No surprises — Fox Valley favorites all move on at state wrestling meet

CHAMPAIGN — The favorites from the Fox Valley area did little to show otherwise on this-the first day of the state tournament here at State Farm Arena.

No. 1 Trevor Chumbley (Marmion Academy, 138, 42-2) was near perfect, as was the Aurora Christian trio of Cameron Johnson (120, 36-6), Noah Villareal (126, 42-3) and Zeke Marshall (138, 43-3), all of whom starred here a year ago, and quite likely will shine even brighter two days from now.

This AC unit was three of eight that advanced into Friday's quarterfinals, seven of which recorded pins in a show of dominance at Class 1A.

Reigning Class 2A state champ Austin Macias (Burlington Central, 126, 32-3) was equally unstoppable — needing just 45 seconds to move ahead one step.

The same can be said for one of the men at 160 in 2A, Casey Allen (Hampshire) whose magnificent individual performance last weekend at sectionals, along with the same top-flight effort from St. Charles East's Ben Anderson (120) will have fans watching the progress of this terrific twosome.

All those mentioned will open quarterfinals Friday, with the victors moving into the semifinals, where a win sends all into the Grand March on Saturday evening.

The aforementioned Allen, who was shutout from a repeat trip to Champaign a year ago after qualifying his sophomore year, looked the part of a state finalist after his pin at 4:33 to set up a match with Johnny Darrah (38-3) of Mt. Olive today.

“It was all about watching film, drilling, and just cleaning a few things up leading up to us coming down on Wednesday. I couldn't wait for things to get started,” said Allen.

The No. 5 rated Anderson (41-1) has separated himself from nearly all of the pack at 120 this season, collecting championship trophies in the postseason at the UEC and regional tourneys, and highlighted by his flawless work last weekend to win the Larkin sectional crown.

“Ben has been on a mission since last year. His maturity and experience has allowed him to stay calm, and focused regardless of the situation he's in,” said Saints coach Jason Potter.

“He does a great job focusing on scoring the next point, and I really believe it has allowed him to have more fun when wrestling.”

“The difference is I've become a twelve-month wrestler, spending a ton of time in the room going to camps, Fargo, and just becoming ‘all-in' with the sport and the Potter brothers, who I trust and respect so much,” said Anderson.

The two-time state qualifier left little doubt he's ready to go this weekend after his 0-2 result here last season — crushing his quality first round opponent from Lincoln-Way West, Garrett Geigner to set up a his quarterfinal with Tommy Frezza (Stevenson, 38-5) who sent the Saints star packing following a loss in wrestlebacks last season.

“There isn't that ‘deer in the headlights' look with Ben here after looking like that last year — he is so focused, and ready for anything,” added Potter.

Anderson's UEC rival from Geneva (Michael Donatelli, 47-3) bounced back from a subpar third place finish at regionals with a tremendous solo effort to earn top honors at sectionals, and a top four seed at 160, and would continue to look sharp during the fall he recorded Thursday.

Donatelli's win means a quarterfinal against No. 6 Brad Gross (Marmion Academy, 10-1) who recently returned from a season long stint on the disabled list to win conference, regionals and sectionals.

Marmion's Nate Jimenez, who spent a long stretch on the injured list as well, marked his return with a title at sectionals, and an edgy 5-4 win over DJ Chisum (Zion-Benton, 30-9) in his state opener.

Fox Valley Conference and recent regional champion Huntley, here with seven, watched three advance (Sammy Spencer (113), Zach Spencer (126) and David Ferrante (160, 33-3) but was unable to get its other big man, Juan Quiroz (170, 41-7), to join in after getting caught and pinned by Gabe Matar of Naperville North.

The Red Raiders' all-time career leader in victories (Zach Spencer, 43-7) has a big task ahead of him when he faces No. 1 Robert Precin (41-1) of Andrew Friday.

Cary-Grove, Dundee-Crown and Jacobs fans were able to enjoy one of their heroes success on the first day of action — Jacobs with Jake Harrier (37-4) at 120, D-C and its heavyweight, Isaiah Ziegler, and Cary-Grove senior Cadin Koeppel.

Next up for Koeppel (36-5) is Josh Anderson (33-10) of Edwardsville at 220 after his defeat of Jesus Facio from Larkin, while Ziegler (41-5) recorded his 31st pin of the season to book his place against Nick Skentzos (36-14) from Lincoln-Way West.

Harrier held off Rehan Uribe (Mt. Carmel, 31-3) to keep his medal hopes alive after his 5-4 victory ended a long first round drought for head coach Gary Conrad.

“I don't know how long it's been since we won a state opener, so this one feels real good right now,” said Conrad.