Scouting wrestling, Northwest
MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Ken Kutska (1st year)
Last year: 8-9-0 (2-3-0)
Graduation losses: Jake Greenberg (113, 24w, Harper College), Jon Toriumi, 160, (25w, sectional qualifier, Illinois)
Top returnees: Seniors Sam Haro (195, sectional qualifier, 23w), Jack Pontarelli (160, 10w), Alexis Obregon (132), Lucas Ramirez (138); juniors Dylan Horvath (138, 7w), Tim Gerling (152, 8w), Petar Vojcic (182), Paul Domian (120); sophomore David Melgoza (113).
New faces in the room: Senior Omar Garcia (220); junior Darnell Cisneros (126); sophomores Fredy Lopez (106), Isac Gutierez (120), Andy Polk (160); freshmen Alejandro Mejia (138).
Outlook: There's no lack of enthusiasm or vigor in the Bison room as the program welcomes Kurt Kutska, who becomes the third head coach in four years to take things over. "We're young, tenacious and have a very strong work ethic, plus we've got great numbers," said Kutska, who wrestled for Hall of Famer Gary McMorrow at Prospect and has been with the Bison for three years. "Our goal is to improve on last year, and to be competitive in all of our duals, despite our lack of experience on the varsity level," adds Kutska, who will lean on the veteran (Haro) whose won over 40 during his last two seasons.
Elk GroveCoach: Dan Vargas (3rd year)
Last year: 4-16-0 (0-5-0)
Graduation losses: Azeez Alabi (195, sectional qualifier, 14w, playing football at St. Cloud State, MN), Sean Oldenburg (170, 18w, Illinois State), Dominic Stacey (145, 10w, Harper College).
Top returnees: Seniors Antony Greco (220, 13w), Luke Radtke (220), Dionte Tillman (285, 15w), Eriberto Gutierrez (120); juniors Joey Moody (170), Genio Hyppolite (152); sophomore Matt McEnroe (113).
New faces in the room: Junior Thomas Cruz (126).
Outlook: It's still a numbers game here, but it looks as though have begun to turn around in year number three for Vargas, a former Wheeling standout. "The strength of this team will be our work ethic, and commitment to get better, along with a team chemistry which I feel is very strong, and will help power us through a long season," says Vargas. On the flip side, the Grens coach needs to pull athletes from his lower levels to fill his varsity lineup card. "Our overall depth still isn't where we want it to be, so when we make a move like this, it hurts throughout program. But our lineup is extremely dedicated, which should make us much more competitive this year."
HerseyCoach: Mike Becker (1st year).
Last year: 4-14-0.
Graduation losses: Mitch MacTavish (120, 2015 state qualifier, three-time sectional qualifier, 36w, Iowa), Alex Yager (195).
Top returnees: Seniors Joseph Samperi (138, 15w), Jordan Davis (145,152, sectional qualifier, 15w), Luke Schmiederer (182, 16w); juniors Matt Joyce (113, sectional qualifier, 29w), Sean Paton (126, 23w)
New faces in the room: Senior Bobby Szymanski (285); freshmen Zach Joyce (106).
Outlook: The Huskies' third coach in four seasons arrives with plenty of enthusiasm and hope after watching a less than dazzling final few weeks of the 2016 campaign. "The numbers at the end of last season were not strong, but we've tripled those numbers, and although this will be a rebuilding year, which makes us very young, I look for a very good future coming our way," says Becker, who has instilled a family atmosphere from the onset while leaning heavily on a strong core of seniors who have bought into their new coach's system. "Our seniors have been very willing to help our underclassmen, and it's clear from their hard work and dedication that we're a team first," Becker said. "We have a lot of personality and good chemistry on this team, and from what I've seen early on, the guys are excited to be here, and I feel the same way as well."
ProspectCoach: Tom Whalen
Last year: 20-7-0 (5-0-0), MSL East, and regional champs. 3A Elite 8 finalist
Graduation losses: Bobby Jarosz (160, state qualifier, regional champ, two-time sectional qualifier), 29w, Tanner Strobel (152, two-time state qualifier, 27w), Alex Preissing (126, 2015 state qualifier, regional champ, 11w), Jake Vershoor (145, 30w), Joe Siracusa (170), Sami Al Dakka (126), Frank Mazur, Josh Samson.
Top returnees: Seniors Vince Lobono (145, 23w), Stu Isteefanos (160,170, sectional qualifier, 20w), Alex Koczwara (182, state qualifier, regional, sectional champ, 39w), Matt Wroblewski (195,220, two-time state qualifier, 2015 state medalist, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 43w), Alex Palczewski (285); juniors Anthony Silva (14w), Miguel Romero (126,132, state qualifier, 28w), GIanni Rago (126); sophomores Andrew Baysinger (113, state qualifier, 36w), Jose Ramos (220,285).
New faces in the room: Seniors Nolan Murphy (152,160), Cristian Trujillo (138), David Barbosa (152,160); junior Ryan Vedner (170); sophomores Joe Caringella (138), Mike Cima (160).
Outlook: Once again the Knights presented division foes too much to handle last season, thanks in part to a lineup loaded from top-to-bottom. Despite taking a big graduation hit, the Knights, much to the credit of Tom Whalen and his staff, do well to offset losses by plugging in reserves who have work and waited in the wings for their opportunity to come along. One such wrestler is Alex Koczwara, who came out of nowhere to get downstate last season and provide the club with a nasty one-two upper-weight punch alongside one of the best in the business, Matt Wroblewski, who will be in the hunt for a state title come February. "We have experience returning, and people who experienced what it took to be in high-stakes matches," said Whalen. "Although we might not have the depth we've enjoyed at some weight classes, I still expect us to be highly competitive again once we get some guys back and we sort out our starting lineup."
Rolling MeadowsCoach: John Bassler (3rd year)
Last year: 15-9-0 (4-3-0)
Graduation losses: Tulga Zuunbayan (152, three-time state qualifier, 3-time MSL, regional champ, sectional champ, 44w), Maciej Pogorzelski (285, state qualifier, regional champ, 39w, Purdue), Eric Chalupa (170, 21w), Christian Morales (220, 13w), Luigi Priami (132, 10w)
Top returnees: Seniors Jackson Kohlberg (126, 2015 sectional qualifier, 16w), Liam Collins (138, sectional qualifier, 24w), Manny Luna (160, 19w), Nick Delporte (170, 2014 state qualifier, 3w, Hector Campos (132, sectional qualifier, 13w); junior Michael Womeldorf (145, two-time sectional qualifier, 35w); sophomore Eric Guerra (106, 6w).
New faces in the room: Seniors Matt Dombos (152), Zach Krawczyk (285); junior Eric Morales (120); sophomore Sean Boggess (113).
Outlook: An unusually bad run of injuries hit the Mustangs hard last season, and when Jackson Kohlberg went down in mid-December and Nick Delporte followed shortly after, coach John Bassler's hopes of staying in the MSL East race along with Prospect and Wheeling were denied. "We've had our share of stuff in my first two years, but our strength is in our big three and with the number of seniors and returning wrestlers who have two or more years on the varsity," said Bassler. That big three is a good one. It starts with Kohlberg, who before he tore a ligament was well on his way to Champaign. Teammates Liam Collins and Michael Wolmeldorf, the other pieces of the trio, provide a dangerous and powerful one-two punch in the middle of the lineup. The Mustangs will miss three-time state qualifier Tulga Zuunbayan, who during his three years in the MSL, first at Wheeling and then a Meadows, provided plenty of sensational moments. Zuunbayan has returned to his native country of Mongolia to continue training in the sport.
WheelingCoach: Neal Weiner (31st year)
Last year: 22-6-0, regional champs, lost to Grant in dual-team sectional final.
Graduation losses: Robert Torres (182, sectional qualifier, 24w, Illinois State), Yoni Medina (220, sectional qualifier, 29w, wrestling at Harper College).
Top returnees: Seniors Tristen Guaman (145, regional champ, 34w), Andrew Lara (145, regional champ, 28w), Jaylen Shaw (160, state qualifier, regional champ, 36w), Carlos Montiel (160, regional champ, 33w), Scott Anderson (182, 25w), Zach Yfantis (220, 30w); juniors Eric Lee (106, 8w), Manny Ramirez (113, MSL, regional champ, 34w), Mason Skloot (regional champ, two-time state qualifier, 33w), Brian Madrigal (120, 26w), Issac Martinez (195, 5w), Angel Villalobos (145, 5w); sophomores JP Smith (138, sectional qualifier, 22w), Andy Madrigal (138, 6w).
New faces in the room: Senior Brian Robles (220), Ken Hernandez (120); juniors Jeff Alcatnar (132), Matt Killian (285), Logan Laude (145); sophomores Joe Hernandez (113), Fernando Olivera (132).
Outlook: On paper, Prospect is the choice to repeat as division champions. But the Wildcats are a highly qualified bunch themselves and certainly have a chance to emerge on top if the good health and hard work continue. "We should be in good shape - we have a few above-average underclassmen to add depth to our roster. But it's a long season, and a lot can happen before February rolls around," says coach Neal Weiner. After winning their 10th regional title in program history last season, the Cats return 12 from that starting lineup at the GBS regional. The big returners include state qualifier Jaylen Shaw and teammate Mason Skloot (a two-time state qualifier), along with a half-dozen regional champions, plus some 330 victories from a year ago. There's plenty of balance throughout the lineup, and while Weiner will count on this overall depth, a first-class coaching staff is also a big plus. Alongside veteran assistant and former state champ Nick Blackshaw comes former Aurora West coach Charlie Curran, who starred at Hersey and was an All-American at Elmhurst College, as well as former Central Michigan All-American, Luke Smith, who carried off a state championship trophy for Weiner in 2011.
MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Dave Udchik (3rd year)
Last year: 14-7-0, (4-1-0), MSL champs
Graduation losses: Max Guhde (160, state qualifier, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 39w, Oklahoma), Nick Zawisza (152, state qualifier, regional champ, 39w).
Key returnees: Seniors Jake Czsewski (27w), Alex Crook (220, sectional qualifier, 30w); juniors Markus Hartman (145, 5th place 3A state medal, MSL, sectional champ, 40w, 5th place), Jake Meyer (170, state qualifier, 35w), Jarrit Shinhoster (132, MSL champ, sectional qualifier, 32w), Dan Rasmussen (160, 24w), Tucker Priola (113, sectional qualifier, 27w), Connor Delahunt (sectional qualifier, 20w)
New faces in the room: Senior Eric Padilla (285), Jake Bentle (195), Jesse Juarez (182), Marc Maschietto (182); junior Rami Sakka (160); freshman Kai Conway (106).
Outlook: After its terrific performance at its own high profile Moore-Prettyman tournament last weekend, it's quite clear the intent of the reigning MSL champs is to add another trophy to its stable come early February. Dave Udchik's team earned eight medals over the two days to finish second behind state power Marmion, and in doing so shed plenty of light on what opponents should expect this year. "We're a year older after starting 8 sophomores," said Udchik. "There's 4 returning starters with 30-plus wins, and although there a few question marks here and there, we have a great bunch of hard-working kids, with some very good depth, as it showed last weekend at our tournament." It begins with junior Markus Hartman, who has already committed to West Point, and continues throughout a lineup that features several sectional qualifiers including, one, Jake Meyer, who after advancing to the state tournament came 1 win away from placing. An always rugged schedule will have the Broncos ready come tournament time.
ConantCoach: Chad Hay (8th year).
Last year: 18-2-0 (7-0-0), MSL West champs.
Graduation losses: Danny Madonia (132, fifth-place 3A state medal, two-time state qualifier, four-time regional champ, two-time MSL champ, 42w, wrestling at SIU-Edwardsville), Kyle Peisker (138, three-time state qualifier, 3-time MSL champ, 39w, wrestling at Chicago), Nick Catalano (152, state qualifier, MSL champ, 38w, wrestling at Indiana), Jason Giuliano (120, two-time sectional qualifier, 20w), Brian Smith (152, two-time sectional qualifier, 26w), A.J. Hartmann (160, sectional qualifier, 22w), Steven Hanks (220, sectional qualifier, 20w), Tyler Hickerson (285, sectional qualifier, 23w).
Key returnees: Seniors Eric Hominac (170, sectional qualifier, 30w), Lee Fuller (182, sectional qualifier, 28w), Tyler Futris (126, 28w; sophomore Alex Giuliano (113, sectional qualifier, 23w).
New faces in the room: Seniors Joe Gomez (138,145), Dan Wozniak (145,152); sophomore Cormac Kane (160,170).
Outlook: When you mentioned Conant wrestling during their recent successful run, it undoubtedly began with the names Danny Madonia and Kyle Peisker, who set the standard for the Cougars' program at the start of lineup for Chad Hay. With their move to college, along with another star, Nick Catalano and five more sectional qualifiers, things will look a little different for the MSL West defending champs. "Our expectation around here is to always win an MSL and regional title, then make a run at a dual-team state appearance," said Hay. "We've had the guys to do so these past three or four years, but we lost some amazing and talented young men. In their place there's a solid group, with eight returning starters to hopefully help us reach our goals." The Cougars had a terrific weekend at their own Hruska Classic, finishing third behind state powers Sandburg and St. Charles East. The quartet of Giuliano, Futris, Hominac and Fuller made their statement for the season last weekend by turning in sparkling performances, with both Futris and Fuller winning championships Saturday.
FremdCoach: Dan Ruettiger (3rd year).
Last year: 11-7-0 (4-4-0).
Graduation losses: Alex Jacobs (220, state 3A runner-up, two-time state qualifier, two-time MSL, regional, sectional champ, 39w, Kansas), Aaron Cortez (195, state qualifier, MSL, regional champ, 24w, Northern Illinois), Grant Barwacz (132, sectional qualifier, 20w), Matt Kurtishi (152, sectional qualifier, 22w), Joaquin Grace (170, sectional qualifier, 16w).
Top returnees: Seniors Mike Ratlin (120), Quinn Bergles (160, sectional qualifier, 25w), Zach Nemec (285, state qualifier, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 31w); juniors Cole Riemer (138, 24w), RJ Cortez (145, sectional qualifier, 12w), Adam Kemp (152, sectional qualifier, 14w).
New faces in the room: Sophomores Cody Pixus (113), Matt Schonta (126).
Outlook: With the departure of Alex Jacobs, the best state finisher this program has seen since 2005 champion Robert Panayi, Fremd has loss a competitor who will be tough to replace. "Alex was truly one of a kind, and one who made such a big impression in our room, then out on the mats," said coach Dan Ruettigger. "So his leadership and incredible talent is one we will miss, as will his partner (at 195) Aaron Cortez, who together gave us so much at the top of our lineup. But we have plenty of talent back - five, six who, if they stay healthy, can do some very good things before it's over. Our young guys just need to get experience, which they will with our improved, and much tougher schedule, so I look for us to be a much better team in the second half of the season." The core of the Vikings lineup remains strong with Riemer and Bergles leading the way, while big man Zach Nemec, already committed to Michigan, is back and ready to go at 285.
Hoffman EstatesCoach: Tony Ganas (8th year)
Last year: 2-20-0 (0-5-0)
Graduation losses: Nathan Edwards (285, sectional qualifier, 26w), Ivan Gaytan
Top returnees: Seniors Seth Caro (120, 6w), Malik Walker (145, 24w); junior Reis Ginter (132, 14w); sophomore Noel Pena (138, 5w)
New faces in the room: Juniors Miguel Gomez (126), Ryan Edwards (285); sophomores Drew Eiring (132, Israel Gomez (160), Ramon Rodriguez (170), Nathan Rodriguez (182), Femi Ogini (285)
Outlook: For the first time in recent years, coach Tony Ganas is filling nearly a complete lineup when he goes into battle. That's a big positive for the Hawks and gives the reason to look forward to the season ahead. "We're all excited, because for the first time in a long time we have a bunch of guys who have bought into the system and truly committed themselves to their sport," said Ganas. Seniors Seth Caro and Malike Walker and junior Reis Ginter are among the keys according to Ganas, who won two state medals in the late 1990's and intends to bring that experience to bear with his young team. The Hawks are off to a flying start, already exceeding their 2016 win total by going 6-4 last weekend at the Antioch Mega Duals. Caro led the way by going undefeated over the two days of competition.
PalatineCoach: Dan Collins (14th year).
Last year: 7-12-0 (2-5-0)
Graduation losses: Oscar Rodriguez (113, sectional qualifier, 23w), Mikalos Jackson (152, 11w), Elvin Sosa (160, 11w), Jason Lopez (182, 20w), Max Stepp (285, Army).
Top returnees: Seniors Chris Flores (138), Ethan Huber (145, 6w), Jose Aragon (152, 11w), Johnathan Alanis (220, 17), Same Ceracas (285).
New faces in the room: Junior Jason Sarvia (113); sophomores Shane Arnold (120), Cody Weller (126).
Outlook: For the first time in recent history, Pirates long-time coach Dan Collins feels his men on the varsity are 'all-in' when it comes to making wrestling a full-time commitment in their sporting lives. "The dynamic in our room is the best I've seen, and since last spring and then right into our open room in the fall and right into the first two, three weeks leading up to the start of the season, it's been 100 percent participation from the guys," said Collins, the dean of MSL West coaches. "And it's that type of work rate and effort that will get this program back to where it can and should be. We've got a terrific bunch of seniors who have taken on the role of leaders, in the room and when they wrestle. Now we need some of our younger guys to step up and make a contribution by competing hard, and for six tough minutes when the opportunity is out there for them."
SchaumburgCoach: Michael Levanti (6th year)
Last year: 12-8-0 (4-3-0)
Graduation losses: Hazen Rice (120, three-time state qualifier, 2015 state medalist, three-time MSL, regional champ, 37w, wrestling at UW-Whitewater), Logan Gruszka (170, 3A 5th place state medalist, 2-time state qualifier, 4-time MSL champ, 41w, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville), Tony Vezzetti (195, 3A 4th place state medalist, three-time sectional qualifier, Greco National runner-up, 34w, Notre Dame of Ohio), Zach Nykiel (126, sectional qualifier, 16w), Eric Ortiz (152, 25w).
Returning: Seniors Zach Hosp (13w), Colin Egan (14w), Brandon Schaar (12w), Nolan Warner (195, sectional qualifier, 29w); sophomores Jack Lingle (120, regional champ, sectional qualifier, 28w), Tony LaRocco (113, 4w), Jaylin Claudio (106, 3w).
New: Junior Hunter Mitchell (126); sophomore Hadi Mashadiaabolghlasem (285).
Outlook: Few teams in the area could match the brilliant triple threat of Hazen Rice, Logan Gruszka and Tony Vezzetti, who day in and day out could not only guaranteed victory for their club, but also bonus points, most of which entered the scorebook with 6 for a fall. In addition, this trio provided leadership in the room that was second to none, while giving their team a chance to win nearly every night. All three have moved on to college, taking with them nearly 340 career victories, including 112 from last year. That means this is a season of change - but not one without hope. "We're going to have a bit steeper climb this time around," said coach Mike Levanti. "Our four seniors, who all have put an incredible amount of time and effort into their sport, now are the ones to lead an extremely young and inexperienced bunch." Levanti figures his Lingle, a sophomore, will continue to turn heads after excelling late in his freshman season.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Jason Churak (3rd year)
Last year: 17-13-0 (2-2-0)
Graduation losses: Joe McIntyre (182, two-time sectional qualifier, 25w, wrestling at Northern Iowa), Shaun Falbo (220, two-time sectional qualifier, 12w, playing baseball at St. Thomas, Minn.), Matt Cook (132, 11w).
Top returnees: Seniors James Valentino (285, two-time state qualifier, two-time regional champ, 22w), Mike Dzeidzic (160, 22w), Joe DeBartolo (138, 26w), Jack Augustyn (132); juniors Jake Wolf (170); sophomore Elijah Black (160, sectional qualifier, 25w).
New faces in the room: Juniors Jason Churak (145), Drake Imhoff (138).
Outlook: The Lions have worked themselves back to being relevant in the ESCC and respected by the usual powers, Marist and Notre Dame. "Experience is finally on our side with a returning lineup that should be able to compete with just about anyone, with the most complete team the program has had since I took over things over," says coach Jason Churak, who believes a 20-win season is quite possible after he and his staff fill in a couple of holes in the lineup. James Valentino is a force for the Lions - a two-time state qualifier on a mission to make his third visit to Champaign a charm. The veteran heavyweight recently committed to Brown University of the Ivy League, and along with Elijah Black, who burst on the scene last season, the Lions appear ready to take on a rugged schedule.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: John Kading (1st year)
Last year: 14-6-0 (4-1-0)
Graduation losses: Wesam Alabed (126, state qualifier, sectional qualifier, 36w, wrestling at UW-Oshkosh), Fidel Hernandez (132, sectional qualifier, 30w), Luis Aburto (138, 25w), Jeremiah Recinos (145, two-time sectional qualifier, 36, wrestling at UW-Oshkosh), Husam Alabed (160, sectional qualifier), Nathan Osegueda (170, 20w), Jesse Hernandez (182, sectional qualifier), Ryan Ramirez (220, sectional qualifier).
Top returnees: Senior Shane Dziadosz (138, sectional qualifier, 35w)
New faces in the room: Freshmen Jimmy Lonigro (145), Daniel Uribe (126)
Outlook: A new era begins at Leyden with the former coach from state 2A power Mt. Carmel and two-time state champ from Glenbard South, John Kading, taking over for the highly regarded Mike Fumagalli, who has moved on to become Dean of Students at Glenbard East. Graduation took a heavy toll on an Eagles lineup which featured a terrific group, including six sectional qualifiers, three of whom (Recinos, Wesam and Husam Alabed) were superb in their final year before moving on to compete at a quality UW-Oshkosh program. "With us losing 10 seniors from a year ago, we're basically starting over," said Kading. "But I can tell you we've come a long way in the first two, three weeks of the season. So the effort is there, and that's one of things we'll look always for, with the goal of being to take a step forward each time out." Kading, an All-American at Oklahoma, won an NCAA title at 190 pounds in 1996. The Eagles' top man will lean on his lone senior, Shane Dziadosz, while his younger competitors learn to navigate a tough wrestling conference. Dziadosz was one win away from his first state appearance in his career last season.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Chris Brassell (2nd year)
Last year: 9-11-0 (2-3-0)
Graduation losses: Jake Riportella (182, playing football at Concordia College, Wis.), Sam Kindle (160, sectional qualifier, 26w), Joe Bellizzi (170, 22w), (Nik Apostopoulos (138, 16w), Juan Bahena (220, 15w, playing football at Illinois Wesleyan).
Top returnees: Seniors Monica Mendoza (120), David Perez (152), Sage Shanahan (182), Keon Boyd (225); juniors Arsalan Afshar (126, sectional qualifier, 20w), Jayton Hall (138, 19w), Ayden Schweig (152), Walter Hutt (195, 15w).
New faces in the room: Juniors Nikko Gomez (132), Landon Habler (160); sophomores Justin Mendoza (106), Zak Christovitsiotis (113), Ilia Tomov (120), Jose Narez (145), Joe Bux (145), Nick Hernandez (182), Leo Mora (285).
Outlook: Things are on the upswing in Des Plaines, where coach Chris Brassell is thrilled with the leadership qualities of his upperclassmen, as well as a huge incoming sophomore class. All have found their way into the Warriors' starting lineup in the early going. "I can't tell you how proud we are of the way this group works and competes, both in the room and during the competition, and that bodes well for this season and our future, especially with so many young guys on the varsity and in our program," said Brassell after watching his club go 2-1 on the first weekend of the season. Brassell had hoped both Sam Kindle (to baseball) and Joe Bellizzi would be back to help lead his inexperienced club, but Kindle has turned his attention to baseball, while an injury suffered by Bellizzi during the football season has likely ended his return to the mat. Afshar, a junior, has stepped in to take a leadership role.