Wrestling: A look at the northern Fox Valley area's state qualifiers
A look at the individual qualifiers from the northern Fox Valley area for this weekend's state wrestling finals.
Where: State Farm Arena, Champaign
When: Thursday, 1 p.m. Class 1A, 3 p.m. for 2A and 5 p.m. for 3A; Friday 8:30 a.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. with grand march at 5 p.m. followed by championship matches.
The Lowdown:In the high risk, high reward world of sectional wrestling, 19 from the Fox Valley area advanced into the individual state tournament in Champaign, on the campus of the University of Illinois inside State Farm Arena.
These state qualifiers had some harrowing moments on their way to a top four finish, but for all, it appeared that nothing could deny them reaching their ultimate goal and dream of a place in their respective 16-man field.
Let's take a quick look at who are still alive, and in the running for a state medal, both in 2A and 3A competition.
GOLD CLUB (3-time state qualifiers):
Austin Macias (Burlington Central, 126, Jr., 32-2):A third-place finish a year ago here didn't come without heartbreak for this three-time state qualifier. His 6-4 sudden victory overtime semifinal loss dashed the hopes of the BC star, but it didn't take long for the junior to erase it from his memory, and move forward in a big way. "It was really hard losing that way," admitted Macias, who opens today with Brian Kristin (23-6) of Oak Forest. "But I used that as the motivation needed to work hard to get better, and this year. I feel I have an excellent chance to win a state title." Advancing into the finals at Fargo, and earning all-American honors in Greco were further proof of his commitment to excellence, which is something he'll need this weekend as he finds himself in an elite weight class: headlined by two of the best in the state: reigning state champ, Tyler Delaware (Washington, 30-6) as well as Ethan Harsted (33-3) of Ottawa, whom Macias would defeat last weekend to advance into the final, where Delaware would hang on for a 3-2 victory.
Zach Spencer (Huntley, 126, Jr.)
What a year 2016 was for the then-sophomore whose slow start due to offseason injury was overcome when he built a full head of steam into the postseason to allow him to go through and around a first-class 113-pound weight class at sectionals to earn a ticket back downstate. This season there's been no such delay for the junior who comes into the tournament as the ninth rated twenty-six pounder, with a regional title on his resume in advance of his state opener against Wheaton North senior Jaime Suarez (29-9). "Getting back downstate for a third time is great, but being there with my brother Sam makes it all that much better," Spencer said.
Josh Stenger (Huntley, Sr, 120, 38-7)The Red Raiders' top man enjoyed one of the most memorable state runs in program history last season when he opened play with a technical fall, followed by a 13-6 decision over three-time state medalist Isaac Jacquez of West Aurora then later recording an impressive major decision win to secure just the second state medal (4th) in program history. However, by his own admission, that wave of momentum expected to carry over into his final season has not been what the three-time state qualifier figured it would be. "To be honest, it's been a little bit of an up-and-down season for me, and even though I wasn't able to win my third straight sectional title, I feel as if I'm right where I was last year right before the state tournament began," said Stenger, who is still one of the best there is in the state in his weight class. His first day opponent is Upstate Eight and regional champ Justin Benjamin (35-5) of St. Charles East.
Riley Vanik (Kaneland, 182, Sr, 36-3)This three-time state qualifier, four-time sectional qualifier, and 2015 state medalist hopes the third time is truly a charm when he begins his quest for a state title Thursday afternoon against Liam O'Donnell (Crystal Lake Central, 31-10). "Riley is the toughest kid in the room both physically and mentally, and he has shown he's there in the mix for a state championship," says Kaneland head coach Joe Orosco of Vanik, who heads the Knights' five-man contingent here, all of whom are rated in the Top 10. The senior is 1-2 against his longtime rival, Cody Baldridge of Morris, who was the state runner-up a year ago at 182. Vanik has beaten several 3A opponents on his way to earning five major titles this season, including one at the prestigious Berman Holiday Classic. Approaching 140 career victories.
FREQUENT FLIERS
Colin Gussman (Kaneland, 220, Sr, 35-5)Along with his teammate Vanik this three-year starter gives Kaneland one of the best one-two upper weight punches in and around the area, and this 2015 state qualifier proved it with another fantastic postseason performance to earn a well-deserved place in the field of 16 this weekend. "Colin is our best technician, and it was his commitment to lifting and becoming more technical that helped him make his way back downstate after a disappointing ending at sectionals last year," said Orosco. After his 32-win season in 2015, Gussman came back to win 33 last year, only to fall one victory short of qualifying. The No. 4 rated senior takes on Luke Luffman (35-3) of Urbana.
Austin Kedzie (Kaneland, 120, Sr, 30-3)
This 2016 state 2A runner-up got a late start to his final season with the Knights, but since his return, the three-year star has provided a sturdy complement at the lower weights alongside another state qualifier, Nathan Orosco at 106. "Austin is probably the best natural athlete on the team, and he's used those talents to make a return trip downstate," says Orosco, of his No. 2 rated senior. The two-time regional champ won 34 last year, and 25 two years ago, and opens against Tyre Montgomery (36-6) from North Chicago.
Hayden Patterson (Kaneland, 170, Sr, 32-10):Yet another returning state qualifier for the Knights, this two-year starter has the ability to win any match each time he steps onto the mat, according to his head coach. "When his mindset is right, Hayden can win anytime, and any way, and he's done it several times this year, even when he's behind in his match," says Orosco. No. 4 in the state before this weekend, the senior won 25 a year ago, and will face Damen Gothard (17-5) of Lemont.
MAIDEN VOYAGE
Pawel Barnas (Hampshire, 285, Sr, 25-11)The heavyweight bracket at the Sterling sectional was jam-packed from top to bottom with so many top-rated guys, it didn't appear from the onset, the Whip-Purs' big man would have a chance to advance. "By far, the heavyweight division was the toughest at Sterling, but Pawel had been battle-tested all season long, so we knew he could do it," said Whips' head coach Brian Iossi of his regional champion. First up Thursday will be Trent Jennings (Springfield Sacred-Heart Griffin, 30-9).
David Ferrante (Huntley, 152, Fr, 26-2)The first state appearance in what likely will be many for this terrific freshman, who flexed his collective muscles ever since stepping into the Red Raiders' starting lineup, and hasn't stopped, witnessed by his remarkable postseason performances. The No. 7 rated Ferrante won easily at regionals and sectionals, as well as the Sycamore Invite just before the start of the state tournament series began. "My expectations were high before the start of the season, but I can honestly say I didn't expect to win a sectional title in my freshman year," he said. Should he win his first state match with Dillon Hoey (33-13) of Mt. Carmel, he will be two victories away from No. 1 Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, 42-0), who is looking to make history with a fourth consecutive state title.
Erick Hansen (Burlington Central, 195, Sr, 28-11)This BC senior is one of the favorite stories of head coach Vince Govea after coming out of nowhere to join the dynamic duo of Macias and Nick Termini in Champaign. "Erick never wrestled until his freshman year, and he obviously struggled early on but he kept with it, and it was his hard work and determination that got him downstate," said a proud Govea, who watched Hansen beat No. 6 Hunter Holdcraft (LaSalle-Peru) to reach the sectional final. First up will be Elmwood Park senior Justin Chakchay (29-5).
Beau Harrier (Jacobs, 120, Sr, 34-13)Thirty-one wins as a sophomore, followed by 27 last season still didn't produce a trip downstate, but the classy Golden Eagles senior made sure of it this time around with a magnificent performance at sectionals to advance. "Beau had a tough year not making it into any of tournament finals we were at. He faced one state-ranked kid after another but still managed to stay positive," said head coach Gary Conrad. "This was the most losses he's had in his career, but that was a direct result of the killer schedule we had this year, and I told him those close losses, and our tough schedule would pay off when sectionals came around." True to his word, Conrad would watch the veteran come to life when he needed to, and now, he will face Charles Faber (40-1) of Glenbard West.
Jake Harrier (Jacobs, 113, Fr, 113, 36-7)This 113-pounder enjoyed a wonderful rookie season, highlighted by a top four finish at the high profile Dvorak back in December, a regional championship, and best of all, his first appearance at the state tournament. "Jake wrestled great all season, and got better as the year went on by wrestling with his brother Beau in the room everyday," said Conrad. He's done well against some terrific competition on the weekend, and it showed when the postseason came around." Will face his toughest test thus far Thursday when he faces reigning state champ Joey Melendez (41-4) from Montini Catholic.
Max McGowan (Hampshire, 160, Sr, 36-6)The senior did it the hard way last Saturday at the Sterling sectional. After his unexpected first-round loss, the Whips' star would win his next four wrestlebacks, ending with a voracious pin in his third place bout against the player who bounced him from the front draw on the first day. "We were hoping that Max would get a shot at avenging an earlier loss to Major Dedmond (Freeport) if they both reached the finals, but things don't always work the way you want them," said Iossi. The regional champ recorded three falls on the second day of sectionals, and now, the No. 6 rated awaits his state opener with Porfirio Perez (33-2) of Danville.
Nathan Orosco (Kaneland, 106, So, 29-14)The sophomore signaled his intent to get downstate after back-to-back conference and regional titles, before putting together another strong effort to advance from the sectional tournament at Sterling. "Nathan is a year-round wrestler who has improved greatly due to his work ethic," says Joe Orosco, his head coach. "He's constantly working out and training (and) after Riley Vanik, he's the most physically and mentally toughest kid in the our room." Twenty-five wins during his rookie season also included a trip to sectionals as well. The No. 6 rated six-pounder opens with Hayden Stanley of Mattoon (36-6).
Juan Quiroz (Huntley, 160, Jr, 25-9)Perhaps the biggest surprise of the postseason was that from this two-year starter, who was a key figure in the Red Raiders' regional championship when he won an individual title before coming back one week later and stunning No. 8 Jaylen Shaw (Wheeling) in his qualifying match (6-5) to secure his trip to Champaign. "I told you Juan could surprise some people this weekend, he's always been capable of putting together a great effort when he needed to, and he did it when it really counted," said Huntley coach BJ Bertelsman. Opens against Nate Jimenez (Marmion Academy, 36-6)
Chase Rapp (Dundee-Crown, Sr, 182, 40-8)There was plenty of anguish in Chargers camp last season when Rapp was unable to follow eventual state champion Christian Brunner downstate and the field of 16 at 182 pounds after this two-year starter fell one victory short. The D-C captain made sure it would not come down to the wire this time around when he stunned No. 4 Jordan Shahrikian (Hononegah) in the semifinals with a brilliant game plan to safely secure his first trip to Champaign. "I was fortunate to be around Christian all season long, and his work ethic and training rubbed off on me, and after a slow start this year, I feel like I've been getting better with each week," said the No. 8 rated Raap, who will face No. 10 Pacide Niyigena (37-4) from Wheaton-Warrenville South.
Sammy Spencer (Huntley, Fr, 106, 39-10)Yet another freshman who would shine this season, the younger brother of (Zach, Sammy Spencer made a mark for himself right from the beginning, and hasn't let up, giving the Red Raiders a terrific start from the lower part of lineup. "Sammy has been up to the challenge all season long, and even though he was in a very tough bracket at sectionals, there wasn't any doubt he could fight his way out of it," said Bertelsman. The No. 9 rated Spencer was a regional champ two weeks ago and he will face perhaps his biggest test of the season when he meets No. 6 Joe Ruffino (St. Charles East, 38-1)
Nick Termini (Burlington Central, So, 132, 38-2)The BC sophomore admits his early sectional exit a year ago was the best thing that could have happened in his development as he now combines the composure, maturity and knowledge needed to compete at an elite level and to become a serious medal threat this weekend. "There was a lesson to be learned when I didn't make it downstate last year and this year the focus is much better - I take one match at a time, and with more attention given the way I eat and train, I feel I'm ready for my first time downstate," says Termini, who after finishing second at sectionals, meets Austin Ernd (29-11) from Crystal Lake Central. Another win sets up a semifinal with 2016 state champion, We Rachal (30-1) from Chicago Public League Washington.
Bobby Tornabene (South Elgin, 113, 31-12)The South Elgin junior went from a 13-21 record to a 31-win season, which included victories over two opponents that kept him from advancing out of regionals a year ago. "Bobby is downstate through hard work and a nonstop, in your face style that can keep the pressure on his opponents. He just outworks anyone he steps on the mat with," says South Elgin head coach Mark Cameron. The three-year starter opens with Travis Ford-Melton (36-3) from Marian Catholic.