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Kaneland falls to powerful Crystal Lake Central

Collin Gussman and his wrestling teammates from Kaneland were on the road at Class 2A state power Crystal Lake Central Wednesday night, and the undermanned Knights left empty-handed after their nonconference dual.

The Knights' big three of Hayden Patterson, Riley Vanek and Gussman were big but 24 points lost to forfeits, plus middle weight dominance by the host Tigers were too much to overcome during a 57-15 defeat.

"We obviously have a ways to go, but we've got get back to full strength, and get our lineup in order then we should be in good shape for the second half of the season," said the veteran Gussman, who along with Patterson and Vanik combined for nearly 100 victories last season.

The trio added three wins Wednesday to help the Knights get out to a 12-6 advantage, but the lead was short-lived as the home side went on to win the next 10 bouts.

"Giving away all of those points to forfeits is tough, and especially when we have nearly half of our lineup brand new but I'm starting to see those young guys get up to speed, and competing with more intensity, so better things are ahead for us," said Gussman, who recently committed to wrestle at Division I Campbell University in North Carolina.

"It feels good to have that whole college thing all set, because now I can just concentrate on my final year here at Kaneland. I've learned a lot these past few years, and especially from last year. It's all about the process, and not the goals. I kind of put one ahead of another a year ago, but that's all in the past, and now I'm ready for what should be a very good season."

Gussman's teammates Patterson and Vanek, both state qualifiers in 2016, Vanek for the second time, recorded consecutive decisions to open the night, with Gussman, one match later lowering the boom on his 220-pound opponent to give the Knights their 12 points.

Heavyweight Conner Park had his chances during the early exchanges of his bout with the massive Wyatt Blake but after staying close for two periods, the Tigers' junior prevailed 10-6.

A forfeit at 106 gave Central the lead (15-12) before Knights sophomore Nathan Orosco drew his club back even at 15-15 after a hard-fought 6-4 overtime win over Brock Montford.

Reigning state champion Lenny Petersen struck for the second of five pins down the stretch to fuel the Tigers' romp.

"When I was a sophomore, we had 8-9 freshmen on the team and at that time I thought if we could keep everyone around for the next two years we could be a very good team," said the senior Petersen, who is on his way to the Air Force Academy next year.

"We did very well last year, and this year's team is looking very good as well."

The Tigers finished fourth at the 2A dual-team state tournament last February.

Kaneland head coach Joe Orosco remained upbeat even though his club is still in search of its first win of the season.

"There's holes in our lineup we have to fill, but it's been a little difficult because of injuries but our top 4-5 guys are doing a great job for us, and when everyone is back, and at the proper weight class, things will turn around for us very quick," he said.

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