Scouting Northwest suburban wrestling teams
MID-SUBURBAN EAST
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Dave Durlacher (second year)
Last year: 14-7 overall, 3-2 in East
Key losses: Jon Camporese (19 wins, Iowa State), Tim Cardwell (12 wins, Iowa State), Sean Bailey.
Top returnees: Seniors Kevin Compton (285, state qualifier, regional champ, 32 wins), Jeff Streau (112, sectional qualifier, 25 wins), Mickey Delaney (130), Stephen Vyskocil (145), Kyle Barbosa (189); juniors Kyle Czarnecki (160, sectional qualifier, 32 wins), Jason Sandoval (103), James Blackman (140), Kevin Alvarez (171), John Pischak (285); sophomore Jamie Zabrin (152, 13 wins).
New on the mats: Seniors Ethan Bierman (189), Shadi Omar (145); sophomores Ryan Sparks (125), Sean O'Regan (135), Joey Roberts (119), Zev Katz, Mark Zdanewicz.
Outlook: Huge turnaround last year under Durlacher saw his club go from 7-15 in 2006 and help ignite hope for future. That challenge to do so may be on hold while Durlacher awaits return of state-qualifier Compton to the first 14, as well as three others (Vyskocil, Barbosa and Pischak) in the coming weeks. "This is a real gritty, scrappy group that are ready to go. Our only problem will be to fill out our lineup early on with guys missing," said the 1986 state medal winner. Late-season run by eventual sectional qualifier Czarnecki shows the junior is ready to step to the next level.
Elk Grove
Coach: Peter Wang (third year)
Last year: sixth in East
Key losses: Nick Hodge (20 wins, did not return), Jim Klein, Dan Klein
Top returnees: Seniors Robert Pechacek (140, state qualifier, MSL, regional champion, 31 wins), Dean DiMaso (125), Kamil Broda (130, 14 wins), Greg Reddington (135, 10 wins), Matt Evans (103), Mike Czuylo (171), Alejandro Murillo; sophomore Dave Tbileh (112, 119).
New on the mats: Senior Rich Szaflarski (189, 215); juniors Joe Wimmer (162), Mike Alcazar (140, 145); sophomore Brett Lesniak (152, 160).
Outlook: Grens will be led by returning state qualifier Pechacek, whose work ethic and dedication made him a worthy state qualifier and post-season champion at two stops before making his trip downstate. "Robert is the guy we will look to be the leader once again," said Wang of the four-year veteran, who also turned in a quality soccer season. "We're going to be better because of solid core of returning senior starters, and we're going to hopefully build from that group of guys." The Grens got in trouble last year when they failed to fill out a full lineup, but Wang believes it will be easier to do so near the first of the year after sorting out a few of the incoming rookies.
Hersey
Coach: Jim Wormsley (sixth year)
Last year: 5-15 overall
Key losses: Kevin Hayes (sectional qualifier, 27 wins), Larz Campbell (20 wins), Keith Mier (sectional qualifier, 19 wins).
Top returnees: Seniors Nick Herling (125, sectional qualifier, 18 wins), Brad Carmody (171, 14 wins), Kyle Stortenbecker (189, 12 wins), Steve Long (285), Hale Petersen (140); junior Rory Petersen (130); sophomores Kevin Snodgrass (112), Chris Raleigh.
New on the mats: Seniors Vince Porretta (215), Mike Delahanty (215); sophomores Keith Carmody (119), Sean Bonner (135), Demetrius Mitchell (145); freshmen Josh Simmons (103), Brandon Carman (103), Jeff Koepke (152).
Outlook: Finish in the middle of the pack last weekend during the 31-team tournament at Barrington signals the Huskies are on the upswing after a few lean seasons during a major rebuilding project. "It's a real positive start for us (Barrington), but we want improvement every time out this season in order to have a strong second half, including our conference tournaments," says Wormsley. Having Herling and Carmody healthy and back for a full season is important as both performed well enough to wrestle back into contention for an MSL medal (Herling fourth; Carmody seventh). Long was a pleasant surprise at 285 and recorded a pair of falls en route to his fifth-place finish. More depth on the Huskies' roster will make this club one not to take lightly.
Prospect
Coach: Gary McMorrow (25th year)
Last Year: 23-5 overall, East champ, MSL champ, regional champion.
Key losses: David Petlicki (4-time sectional qualifier, 33 wins), Mike Giannola (sectional qualifier, 22 wins), Brandan Zaucha (3-time sectional qualifier, 31 wins), Nic Roome (sectional qualifier, 24 wins).
Top returnees: Seniors Peter Zintak (189, 2-time state qualifier, sixth place state in 2006, 2-time MSL, regional, sectional champion, 44 wins), Jonny Brennan (119, 125, 2006 state qualifier, 2-time sectional qualifier, 2-time MSL champion, 33 wins), Tyler Rossdeutcher (119, 125, state qualifier, regional champion, 36 wins), Andrew Mercer (140, sectional qualifier, 26 wins), Mike Kraak (145, MSL champion, sectional qualifier, 24 wins), Brendon Smith (160, sectional qualifier, 13 wins), Bill Iversen (152, 15 wins); junior Matt Boggess (135, state qualifier, 2-time MSL, regional, sectional champion, 45 wins)
New on the mats: Seniors Brian Iversen (140, 145, JV MSL champ), Phil Semar (140, 145, JV MSL champ), Tim Gaddini (145, 152); junior George Wrobell (112, JV MSL champ); sophomore Leo Clark (103).
Outlook: Defending MSL champion has a trio of potential state medal winners on its roster this season and another Rossdeutcher who earned a trip downstate last February and is among the top in his weight. "There is no reason why we cannot be a strong contender to repeat in the MSL East and for the overall conference title again this season," says McMorrow, after guiding his club to its best season in school history. "With that said, we've got some holes in the lineup that we need to patch before we're able to make it all happen this year." Zintak and Boggess were just one match away from the medal round at state tournament and are poised to make a serious run at a top-three finish in Champaign later, while Knights will also lean heavily on trio of Mercer, Kraak and Smith to do even more to make up for graduation losses.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Dave Froehlich (29th year)
Last year: 10-11 overall
Key losses: Dan Robertson (sectional qualifier, 25 wins, Harper), Chaji Ojeda (20 wins).
Top returnees: Seniors Joe Mandozzi (112, 28 wins), Riley Albers (135, 17 wins, 3rd, MSL), 285, Mikal Johnson (sectional qualifier, regional champion, 12 wins), Sebastian Matei (189, 18 wins), Mike Bisognani (130); juniors Tom Davidson (215, sectional qualifier, 27 wins), Marc Vigna (152, 10 wins) , Moses Kim (125), Steve Orchell.
New on the mats: Senior Sean Campbell (145); juniors Tim Herff (160), Bill Devona (171), Mike Medsker (103), Andrew Smaida (140).
Outlook: With 11 starters back, Mustangs should easily improve on sub-500 record from a year ago with the help of terrific trio of Davidson, Albers and Johnson. Impressive showing at power-packed Glenbard North sectional last February by Davidson means junior is not far off of pace in his weight class. Same can be said for Johnson, who is athletic enough to compete with big boys on most nights. "Just as in the prior couple of seasons, we'll start slow and will not really find ourselves until after the first of the year," says Froehlich. "After that I look for us to build some momentum and be ready for the conference tournament and post-season."
Wheeling
Coach: Neal Weiner (22nd year).
Last year: 18-5 overall, MSL runner-up, regional champion.
Key losses: Nick Bledsoe (state qualifier, MSL champ, regional champ, 22 wins, ISU), Eric Nicpan (sectional qualifier, 27 wins, Iowa State), Nick Heineman (sectional qualifier, 27 wins, Roger Williams College), Lewis Rangel (sectional qualifier, 25 wins, North Park), Saung Erdene (UIC), Anthony Tarullo (Harper).
Top returnees: Seniors Max Nowry (103, state second place, 2-time state qualifier, MSL, regional, sectional champion, 42 wins, national freestyle and greco champion), Matt Smith (152, 2-time state qualifier, 32 wins), Abel Rangel (160, 2-time state qualifier, 27 wins), Joe Kent (145, sectional qualifier, regional champion, 31 wins), Danny Vargas (189, sectional qualifier, regional champion, 27 wins), David Aranda (sectional qualifier, 25 wins), Eric Tolendano (285), juniors Enkhbaatar Erdene-Ochi (140), Joe Cachione (125).
New on the mats: Senior Dan Huerta (152), Eddie Brito (215); junior Leonel Vargas (135), Mike Guzman (171); freshmen Luke Smith (112), Mike Smith (119).
Outlook: Where the Wildcats are good, they are very good. Beginning with Nowry, ranked No. 1 in the country at 103, and right on through with Smith, Rangel and Kent, this quartet is among the best in the area this season. Add veteran sectional qualifiers Aranda and Vargas to the mix and Wildcats have to be given nod as early favorite to rule in the MSL. "We still have a lot of work and a long way to go," says Weiner. "Having a strong second day to lift us into a fourth-place tie with Grant last weekend at Barrington shows we do some very good things this season if we continue to work hard." Medal winning effort last weekend at prestigious Moore-Prettyman shows freshmen duo of Luke-Matt Smith are ready to contribute in a big way after Nowry in lower end of lineup.
MID-SUBURBAN WEST
Barrington
Coach: Al Strobl (first year)
Last year: 14-7, regional champ
Key losses: Josh Fiorito (5th place state, MSL, regional champion, 40 wins, Lindenwood (Mo.) University), Chandler Wiseman (5th place state, MSL, sectional champion, 43 wins), Jon Sesso (3-time state qualifier, MSL champion, 41 wins, Wheaton College), Dave Kneisel (sectional qualifier, 34 wins, University of Chicago), Jeff Sayre (sectional qualifier, 27 wins, football walk-on at Nebraska), Gabe Pattison (sectional qualifier, regional champion, 24 wins, Augustana), Mike Santiago (sectional qualifier, 16 wins, Harper), Cody Seeger (152, concentrating on football).
Top returnees: Senior Kyle Krull (152); junior Beau Conrad (112, 11 wins).
New on the mats: Seniors AJ Brander (119), Marcus Kuiper (160); junior C.J. Williams (145); sophomores Troy Morrison (215), Dan Santoro (171), Dan Griffin (130); freshman Dakota Wapotish (125).
Outlook: Major graduation losses gutted roster, which produced plenty of history-making efforts during a memorable 3-year run. Former Broncos assistant and 2-time state champ Strobl takes over knowing what is ahead in the immediate future and beyond. "We'll have our struggles and growing pains this season, but with our underclassmen and what will coming through from our club program, there is no reason why we cannot be back near the top in another year or two," said Strobl, who won back-to-back state championships (91-92) and a fifth-place medal in 1990. The Broncos' new coach is looking to build around the duo of Santoro, a MSL freshman champion, and Wapotish.
Conant
Coach: John Kane (eighth year)
Last year: 7-0 in MSL, West champs, third in MSL tourney
Key losses: Adam Haftl (state qualifier, regional champion, 30 wins, Harper), Corey King (2-time sectional qualifier, MSL champion, 32 wins, Iowa), Neal Patel, Matt Johnson.
Top returnees: Seniors Adam Wright (130, sectional qualifier, 25 wins), Mark Chereso (152, 16 wins), Rick Clifford (160, regional champion, 10 wins), Steve Barnett (119); juniors Joe Patricelli (171, Cadet National qualifier, 15 wins), Tyler King (135, sectional qualifier, 28 wins); sophomore Nick Shay (112).
New on the mats: Senior Mike Fioretti (119); juniors Nick Bonnett (145), Peter Goergen (145), Craig Davies (215), Nate Johnson (285).
Outlook: Perennial MSL power surprised everyone a year ago by going clean through the competition, including a stunning early-season victory to win the division crown when nearly everyone conceded that trophy to Barrington. "It's always one of the goals for our program to win the division, then conference," said Kane, who helped guide the Cougars' 29th divisional title last year with a club that nearly never gave away matches or relinquished major decisions and falls to always stay close to its opponents. Patricelli may be ready to make an imprint on the area after his third-place finish last weekend at the Feutz Classic, while Wright, Chereso and Clifford, who all came on strong in the second-half of last season, join three-year starter King to form a formidable foursome.
Fremd
Coach: Ralph Cortez (14th year).
Last year: fifth in West.
Key losses: Mike Froehlich (sectional qualifier, 23 wins, Illinois), Alex Rizzo (19 wins, Augustana), Jim O'Shea (sectional qualifier, 18 wins), Ryan Graham (10 wins).
Top returnees: Seniors John LaPointe (285, state qualifier, regional champion, 32 wins), Luke Megleo (125, 18 wins), Bryan Optiz (sectional qualifier, 215, 19 wins), Eric Klen (140); juniors Ben Perna (215, 2006 state qualifier, missed all of 2007 due to injury), Willie Tham (119), Bret Optiz (160); sophomore Travis LaShiava (112, 20 wins).
New on the mats: Juniors Jon Hotchkins (103), Rich Stanton (130); sophomores Ben Bodycot (145), Jimmy Norris (285), Hansol Choi (125, 130), Drini Bajnama (135).
Outlook: Return of Perna after serious injury robbed him of his sophomore year gives Cortez terrific talent at top of line-up and the type of boost to jump-start program that boasts 85 strong this year. "Ben still isn't 100 percent yet, but having him back alongside LaPointe gives us a solid chance each time out at those weights and the leadership we need on this team as well," says Cortez. "This group we have is committed to getting better, what we need is for some of them to make that next step in order to make a contribution on the varsity level." Good blend of returning starters (89 wins) and several promising sophomores give Vikings chance to shine brighter following a sub-par season.
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Bill Scully (17th year).
Last year: 3-2 in West, second in regional.
Key losses: Danny Miller (state qualifier, MSL, regional champ, 41 wins, Harper), Bhavik Patel (29 wins, MSL, regional runner-up, Illinois), Jimmy DeSalvo (sectional qualifier).
Top returnees: Senior Justin Busca (119, 19 wins); juniors Tommy Wadas (135, 142, 25 wins, MSL runner-up, regional champ), Nico Silvestri (130, 31 wins, MSL runner-up, sectional qualifier), Rocco Silvestri (140, 18 wins), Jose Flores (215, sectional qualifier), Mike Eisele (285); sophomores Patrick Scully (112, 119, 31 wins, MSL, regional runner-up),Brian Kempf (112, 15 wins).
New on the mats: Juniors Justin Harris (103), Andrew Pettit (160); sophomores Nick Zielinski (112), Justin Lovrich (145), Steve Green (160).
Outlook: The Hawks are on the cusp of being mentioned as a potential top-3 finisher in the MSL following second-place regional finish and the return of several from that club. "We've got some extremely tough individuals who are capable of scoring enough points to make us a strong tournament team," said Scully, whose club is among the youngest in the MSL. "We will need to rely on some of our young guys who are making progress because of the strength in our room to give us a lift at the end of the year." Wadas, who fell one place short of advancing downstate, is nearing elite status at his weight, as is Patrick Scully, who captured a regional title as a freshman. Look for more from junior Nico Silvestri and 215-pounder (Flores) as well.
Palatine
Coach: Dan Collins (fourth year)
Last year: fourth in West
Key loss: Chris Garcia (sectional qualifier, 33 wins).
Top returnees: Seniors Dale Jarosz (125, 4th place state, 3-time state qualifier, 3-time MSL, regional, sectional champion, 46 wins), Ross Grande (152, 2-time sectional qualifier, MSL champion, 39 wins), Zack Zordan (130), Brian Mnichowicz (140), Chris Dimeo (135), Ryan Gerdes (145), Dan Sutton (160); juniors Ryan Cortez (171, 10 wins), Justin Downey (285).
New on the mats: Senior Eddie Lopez (119); juniors Tom Laskowske (103), Brian O'Shea (189); sophomores Leshon Mejias (125), Phil Howe (215).
Outlook: Pirates have terrific 1-2 punch in Jarosz-Grande and solid supporting cast including junior Cortez, recently named to the all-area football team. "There's strength on this roster, but we need to get everyone back and healthy before the (Berman) tournament in order to be ready for the second-half of the season," said Collins, who awaits the return of three starters. Jarosz capped second straight 40-plus win season with state medal, but the four-year star has eyes on bigger and better things, as does Grande, who will use a fourth-place finish at sectionals as motivation in Champaign. Mnichowicz, Dimeo, Gerdes, Sutton and Downey will all benefit from first full year with big club last season.
Schaumburg
Coach: Matt Gruszka (first year).
Last year: 10-9 overall
Key losses: Jesse Gonzalez (2-time sectional qualifier, 29 wins), Chad Olson (16 wins).
Top returnees: Seniors PJ Starnes (145, sectional qualifier, 23 wins), Sergio Gomez (125, 130, 18 wins), Sean Cottini (130, 20 wins), Matt Felde (140, 10 wins); juniors Kevin Quinn (215, sectional qualifier, 15 wins), Evan Hafner (119, 125, 19 wins), Craig Cruz (189, 15 wins), John Mejia (285), Craig Cabrerea (152, 10 wins), Joe Pokol (160, 171); sophomore Hamza Akram (119).
New on the mats: Sophomore Dan Malik (171); freshman Shane Hafner (103).
Outlook: After 13 years as assistant at division rival Hoffman Estates, Gruszka takes over a program that features a handful of quality returning starters and plenty of youth to challenge the upbeat first-year coach. "I really believe there's a lot of excitement in the room this year," offers Gruszka. "We've changed the style of how we wrestle and added a few things with each guy and tried to make everyone attack more on the mats. We're going to learn early on from mistakes, but I see this group coming back even stronger from those lessons." Gruszka says the middle of his lineup led by Starnes (second at Feutz last weekend) and Gomez are the strength of his club right now, but three-fifths of the Saxons' offensive line (Cruz, Quinn and Mejia) are back after on-the-job training last season at the upper weights.
WEST SUBURBAN GOLD
Leyden
Coach: Jason Potter (third year)
Last year: 16-4 overall, 5-1 and WSG champs, regional runnerup
Key losses: Chris Reed (3-time sectional qualifier, 31 wins, Illinois), David Turner (18 wins), Juan Giron (19 wins).
Top returnees: Seniors Matt Soch (145, 3-time sectional qualifier, 29 wins), Bhavik Patel (103, 112, 2006 sectional qualifier, 26 wins), Isaiah Recenos (119, 28 wins), Mike Cocozza (130, 135, 22 wins), Mike Feldman (160, sectional qualifier, 28 wins), Nick Cassano (171, sectional qualifier, 20 wins), John Burke (285, sectional qualifier, 21 wins); juniors Adam Schammert (152, 2-time sectional qualifier, 26 wins), Brian Andronic (135, 140), Jose Flores (125, 130), Jerry Larsen (189), sophomores Angel Maldonado (189), Dan Kiebler (215).
New on the mats: Jose Meneses (103), Jesse Marentes (125), Alonso Chavarria (140, 145).
Outlook: Eagles will use final regular-season victory over Hinsdale South from a year ago as a springboard to the 2007-08 season. Win gave the club a desired and deserved divisional title. "When we sat down with a lot of these guys as freshmen, we said hard work and dedication will be rewarded some day," said Potter. "We are there now, but the team isn't satisfied or taking anything for granted. Everyone is working harder knowing the sky is the limit." Potter feels a regional crown is a reasonable goal in late February, as is sending many on and through the sectionals and into the state tournament. Soch, Schammert, Cocozza and Patel are the Eagles' star power. However, look for others from a veteran lineup to break-through along the way.
CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTH
Maine West
Coach: Lance Weber (first year).
Last year: 9-10 overall, 2-3 CSL North
Key losses: Andrew Smith (2-time sectional qualifier, 35 wins, Oakton), Dan Hetzner (2006 sectional qualifier, 31 wins), John Giannos (sectional qualifier, 32 wins, Oakton).
Top returnees: Seniors Oscar Herrera (285, 2-time sectional qualifier, 18 wins), Sean Grappe (119, 125, 21 wins), Tyler Gratz (171); junior Danny Lowe (135, sectional qualifier, 16 wins); sophomore Chris Pack (135, 140, 29 wins).
New on the mats: Senior Josh Gustafson (189); sophomores Eisen Punoose (112), Jeff Vernola (130).
Outlook: West grad and 1997 state champ Weber takes over and brings enthusiasm and a high-profile resume to the Warriors, who appear to have a solid core of returning veterans. "The great thing about this group is they all want to do better, they're open to new ideas and they all help push each other during practice," said Weber, who won his state title at 125 and helped lead the Warriors to a 24-1 overall record that season. Weber is looking for bigger and better things from Pack, who came out of nowhere in his rookie season to win nearly 30 matches, as well as Herrera, who in '06 was a regional champion and runner-up last year at York.
EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC
St. Viator
Coach: Ben Hamilton (first year)
Last year: 1-6 in ESCC
Key losses: Peter Straka (24 wins, ESCC runner-up, 135, 2006 sectional qualifier), Tony Cukierski, Nick Giovannetti.
Top returnees: Seniors Vince Sabatello (130, sectional qualifier, 29 wins), Jack Joyce (189, 215), Chris Corey (160, 171), Kevin Huidobro (140, 145), Ryan Voyda (125), Patrick Chapman (130), Brian Romani (152, 160); juniors Pat Hughes (119, 125), Richard Rittmeyer (171, 189).
New on the mats: Sophomores Eric Abrahamian (152, 160), Donny Calmeyn (145, 152), TJ Hohendel (152, 160), Bill Rittmeyer (140, 145); freshmen Danny Sabatello (112), Matt Izzy (125, 130), Mike Liccari (125).
Outlook: Once again the Lions and their ESCC counterparts will be chasing state-power Marist, which last season won its 18th straight conference title. Despite that daunting task, Hamilton remains optimistic that better times are ahead for his program. "I am excited that we have 25-30 kids in our room that are dedicated and working hard to get in shape for the coming season," he said. "We may have a little trouble filling out our entire lineup in the early going, but with a solid group of freshmen and sophomores around, the future is looking a little brighter with each day." The Lions bulked up their non-conference schedule with the addition of a trip to the Prettyman-Moore tourney, which should go a long way toward giving one of the best in the area (Sabatello) more exposure and experience with those whom he'll face in the post-season in his weight class.