Scouting the Fox Valley area

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach: Randy Gaudel (5th year).

Last year: 1A regional runners-up.

Graduation losses: Jonathan Aguilar (120, sectional qualifier, 8w), Chris Gamboa (220, three-time sectional qualifier, 15w), Kyle Hammond (138, two-time sectional qualifier, 16w), Sam Martin (2016 regional champ). Randy St. Claire (220, MSC champ, two-time regional champ, 32w, transferred to Waubonsie Valley.

Top returnees: Seniors: Keegan Donnelly (145, regional champ, 2016, sectional qualifier, 24w), Michael Jasin (152, two-time sectional qualifier, 19w); sophomore Mike Schmidt (120, 7w).

Outlook: Some of the Chargers' best work has come in the postseason where in their last two seasons, Randy Gaudel's men have sent 17 through and into sectionals, with three earning regional crowns at the same time. "This year might be one of many surprises because we lost (Randy St. Claire, who transferred to Waubonsie Valley) and our numbers are down, but we're loaded with plenty of great young guys, who have minimal exposure to the varsity level," says Glaudel. "We're expecting very good seasons from Keegan Donnelly and Michael Jasin, and having Mike Schmidt back after missing most of last year with an injury is big for us, so with a hungry bunch that has great practice habits and a high work ethic. Anything is possible for this team."

Aurora Christian

Coach: Justin Pearch (2nd year).

Last year: 1A regional champs, lost to Rock Falls in dual-team sectionals.

Graduation losses: None.

Top returnees: Seniors Cristian Cervantes (285, regional champ, 25w); juniors Angel Jaimes (220, sectional qualifier, 26w), Julian Jaimes (182, regional champ, 28w); sophomores Cameron Johnson (120, 1A state champion at 106, regional, sectional champ, 35-0), Alex Knauf (160, regional champ, 25w), Zeke Marshall (138, fifth-place state medalist, regional, sectional champ, 31w), Noah Villarreal (132, state runner-up at 120, regional champ, 33w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Tyler Eby (113), Eli Ibarra (145,152); junior Darrell Gregg; sophomore Jay Cee Randolph (145,152).

Outlook: One word can only describe the inaugural season for Aurora Christian wrestling - wow! Eight sectional qualifiers, three state qualifiers, all of whom medaled, including a state championship from Cameron Johnson, plus a regional team title, and far too many other highlights to even list. Can the Eagles do it again Justin Pearch? "We did a lot of damage with just eight guys, and with a lineup that's closer to being filled this year, things could be real interesting for us," admits the AC head coach, who welcomed back seven of his eight sectional qualifiers, who all together earned 203 victories. "We've beefed up our schedule with the goal of meeting some of the best the state has to offer in order to be prepared for the individual sectionals this time around after being surprised one year ago." The Eagles, who enter the regular season rated a top 20 team in the state, defeated two 3A teams (McHenry and Providence Catholic) as well as 2A state runner-up, Wauconda in the opening weekend. With five wrestlers state ranked, with the aforementioned Johnson No. 1, and Villareal at No. 2, AC looks to be ready to make its mark this season.

Bartlett

Coach: John Glorioso (2nd year).

Last year: 7-14-0

Graduation losses: Eric Cook (285, sectional qualifier, 12w, Northwestern University), Vinny Cortino (170, 7w), Nick Dawson (195, sectional qualifier, 23w, Ohio State), Nick Kirstein (220, Arizona State University), George Moretti (160, 14w)

Top returnees: Juniors Paul Kearns (132, sectional qualifier, 16w), Thomas Johnson (160, 26w), Jack Oliver (113, 12w), Cody Rivelli (138, 15w).

New faces in the room: Sophomore Tyler Rivelli (145).

Outlook: The Hawks' loss of two quality men from the upper part of its lineup puts a hole in John Glorioso's starting unit, but the Hawks' head coach remains optimistic as he begins his second year in charge. "We've got a great bunch of guys in our room who are doing all the right things in order to become better, and although we'll be a little thin at the upper weights this season, our strength in the middle weights will help carry us through at most times," he said. Junior Thomas Johnson made a quick recovery after suffering two broken bones in his right foot during two-a-days in the fall, and the return of this 26-match winner is a key figure as he will likely handle chores at either 160 or 170 for his club. "Thomas was a fifth-place medal winner at frosh-soph state during the offseason, and he worked hard to get himself back and ready to go, and we're glad to have him in the middle of our lineup," added Glorioso.

Batavia

Coach: Scott Bayer (6th year)

Last year: 18-4-0 (5-1-0)

Graduation losses: Nick Benson (182, 2016 UEC champ, 31w), Jack Darby (220, 7w), Tyler Luppino (195, 26w, University of Iowa), D'Andre Meadows (285, 11w), Dan Ngo (170, 6w), Joe Posledni (160, sectional qualifier, 37w, wrestling at Grand Valley State University, MI.), Seth Winkle (152, two-time sectional qualifier, UEC champ, 25w, wrestling at John Carroll University, OH.).

Top returnees: Senior Evan Hitzeman (145,152, 11w); juniors Reid Coyle (120, 18w), Angel Cruz (132,138, 23w), Justin Major (145,152, sectional qualifier, 30w), Andy Posledni (132, 25w), Ethan Towers (195).

New faces in the room: Juniors Alex Cruz (120,126), Tyler Sotir (132,138); freshmen Mike Caliendo (113,120), Riley Woods (132).

Outlook: Optimism is high in the Bulldogs' room despite suffering a big graduation hit to a roster from a year ago which featured three sectional qualifiers who would combine for nearly 100 victories, plus that all important experience which led to an 18-win season, two more than the year before. "Overall we're a young team, with just one senior as a returning starter, but we have strong depth in the middle-to-lower weights," says head coach Scott Bayer, who faces a conundrum with this talented depth he speaks of. "Because of all of that lower weight depth, we'll have a handful of varsity-caliber wrestlers who will not be able to break into our starting lineup, so we'll have to look to our upper weight guys, who have some ability, but will just need to gain their experience as the season goes on." That strength in the Bulldogs' lineup Bayer spoke of centers around his three top match winners, all juniors: Angel Cruz, Justin Major and Andy Posledni, who enjoyed an impressive first full season with the big club, before becoming a Cadet Greco-Roman National qualifier in Fargo.

Burlington Central

Coach: Jordan Bakley (1st year)

Last year: 4-12-0 (3-3-0).

Graduation losses: Eric Hansen (195, state qualifier, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 30w, playing football at Upper Iowa University) Jacob Janavich (285, 7w, playing football at Coe College), Bishop Kronenberg (160, 5w), Sean McMillan (152, sectional qualifier, 14w).

Top returnees: Senior Austin Macias (126, 2017 2A state champion, three-time state medalist, two-time regional champ, 36w); junior Nick Termini (138, sixth-place state medalist, two-time state qualifier, regional champ, 40w).

New faces in the room: Zachary Collins (182), Mike Dubanowski, Josh Ferro, Jack Green (132), Sam Kang, Tommy Zettle (120)..

Outlook: Austin Macias would cement his name in BC history books forever after lifting the first state championship trophy in program history following a superb year, which led to the junior officially signing a letter of intent to wrestle at SIU-Edwardsville in the fall of 2018. "If you know Austin, he won't rest on his success of last season, so he'll be back and better than ever to give us a great one-two combination along with Nick Termini," says Jordan Bakley, who takes over for Vince Govea, who would guide two others to state medals (Omar Awad, Johnny Major) during his tenure, in addition to the two Macias has earned, plus Termini's sixth-place medal last February. Bakley will lean heavily on his two stars while a team that has over 75 percent of its varsity lineup listed as freshmen and sophomores learn on the fly. Yet with that said, Bakley feels his men can compete with all in the Kishwaukee River Conference, headed by favorites Harvard and Marengo.

Cary-Grove

Coach: Will Petersen (2nd year)

Last year: N/A.

Graduation losses: Hayden Hill (152, sectional qualifier, 20w), Ryan Ratkovich (145), Dennis Woodring (220, 9w).

Top returnees: Seniors Adam Pinter (132, sectional qualifier, 24w), Cadin Koeppel (195,2015 sectional qualifier), Wally Marsch (126, sectional qualifier, 14w), Andrew Stokes (285,13w).

New faces in the room: Juniors Connor McCratic (170,182), Caleb Rohrback (126,132), Tyler Strege (145).

Outlook: If the Cary-Grove faithful thought their club lacked experience a year ago, wait until you see Will Petersen's starting lineup this season. "We are so young," admits Petersen, at the start of his second year in charge. "A lot of the guys will be learning on the fly, but we'll get better as things go on, but we should be very good for the next few years." A strong finish a year ago makes co-captain Adam Pinter one to watch, as well as senior Cadin Koeppel, who's back after missing the last month of the season with an ACL injury. As a sophomore, Koeppel came out of nowhere to win 25, while advancing into sectionals where he fell just short of a trip downstate.

Crystal Lake South

Coach: Ross Ryan (11th year)

Last year: 17-16-0.

Graduation losses: Dom Bolanos (195, 26w, U.S. Navy), Anthony Castro, Vince Fontanetta (195, two-time sectional qualifier, 37w, UW-Whitewater), Matt Lancero (132, 6w), Shahyan Malik (160, sectional qualifier, 35w, McHenry County College), Collen Pedersen (170, 16w, McHenry County College).

Top returnees: Seniors Momo Elmeligi (160, 6w); juniors Bardia Amin (120), Noah Laney (220, 17w), Brady Weidner (182, 6w); sophomores: Cameron DeLeon (152, 14w), Peyton Timmons (113, 27w).

New faces in the room: Junior Ethan Greenspan (285); sophomore Jason Burburija (195,22); freshmen Connor Moore (132), Christian Olsen (106), Alex Picchi (126).

Outlook: There's plenty of good news to offset a little bad news surrounding the Gators' program this season. The bad news is the graduation loss of over 120 victories, including 37 from three-year star Vince Fontanetta. On the flip-side, Gators supporters and especially head coach Ross Ryan have much to anticipate even after saying goodbye to a talented bunch that moved on. "There's been a surge in our numbers, resulting in a lot of excitement in and around our room, and with a quality mix of returning wrestlers, plus the addition of some young guys, there's a good chance we will be highly competitive this season," says Ryan. South turned a three-win season two years ago into 17 wins last winter, and with sophomore Peyton Timmons taking the lead, the Gators will have the wind in their sails as they tackle its first year of competition as a 2A team.

Dundee-Crown

Coach: Tim Hayes (3rd year)

Last year: 9-14-0 (2-6-0).

Graduation losses: Conor Nolan (152, 20w), Michael McCorkle, Chase Raap (182, sixth-place state medalist, two-time regional champ, University of Illinois).

Top returnees: Seniors Bradon Rico (126,132), Isaih Ziegler (285, sectional qualifier, 20w); juniors Weston Leith (152, 10w), Colin Mays (138,145, 16w), Callan Schmeiser (138,145, 6w); sophomore Gabriel Scales (120, sectional qualifier, 31w).

New faces in the room: Juniors Jordan Lescaleet (170), Jesus Medelin (145), Richardo Zambrano (113); sophomores Will Finucane (126,132), Wyatt Griggel (182).

Outlook: Can the Chargers find a way to keep their streak of five consecutive state medalists alive this coming season? That's the question head coach Tim Hayes hopes to answer with another one of his men following in the footsteps of former state champion Christian Brunner and his recent protégé Chase Raap, who would fulfill his postseason dream after his well deserved sixth-place finish at 182 last February. "We continue to be a fairly young team, with only two seniors on our roster, but we look to start having more success in our duals during the week as we should be able to fill all 14 weights for the first time in awhile," says Hayes. A trio of returning sectional qualifiers, headlined by big man Isaih Ziegler will direct the D-C attack while others earn their wings during the regular season.

Elgin

Coach: Mark Woollard (3rd year).

Last year: 7-14-0 (0-6-0)

Graduation losses: Max Troyke (152, UEC Ed Washington Award-winner, 15w, double major, Biochemistry, Spanish at Hillsdale College, MI), Angelo Poland (152, sectional qualifier, 35w).

Top returnees: Seniors Jaron Caron (126, 10w), Ivan Gutierrez (113, 7w), Marco Otero (170, 10w), Gonzalo Ramirez (132, 10w).

New faces in the room: Senior Ismael Salazar (285); juniors Spencer Culotta (182), Felipe Franco (220, transfer from Elgin Larkin), Dan Gonzalez (285); sophomores Erie Berri (160), Frank Phothirath (106), Brian Rea (120, 2016 freshmen UEC champ).

Outlook: The Maroons' coaching staff has been diligent in its efforts to get the program back on par with many of their UEC rivals after struggling to stay afloat during the past few seasons. "All of us are all in when it comes to our attempt to bring Maroons wrestling back to where it was, and where we believe it can and should be, and while our numbers will hinder our team success, it will be the individual based performances that will be the focus as we continue to move forward," says Mark Woollard, who is thrilled to have Gutierrez back after missing half of last season due to injuries. The Maroons' head coach points to the high work ethic of his returning trio of Caron, Otero and Ramirez as reasons for a successful 2017-2018 campaign.

Geneva

Coach: Tom Chernich (12th year).

Last year: 9-16-0 (4-2-0).

Graduation losses: Kevin Huck (145, sectional qualifier, 38w), Kelly Larson (182, 24w), Nick Sowers (160, regional champ, 20w).

Top returnees: Seniors Michael Donatelli (160,170, two-time sectional qualifier, 22w), Honor Nguyen (126, two-time sectional qualifier, 19w), Ivan Vilchis (132,138, 2016 sectional qualifier), Junior Max Miller (145, 17 wins).

New faces in the room: Freshman Jace Black (120).

Outlook: The Vikings will miss the nearly 70 victories earned between Kevin Huck and Nick Sowers this season, as well as the leadership each provided in the room for Tom Chernich, who shares some of the problems others tackle in and around the area these days. "We were fortunate to have five guys advance to sectionals, with each of them winning at least one match, and while I believe we can get the same back there, and hopefully all of them downstate, our inability to fill all (14) starting spots is our biggest weakness," admits the head coach. Experience should pay off for the Vikings best three: Michael Donatelli, Honor Nguyen and Ivan Vilchis this season, with both Donatelli and Nguyen already showing they mean business after collecting championship trophies last weekend at the 16-team Ted DeRousse Invite held at Antioch.

Hampshire

Coach: Randy Mitty (1st year).

Last year: N/A

Graduation losses: Pawel Barnas (285, state qualifier, two-time regional champ, 27w), Max McGowen (160, state qualifier, two-time regional champ, 38w, wrestling at St. Cloud State), Arturo Ramos (170, 10w).

Key returnees: Seniors Casey Allen (160, 2016 state qualifier, two-time sectional qualifier, two-time regional champ, 35w), Mark Brown (145, sectional qualifier, 19w), Nathan Price (152, 19w), junior Christian Rivero (120, 24w).

Outlook: Randy Mitty is bullish on his Whip-Purs in advance of his first year in charge of a program that lost two state qualifiers and 65 victories between them, yet still returns plenty of talent to lean on during the early stages of the campaign. "Things are looking great if you're a Hampshire wrestling fan. We have a terrific group of student-athletes who have dedicated themselves to the success of the team, their teammates and themselves, and with a great core group of five seniors, and 15 incoming freshmen, the future is bright around here," says Mitty. Casey Allen will be one to keep an eye on after falling just short of a second consecutive trip downstate, as will Christian Rivero and Nathan Price, who were one win away from joining Allen and Mark Brown at sectionals.

Harvest Christian Academy

Coaches: Shawn Ayers, David Lockwood.

Last year: 4-6-0

Graduation losses: Ricky Lattanzio (152, three-time sectional qualifier, 6w, Elgin Community College).

Top returnees: Senior Dominick Olech (160, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ

New faces in the room: Griffin Ellis (132), Erik Richter (120).

Outlook: Lions athletic director David Lockwood takes over after a one year hiatus, sharing the top job along with Shawn Ayers, who welcomes back three-year veteran Dominick Olech, who won two matches at the high profile Byron sectional a year ago, falling just short of reaching the 1A state tournament. "Our strength will be our numbers, but our weakness is our inexperience, so I expect us to have some struggles early on," admits Lockwood, who has his biggest team in program history with 13. Lockwood says this group has several good athletes who have been like sponges thus far in their desire to improve at both the technical and tactical side of the sport, which he feels will lead to better results when the state series begins.

Huntley

Coach: BJ Bertelsman (8th year)

Last year: 16-9-0 (8-0-0), FVC, regional champions.

Graduation losses: Josh Stenger (2016 state medalist, two-time state qualifier, two-time regional champ, 2016 FVC, sectional champ, 40w, wrestling at UW-LaCrosse), Christian Benetez (285, sectional qualifier, 22w), Joey Armijo (132, sectional qualifier, 27w, wrestling at Harper Community College).

Top returnees: Seniors: Luke Loprieno (145, regional champ, 34w), Jimmy Pellegrino (106, 24w), Juan Quiroz (170, state qualifier, regional champ, 25w), Zach Spencer (126, two-time state qualifier, regional champ, 41w); juniors Michael Jernigan (182, 13w), Gannon Kasowski (138, 6w), Nik Wise (195,220, 13w); sophomores David Ferrante (160, fourth-place state medalist, regional, sectional champ, 29w), Sam Spencer (113, state qualifier, regional champ, 39w).

New faces in the room: Sophomores Matt Burba (220); freshmen Jeremy Jakowitsch (120,126), Andrew Lira (113,120), Alex Pena (132,138), Michael Skoupas (285).

Outlook: Few can match the firepower and bonus points excellence from the Red Raiders' dynamic trio of David Ferrante and Zach and Sam Spencer, bringing a smile to the face of BJ Bertelsman, whose club should be in the fight for a FVC crown along with Crystal Lake Central. "We're a little thin at the upper weights, but we have a lot of quality all throughout the lineup, and several options at the lower end of our lineup with a couple of new guys, depending on how we sort things out," says the Huntley head coach. The sophomore Ferrante could vie for a state title, while the Spencer brothers will be in the mix, as they, and two others, Loprieno and Quiroz, find themselves in the Top 10 of preseason state polls. To keep his men razor sharp, Bertelsman has improved an already high profile weekend schedule by hosting state powers Lockport, Marmion Academy and Mount Carmel at its mid-December double-dual.

Jacobs

Coach: Gary Conrad (6th year).

Last year: 17-6-0 (6-2-0).

Graduation losses: David Dudych (145, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 31w, wrestling at UW-LaCrosse), Beau Harrier (state qualifier, 2016 FVC, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 34w, wrestling at UW-Platteville), Jacob Sabella (two-time sectional qualifier, 35w, Drake University), Loren Strickland (170, two-time sectional qualifier, regional champ, 32w).

Top returnees: Senior Ryan Dykes (195, 12w); juniors Justin Peters (113,120, sectional qualifier, 25w), Johnny Ridle (138,145, 25w), Dominic Tenyuca (132,138, 19w); sophomore Jake Harrier (120,126, state qualifier, regional champ, 35w).

New faces in the room: Freshman Aidan Roberts.

Outlook: The departure of David Dudych, Beau Harrier and Jacob Sabella marked the end of a four-year stretch in which this trio, along with four others the previous year, helped put Jacobs on the wrestling map. "We lost an incredible group of wrestlers the past couple of years who helped us build a high level program, which is now in a rebuilding stage, much like the one we had when I first arrived here," said Conrad. The upper weights will be a challenge for the Jacobs staff during the campaign, but at the lower end, Jake Harrier, one of the best around, will lead the way after taking third overall at Preseason Nationals, and fourth at the prestigious Clash Tourney held at famed Carver Arena in Iowa City. Justin Peters will lend a strong hand after falling one victory short of making it downstate.

Kaneland

Coach: Joe Orozco (4th year)

Last year: 5-16-0.

Graduation losses: Colin Gussman (220, 2017 state medalist, two-time state qualifier, regional champ, 38w, wrestling at Campbell University, NC), Austin Kedzie (120, two-time state medalist, two-time regional champ, 2016 sectional champ, 34w), Hayden Patterson (170, two-time state qualifier, regional champ, 35w), Riley Vanik (182, 2017 third-place state medal, three-time state qualifier, two-time regional champ, sectional champ, 40w, wrestling at St. Cloud State).

Top returnees: Nathan Orosco (113, 120, 2A state medalist, state qualifier, two-time sectional qualifier, 34w), Keith Clausen (145, 152), Trevor Jones (170).

New faces in the room: Calvin McDonald (220, transfer from Marmion Academy).

Outlook: The Knights' big 4 were really something else in the final weeks when Colin Gussman, Austin Kedzie, Hayden Patterson and Riley Vanik concluded their sparkling prep careers with three state medals between them. This superb quartet took with them over 350 career victories, and plenty of hardware, not to mention being the ultimate leaders in Joe Orosco's room. "That was quite a group we had, and we'll miss them all very much, but now it's all about looking to the future, which we hope to build from an increase of numbers," says Orosco, whose sophomore son (Nathan) will be the next bright star in the Knights' lineup following his sixth-place state medal to give the program an unprecedented four medals in 2017.

Larkin

Coach: Michael Hodge (2nd year)

Graduation losses: Hugo Barazza (132, two-time sectional qualifier, 18w, wrestling at Harper Community College), Jose Flores (145, 13w), Hector Perez (220, 14w, wrestling at Harper Community College).

Key returnees: Seniors Jesus Facio (220, 28w), Josh Aros (145,152, 15w); juniors Diego Facio (182), Justin Valle (113, 20w).

New faces in the room: Junior Isai Rios (220,285); sophomore Deujuan Atkins (160).

Outlook: The Royals will miss the veteran leadership of Hugo Barazza, who became the face of the program during three highly successful seasons which came to an abrupt halt in his UEC championship bout with a season-ending injury. Senior Jesus Facio, whose strong offseason which included a fourth-place finish at Greco State and later advancement to nationals at Fargo, appears to be the next in line to take charge. "We've got a good balance of experience and youth this season, and if we can stay healthy, and build with each day, there's a chance we can get a few guys through and into the state tournament," says Michael Hodge. Diego Facio, second at frosh-soph state who also went to Fargo, is part of the upper weight strength of the Royals, as is newcomer Isai Rios, who is coming off a 14-2 JV record from a year ago.

Marmion Academy

Coach: Donny Reynolds (4th year).

Last year: 18-3-0 (regional champion, 3A Elite 8).

Graduation losses: Anthony Cheloni (138, three-time state medalist, four-time regional champ, two-time CCL champ, wrestling at UW-Parkside, 48w) Jake Polka (145, two-time state qualifier, two-time regional champ, wrestling at UW-Parkside, 36w), Austin Esposito (170, 35w), Calvin McDonald (285, transfer to Kaneland, 18w).

Top returnees: Nate Jimenez (2017 state runner-up, three-time state medalist, two-time CCL, regional champ, 39w) Tyler Surges (state qualifier, 23w); juniors Jake Bazukas (9w), Nathan Callaway (sectional qualifier, 10w), Trevor Chumbley (fourth-place state medalist, regional champ, 39w), Peter Ferraro (fifth-place state medalist, regional champ, 35w), Ryan Fleck (24w), Brad Gross (third-place state medalist, two-time state medalist, regional champ, 38w), Michael Jaffe (state qualifier, regional champ, 33w); Jacob Tinajera (sectional qualifier, 8w).

New faces in the room: Freshman Diego Sotelo (106).

Outlook: One year after graduating an elite class that was state runners-up the Cadets, with several newcomers in their starting lineup, qualified eight into the state tournament while earning a place in the 3A dual-team state tournament. "Our goal this year, and every year is to win a state championship," begins head coach Donny Reynolds, "and we plan to achieve that goal by getting better every day, while having a positive attitude about wanting to compete against the best competition in the country, win or lose." Reynolds lost plenty of firepower from his 2017 team, including his three-time state medalist, Anthony Cheloni, but the cupboard isn't bare beginning with the Michigan State bound-Nate Jimenez, who became a favorite to win it all following his second place finish last season. The four-year star will be joined by a talented and team group of teammates who will be tested each and every weekend against a first-class schedule, both here in the state as well as on the road when they travel to the nationally ranked Ironman in Ohio, and later to The Clash in Minnesota. "When we finally get everyone back and sorted out, we'll be ready to go for whatever comes our way," said Reynolds after his club finished fifth overall at the Moore-Prettyman despite missing five starters.

St. Charles East

Coach: Jason Potter (6th year).

Last year: 23-5-0 (6-0-0), UEC, regional champs.

Graduation losses: Colin Glidewell (182, state qualifier, regional champ, 20w), Louis Gordon (132, sectional qualifier, UEC champ, 28w), Malik Hatch (160, 20w), Max Hatch (170, regional champ, 36w), Joe Ruffino (106, two-time state qualifier, two-time UEC, regional champ, 40w), Lucson Schneider (126, regional champ, 25w), Max Schumann (285, regional champ, 10w).

Top returnees: Senior Niko Derain (145, 2016 UEC champ, 33w; juniors Ben Anderson (120, state qualifier, UEC, regional champ, 37w), Justin Benjamin (126, two-time state qualifier, two-time UEC, regional champ, 37w), Justin Hull (285, 27w), Tommy Schoeder (152, 28w); sophomore Peyton Schoeder (120, 17w).

New faces in the room: Juniors Mark Guerrero (113), Carter Nutting (138); freshman Jake Penzato (106).

Outlook: Jason Potter believes his men can win a second consecutive UEC and regional crown after lifting both trophies last season ending the long hold of regional supremacy by perennial power Glenbard North. "Our first couple of weeks of practice have been promising, but the key to our success will be to stay healthy while building momentum as we go through the season and a tough schedule we've put together," says the head coach, who had to be thrilled with the effort of his short-handed club last weekend when the Saints finished second overall at the high profile Hruska Wrestling Classic. "While it's true we lost over 200 victories, and some terrific talent from all throughout our lineup, we feel we have a strong new wave of wrestlers who are ready to step into the spotlight this season." Ben Anderson, Justin Benjamin and Niko Derain are already there, with the high-powered duo of Anderson and Benjamin, both state qualifiers, carrying off championship rings last weekend at the Hruska. "Those two are key at the lower end, as will be Mark Guerrero, who has been behind Joe Ruffino but is ready to assume his role as one of top guys in our lineup," adds Potter. Outside of the UEC schedule, the Saints meet several Top 20 opponents, making weekend trips ones to give Potter and his staff a true barometer of just where his club stands.

St. Charles North

Coach: Mark Zenner (2nd year)

Last year: N/A.

Graduation losses: Kolbe O'Brien (132, three-time state qualifier, two-time regional champ, 37w), Chad Reynolds (152, sectional qualifier, 23w), Drew Schmidt (138, 10w), Dominic Testa (160, sectional qualifier, 11w).

Top returnees: Senior Jake Thomason (106); junior Evaisson Schramm (113)

Outlook: The North Stars have been losing the numbers game, with Mark Zenner finding it nearly impossible to get himself enough able-bodied wrestlers to fill out his lineup card to compete. "The guys that we have are just great. They work hard and do all the right things, but we just cannot get enough kids into our room, and stay in the program long enough for us to build from, and this year is no different than the past couple of years," says Zenner, who admits to having just under a dozen on his roster. Making matters worse, if possible, was the loss of the Stars' tremendous three-time state qualifier, Kolbe O'Brien, who leaves with over 130 career victories, and countless tournament titles listed on his sterling prep resume.

South Elgin

Coach: Mark Cameron (13th year).

Last year: 5-12-0 (2-3-0)

Graduation losses: Mike Lombardo (145, 18w), Angel Rios (126, sectional qualifier, 21w, wrestling at Milikin University), Michael Stover (152, 9w).

Top returnees: Seniors Bobby Tomabene (state qualifier, 31w), Tony Vera (132, 22w); juniors Alex Tomabene (sectional qualifier, 18w).

New faces in the room: Senior Sami Aldabbagh (195, 2016 sectional qualifier).

Outlook: Don't let that five-win season from a year ago fool you, the Storm were a tough out last year which would show when they advanced four 20-win players into sectionals, including Bobby Tomabene who made it all the way into the 16-man state field in Champaign. "This year's team is a group of guys who have a great work ethic and chemistry among them, which they have developed together over the past few seasons," begins head coach Mark Cameron. "There's experience in some weight classes, not so much in others so we'll go as far as our young guys go. As always, we will compete hard with whomever our opponent is each week, with the ultimate goal of being on the podium in late February." The aforementioned Tornabene was a Greco National Team member this past offseason.

Streamwood

Coach: Bill Peach (13th year)

Last year: 10-5-0.

Graduation losses: Andres Luna (106, sectional qualifier, 16w), Juan Perez (220, 8w), Juan Ramirez (120, 19w), Jordan Ryan (285, 17w), Alan Segovia (195, 13w).

Top returnees: Seniors Christian Hernandez (145), Jordan Ramirez (182), Sal Renteria (138), Nick Rodriguez (170, 7w); juniors Mike Brewer (145), David Perez (145), Javier Perez (132, 3w), Alfonso Reyna (152), Kris Smith (113); sophomore Buddy Martines (132).

New faces in the room: Junior Josh Morris (160); sophomore Devin Lambert 138).

Outlook: As program numbers continue to rise, so does the hope for better times ahead for Sabres head coach Bill Peach. "We've climbed to 40 kids in our program, and that's a very good number for us, and although there isn't a lot of experience on our varsity, it's a hard working bunch of guys who want to do the things to get better," says Peach. "We had to spend a lot of time early on the technical side of things, so our fitness isn't were it should be, but that will come in time as we continue to spend time in the room." Senior Nick Rodriguez, who was one win from advancing into sectionals is just one of three returning players from last year's regional lineup.

West Aurora

Coach: Andrew Plata (2nd year).

Last year: 11-8-0 (4-1-0).

Graduation losses: Isaac Jacquez (four-time state qualifier, two-time state medalist, two-time UEC, regional champ, 45w, wrestling at Lindenwood University, MO.), Jordan Johnson (152, 15w), Josh Mayhew (285, 22w), Aaron Medlin (220, 15w), Mat Miller (170, 18w), Steve Norman (182, sectional qualifier, 40w, wrestling at Ellsworth Community College, IA.), Jordan Wellington (160, 24w), Thomas Yarbrough.

Top returnees: Senior Juan Carillo (28w); juniors Reid Medlin (22w) Johnny Acevedo (31w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Fabian Alonso-Barth, Armando Ferrer, Mike Hunger, Joe Stevenson; juniors Joey Chacon, Andre Jones, Parrish Watson.

Outlook: How do you replace four-year star Isaac Jacquez, who left with a program-record 166 victories, four trips downstate, countless individual trophies, as well as a constant provider of bonus points in the Blackhawks' score line. "Issac and Steve (Norman) were big-time contributors, and we had several other very good wrestlers that graduated, but our lineup this season is filled with tough individuals, and it will be exciting to see who stands out and emerges as our points leaders as the season progresses," says head coach Andrew Plata.