick Auriemma (220); juniors Peter Ferraro (152), Calvin McDonald (285); sophomores Michael Jaffe (106), Jack Bazukas (195),

Outlook: You would be hard-pressed to find a program that could boast the elite star power and sensational success enjoyed by a wonderfully gifted group of student-athletes as those which have passed through the Cadets' room during the last four seasons. Not only did the likes of: Traxler, Jaffe, Carello, DeMoss, Callahan and Ferraro produce five state champions, countless state medals and dozens upon dozens of postseason honors, this same bunch has all moved on to prestigious Ivy League or west coast schools to continue playing the sport they have starred in in this state. "It was an incredible run those guys had, and one that did so much in and out of the room, but while it's impossible to replace them the good news is our seniors have accepted their role as our new team leaders," says head coach Donny Reynolds. "We've told them now it's their turn and that how they compete, lead and carry themselves is key in keeping the tradition and legacy of Marmion wrestling going strong." While the aforementioned grads set the bar so incredibly high, it's clear the 2016-2017 club has plenty of weapons all throughout its lineup to make its mark, witnessed by its first-place finish last weekend at the high profile 26th Moore-Prettyman Invitational.

St. Charles EastCoach: Jason Potter (5th year).

Last year: 2nd, UEC tournament.

Graduation losses: Anthony Ruffino (126, three-time fifth place 3A state medal, 2015, UEC champ, 2016 UEC MVP, wrestling at Northern Illinois University), DJ McDermott (152, UE8 champ, Michigan State University), Jeff Sommer (160).

Top returnees: Seniors Joe Ruffino (106, state qualifier, UEC, regional champ), Lucson Schneider (126,132, 14w), Malik Hatch (160, sectional qualifier, 16), Cody Glidewell (180, 19w), Max Schulmann (285, 23w); junior Niko Derain (145, state qualifier, UEC champ, 32w); sophomores Justin Benjamin (120, state qualifier, UEC, regional champ, 31w), Ben Anderson (113, sectional qualifier, 28w), Justin Hull (sectional qualifier, 19w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Luis Gordon (132), Kevin Weaver (195); junior Nick Barone (126); sophomores Tommy Schroeder (138), Darrell Gregg (220).

Outlook: Spend just a few minutes chatting with Jason Potter, and it's easy to see why the Saints' head coach has that 'I can't wait to start the season' look on his face. "Yes, I'm excited to get going. The guys who have been role players are now three-year veterans in the system, and along with a terrific bunch of talented returning starters, many who were sectional and state qualifiers, we should be not only a very good in dual-team competitions but in tournament formats just as well," says Potter, who will take his time sorting things out as his football players slowly get back into form after their playoff run into the 8A quarterfinals. "It's all about getting ready for the postseason, and with the type of nonconference schedule we'll have, the guys will get plenty of exposure and experience against quality opponents," adds Potter. The intensity, and constant pressing from their lower weight trio of Ruffino, Benjamin and Anderson will give the Saints the chance to score 18 points on most given nights to help rev-up what appears to be a potent attack this season.

St. Charles NorthCoach: Michael Zenner (1st year).

Last year: 3-16-0.

Graduation losses: David Washington (160).

Top returnees: Seniors Kolbe O'Brien (126, two-time state qualifier, 35w), Drew Schmidt (138), Dominic Testa (145, 22w), Chad Reynolds (152,160, 23w), Spencer Binning (182,190); junior Alex Baran (113,120).

Outlook: Many talk of numbers problems, but North Stars head coach Mark Zenner is in real numbers crunch this season. "We've got 6-7 great young men, really terrific wrestlers, but what we really need is another 8-10 bodies to help fill out our program which currently stands at just 20 systemwide," says Zenner. "There's no real youth program to help send young people here so it's left up to us to try to generate some new, fresh faces into our room, and if we can do that, those new guys will see a terrific bunch of guys already here." O'Brien and Reynolds are all that and more, and when Testa gets back from a concussion, the Stars will have a top-flight trio to lead the way.

South ElginCoach: Mark Cameron (12th year).

Last year: 5-15-0 (2-3-0).

Graduation losses: Zack Crosby (182, UEC, regional champ, two-time sectional qualifier, 33w, Elgin Community College), Ian Hoppes (285, 11w), Jordan Hoke-Ruiz (138).

Top returnees: Seniors Angel Rios (132, sectional qualifier, 20w), Mike Lombardo (138, sectional qualifier, 12w); juniors Bobby Tomabene (113, 13w), Sami Aldabbagh (195, sectional qualifier, 22w).

New faces in the room: Junior Tony Vera (126); sophomore Alex Tomabene (106).

Outlook: The Storm has had more than its fair share of injuries and defections to other sports during the past two seasons, but despite losing the face of its program, Zach Crosby, to graduation coach Mark Cameron sees the 2016-2017 season as one which could erase the memories of a tough couple of years for the program. "This year we finally return a large number of guys who have varsity experience, and, as a group, there's plenty of passion and excitement for the sport, and each of them are working to improve everyday," begins the head coach. "We're still young in spots, and there's much to learn for all before February, but if we continue to work and be selfless for the team, we can accomplish many things at the end of the season." The experience gained from their first sectional appearance for Rios, Lombardo and Aldabbagh will go a long way in their continued development, with each earning one victory from the high profile Conant sectional last season.

StreamwoodCoach: Bill Peach (12th year).

Last year: 13-5-0 (4th, UEC River Division).

Graduation losses: Sunny You (132, two-time sectional qualifier, 29w), Jeremy Gumila (145, 22w, University of Illinois), Tae Raetz (195, 2015 sectional qualifier, 5w), Charles Crumlett (138, 13w), Diego Maldonado (126), Jon Ramirez (152), Emilio Lopez (160).

Top returnees: Seniors Andres Luna (113, 19w), Juan Ramirez (120, 15w), Gerardo Sanchez (152), Adan Segovia (195), Jordan Ryan (285, 19w).

New faces in the room: Alfonso Reyna (145), Jamile Sheppard (160).

Outlook: Never has the program had so much individual success as it did last season when it totaled as many points at the UEC tourney as it did in the previous appearances, dating back to when last year's sensational senior class entered the program in 2013. The Sabres finished a strong sixth overall at the conference tourney with a program high four third-place medals on their way to a robust 111.50 overall points. "That was a great group we had and one that was part of over 60 guys we had in our program during their time with us the last three years and even though our overall numbers are down a little this year, I still feel we have some guys who could have great seasons off their success of last year," says Bill Peach. Graduation tore apart the middle of the Sabres' lineup which sparkled all throughout the campaign, including their sparkling performances in the UEC tourney.

West AuroraCoach: Andrew Plata (1st year).

Last year: 12-8-0

Graduation losses: Cory Brunnetto (145, 23w), Nick Spagnola (160, 19w), Devin Moore (285, 12w).

Top returnees: Seniors Isaac Jacquez (three-time state qualifier, UEC, and regional champion, 32w), Thomas Yarbrough (182, 6w), Steve Norman (195, sectional qualifier, 24w), Josh Mayhew (285, 11w); juniors Juan Carillo (145, 13w), Brian Baldwin (113); sophomore Johnny Acevedo (138).

New faces in the room: Seniors Aaron Medlin (152), Mat Miller (160), Jordan Wellington (170), Brian Mercado (220); sophomores Reid Medlin (106), Reece Corbin (120), Anthony Malcyzk (132).

Outlook: Andrew Plata moves up to take charge of the club after serving as an assistant under former head coach Charlie Curran who goes back to Mid-Suburban League where he starred at Hersey, and will now assume the role of assistant to Wheeling head coach Neal Weiner. After his first full weekend as the Blackhawks' head coach, Plata was pleased to see his club finish third overall in the team race at the Antioch Mega-Duals and fourth overall in team standings. "We weren't too bad over the two days there but we obviously have a lot of work ahead of us," begins Plata. "We have very good numbers in our program (90) and with a nice mix of young guys, a handful of returning wrestlers, plus good depth throughout our program, we should be in good shape this year." What Plata does have is one of the best at his weight class in the state in senior Isaac Jacquez, who enters his final season with three trips downstate, one ending with a medal, along with 122 career victories. After a strong offseason, look for senior Steve Norman to take a big step forward at 195.

  Marmion's Anthony Cheloni, left, wrestles and defeats Conant's Danny Madonia during the Class 3A 132-pound state quarterfinals last season. Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
St. Charles East's Joe Ruffino wrestles with Lake Park's Luke Badger in a 106-pound semifinal match during last year's Class 3A sectional at Conant. Jeff Krage For the Daily Herald
Batavia's Seth Winkle (facing) and Wheaton North's Frankie Indelli in the 138-pound semifinal match at the Batavia Invite last season. Daily Herald File Photo
  Kaneland's Austin Kedzie wrestles Marian Catholic's Travis Ford-Melton in the Class 2A 106-pound state title match last season. Mark Black/mblack@dailyherald.com
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