Rolling Meadows' Davidson steps it up

There's no denying that Thomas Davidson is growing into one of the top wrestlers at his weight class in the area this season.

Picking up where he left off last February, when the Rolling Meadows junior came from nowhere to advance into the rugged Glenbard North sectional, Davidson has captured two tournament titles already this season and enters Saturday's Hinsdale Central Invite with a perfect 14-0 record.

"We knew that (Davidson) would be a good wrestler when he came in as a freshmen," said Meadows coach Dave Froehlich. "But he sure has gotten a whole lot better than we expected, also."

Froehlich believes Davidson, who joined the Mustangs' program without any club experience under his belt, has stepped up a level for three reasons.

"Thomas is a bright kid, and such a quick learner," says Froehlich. "That and the fact that he's matured as a wrestler, because he finally has gotten more match experience. Especially late last season when he qualified for sectionals and then wrestled really well and showed that he belonged."

The 189-pounder, who will likely battle Prospect standout Peter Zintak in front in the race for MSL honors later, recently joined the top-rated Zintak by earning a No. 8 ranking in this week's Illinois Matmen.com list.

Davidson (27-13 last year), who lifted the top prize at Conant in the first week of the season and again last weekend at Rockford East, may be in line to face No. 2 Gordon Kickels of Lemont at the 24-team tourney in Hinsdale.

"Having to wrestle (Kickels) would be a terrific test for Thomas," says Froehlich, "and one that he's ready for."

Froehlich says the junior has few weaknesses in his overall game, and succeeds, in part, with the ability to react on the fly to nearly anything his opponent might throw at him.

Davidson, who also won some matches for the Mustangs at 215 last season, brings the toughness needed to compete at an athletic, power-driven division thanks in part to success along the offensive line and plenty of off-season work as well.

"Last year you saw (him) win a lot of 4-3, 5-2 matches.. this year he's pinning his way to many of his victories," said Froehlich after watching Davidson record a quartet of falls en route to his championship in Rockford.

Froehlich also likes what he sees in captain Riley Albers, who thus far is 13-3 after his third-place finish in Rockford.

"Riley works so hard," says Froehlich.

"He is the ultimate team leader and captain because of his work ethic, the way he trains and stays in shape, and by showing how he prepares and gets himself ready for each practice, dual and tournament."

Froehlich adds that Albers is capable of meeting all of his goals because he's the type of athlete who gets the most out of his ability and strengths.

Last season Albers went 21-14 at 130 pounds.

Around the edge: Lance Weber remembers the glory years at Maine West, when he was right in the middle of an incredible run by the Warriors and then-head coach Mark Egan.

The 1997 season saw Weber win a state title at 125 pounds, while teammate Chris Winter earn a second-place medal. Two years later, Weber's younger brother Joe, Bill Kopecky and Joe Waski helped lead the Warriors to a third-place finish at the state dual tournament.

Weber, who for five years assisted former West head coach Jim Harrier, took over this season and faces the challenge of rebuilding a proud program with a rich history.

"For certain, there is a lot of responsibility with taking over the head coaching job," said Weber, "but there is a great staff already in place (here) and with each week we're all seeing the guys making the type of progress needed to compete at a higher level."

Weber points to a handful of veterans and a few newcomers who have helped lead the Warriors to a 4-2 record (2-0 in the CSL) heading into tonight's dual with Glenbrook North.

Two-time sectional qualifier Oscar Herrera (14-4, 285), senior Sean Grappe (13-6, 125) and junior sectional qualifier Danny Lowe (16-6, 140) are the Warriors' core of returning starters while senior Tyler Gratz (13-6) in his first-full year with the varsity, advanced into the final at 171 pounds last weekend at the Wheeling Memorial Tournament.

Sophomores Jeff Vernola (9-6, 130) and Eisen Punnoose (10-8, 112) have earned praise from Weber for work in their rookie seasons.

"We want to build the type of program that breeds success because we have talented, successful wrestlers in our room for our young kids to look up as leaders and someone they want to become top-notch wrestlers," said Weber.

Pin happy: Prospect 189-pounder Peter Zintak, who jumped over Lemont's Gordon Kickels to earn No. 1 status in the polls this week, is nearing the school record at Prospect for falls, which stands at 69.

Of his 12 victories this season, Zintak has pinned 11 times and now has 58 in his career. The two-time state qualifier and 2006 state medalist pinned a trio of opponents en route to the individual title at 189 pounds last weekend on his home mats during the 48th Dick Mudge Memorial Tournament.

Zintak needed just 3:12 to squash the competition in his 3 victories to give the senior 128 wins, just 2 shy of the team record of 130 set by his brother Ben.

Senior Jonny Brennan is closing fast as well. The 125-pounder has 107 wins heading into this weekend.