Scouting: Lake Co. wrestling
North Suburban Prairie
Antioch
Coach: Wilbur Borrero (fifth season)
Last year's record: 11th in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Bobby Wiatr, Robby Lindstrom, Andy Kloster
Top returning competitors: seniors Tom Gerstner (171), Donny Rowden (145), Jacob Lucas (189);juniors Kevin Knutson (152, 160), Dillon McCurry (189, 215), Greg LaCroix (285);sophomores Brandon Schultz (103), Jordan Bond (103), Jacob Bond (112)
Key newcomers: sophomores Jason Siordia (112), Nick Bock (119);freshman Mike Morales (112), Brian Tiernan (119)
Outlook: 171-pound senior Tom Gerstner is definitely looking like a state meet contender for the Sequiots as a year of maturity and experience should make a big difference for coach Borrero's squad in 2008-09.
Grant
Coach: Ryan Geist (10th season)
Last year's record: first in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Izzy Montemayor (NIU) (three-time state qualifier), Josh DeLuca (state qualifier), Shelby Temple, Joe Loris, Dave Monroy, Andrew Zapfel
Top returning competitors: seniors Roque Bustos (130), Tyler Dempsey (152), Tyler Becker (160), Jake Brown (215);juniors Lee Munster (171) (two-time state qualifier), Jason Montemayor (135), Key newcomers: senior Ricardo Cabrera (215);juniors Christian Balderas (112), Jack Kramer (119), Darrin Schrimpf (125), Chaz Alex (125), Adam Barnard (140), Kyle Clark (145), Carl Williams (285)
Outlook: After winning the NSC championship last year over archrival Libertyville, the Bulldogs will try to advance further in post-season competition this season despite losing five major contributors to graduation.
Lakes
Coach: Curt Onstad (fourth season)
Last year's record: 10th in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Tony Bean, Andrew Rehm, Armondo Leal, Aaron Cashmore
Top returning competitors: seniors Matt Holmes (135) (state qualifier), Zach Babiarz (160), Mike Mulloy (189), Rob Thomas (285);juniors Grant Franson (119), Phil Cappitelli (171), Mike Divito (215)
Key newcomers: junior Seth Vandermescht (152);sophomores John Lyman (130), Terence Shapcott (145);freshman Tyler Booth (112)
Outlook: The Eagles have a great leader in senior Matt Holmes to lead their team, but they will be hard-pressed to compete with the top teams in the NSC due to an overall lack of depth and varsity experience.
Round Lake
Coach: John Jobst (10th season)
Last year's record: sixth in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Dillon Pousson (SIU-E) (two-time state qualifier), Vince Nicoline (state qualifier) Ray Bryant, Brandon Cartwright, Lewendo Kanyendo
Top returning competitors: Seniors Frank Contraras-Gomez (103), Erick Ramirez (119, 125), Dan Jimenez (119, 125), Mark Miefewsli (135, 140), Jordan Moriarity (145, 152), Antonio Bello (140, 145), Taras Popovich (189, 215), Joe Medina (215, 285);juniors: Javier Villa (152, 160), Cory Weber (160, 171)
Key newcomers: Junior Tony Cox (112, 119);sophomores Gio Navarette (130, 135), Brandon Durkin (189, 215), Johnny Gonzales (103, 112)
Outlook: After having two state qualifiers graduate and one transfer, the Panthers will definitely have some big shoes to fill, but they should still be competitive in the NSC Prairie Division with some key individuals returning for the 2008-09 wrestling campaign.
Wauconda
Coach: Tom Nance (25th season)
Last year's record: seventh in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Brett Collier, Zack Hughes
Top returning competitors: seniors Scott Carlson (160) (state qualifier), James Roy (189);juniors Mike Brown (119), Jeff Costa (135), Tom Tyrell (140), J.D. Vanderweil (215, 285);sophomores Peter Kootstra (135, 140), Brian Vetter (112)
Key newcomers: juniors Mike Thomas (112, 119), Colin Murphy (152), Tyler Glover (152, 160), Cody Smith (285)
Outlook: The Bulldogs have the luxury of state qualifier Scott Carlson returning for his senior season, but their overall success could depend on the development of a large group of promising juniors on the varsity level this winter.
Vernon Hills
Coach: Jerry Miceli (ninth season)
Last year's record: ninth in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Steve Hwang, Ryan Michel, Bobby Kelly, James Hallendorff, Quantez Jackson
Top returning competitors: seniors Nick Capozzoli (135), Jihid Abdallah (171), Edgar Cuevas (130);juniors Joe Brignon (140), Gavin Dillon (145, 152), Brandon Wolf (145, 152), Rory Klema (215);sophomore Gideon Yin (119)
Key newcomers: sophomore Oscar Ramirez(112);freshman Dan Peterson (103)
Outlook: After losing conference champion Steve Hwang (285) and 40-win wrestler Bobby Kelly (189) to graduation, the Cougars will be turning to some new faces for leadership this winter. Vernon Hills hopes to move up the standings this year at the conference meet.
North Suburban Lake
Lake Zurich
Coach: Dan Strickler (16th season)
Last year's record: eighth in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Sam Wrobel, Mike Tursi
Top returning competitors: seniors Kevin Fanta (135, state qualifier), Wade Self (215), John Harkness (145);juniors Cameron Shaffer (130, state qualifier), Anthony Pace (152)
Key newcomers: juniors Alex Nigro (125), Andy McCullough (140) sophomore Anthony Demaggio (112)
Outlook: With a shortage of wrestlers at the upper weights the Bears may have a hard time competing in the NSC, but they do have up to four individuals with a good chance to qualify for the state meet this season.
Libertyville
Coach: Dale Eggert (22nd season)
Last year's record: fourth in state, second in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Trey Ayala (West Virginia) (two-time state qualifier), Joey Callen, Logan Miller, Jake Hogan, Tom Nield, Everett Indart, Eric Klein
Top returning competitors: seniors Louis Mazzetta (119), Kyle Manolovic (130), Pat Callan (140), Pat Kenny (171);juniors Matt Bystol (112) (state qualifier), Sam Shay (135), Nick McDowell (152), Josh Ronne (160)
Key newcomers: Senior Sean Tavakoli (285); juniors Sam Robinson (145), Ryan Mertz (189);sophomores Luke Gaeth (125), Luke Miller (215)
Outlook: After placing fourth in the state last year in Class AA the Wildcats lost seven key seniors to graduation, but they should still have the depth and experience to battle with the top teams in the NSC again this winter.
Mundelein
Coach: Tom Buenik (fifth season)
Last year's record: third in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Adam Avalos (state qualifier), Steven Avalos, Devin Ringwald, Alex Mena, Luke Johnson
Top returning competitors: seniors Eduardo Dominquez (fifth in state at 112), Tanis Arcos (125), Jeff Thompson (135), Mike Savage (160), Freddy Martinez (285);junior Juan Jaimes (130)
Key newcomers: sophomore Pablo Mata (152);freshman Matt Ornoff (103)
Outlook: After placing third in the NSC last season the Mustangs should be very competitive again this winter behind senior standout Eduardo Dominguez, but they will have to replace four very key seniors between the 145 and 189 weight classes to be serious contenders.
Stevenson
Coach: Shane Cook (third season)
Last year's record: fourth in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Bobby Vagun (state qualifier), Taras Martyniouk (state qualifier), Charlie Deutsch
Top returning competitors: seniors David Lamberti (125), Nick Pagano (140), Nathan Millman (145);junior Jordan Sherman (135)
Key newcomers: seniors Stacey Podkovik (119), Turron Washington (285);junior Tommy McGovern (189)
Outlook: Stevenson may have lost two state qualifiers to graduation, but the Patriots have three third-year varisty starters at the top of their lineup ready to set the tone in the powerful NSC this winter.
Warren
Coach: Mark Tiffany (27th season)
Last year's record: fifth in NSC
Top graduated seniors: Bryce Howard (state qualifier), Jake Dietmeyer, Jim Baruffi, James Karner
Top returning competitors: seniors Leon Megerdichian (125), Connor Drew (130), Damon Curry (130), Justin Santiago (160), J.J. Lombardi (171), Tyreese Woodard (189), Houston Neals (215), Cody Hoag (285), Dan Stoneberg (285);juniors Robby Schultheis (112), Colin Seebach (119)
Key newcomers: seniors Edan Hernandez (125), Ryan Brown (130), juniors Austin Carlson (145), Chandler Sperry (171); sophomores T.J. Parker (145), Pat Oswald (145)
Outlook: The Blue Devils may have lost a few familiar faces from their 2007-08 squad including state qualifier Bryce Howard, but overall they still have a very strong nucleus of wrestlers returning to compete in the powerful NSC Lake Division this winter.
Fox Valley
Grayslake Central
Coach: Brent Pitt (third season)
Last year's record: 11th in FVC
Top graduated seniors: Ryan Lund (two-time state qualifier)
Top returning competitors: seniors Tad Vela (152), Brian Valdivia (215)
Key newcomers: juniors Chris Makey (140), Scott Speer (160);sophomores Bobby Raines (103), Tony Browne (145), Kevin Hein (171);freshmen Dylan Hay (130), Joel Valdivia (189)
Outlook: After losing two-time state qualifier Ryan Lund to graduation the Rams will be looking for some new leadership as their young squad will try to remain competitive in the rugged Fox Valley Conference.
Grayslake North
Coach: Tom Frye (first season)
Last year's record: 10th in FVC
Top graduated seniors: Nick Brillion, Chris Ponczokowski, David Pritchett, Mack Kohnke, Steve Langer, Brad Hilgaert
Top returning competitors: seniors none;juniors Danny Mendoza (145), Tyler Barbacovi (160), Dan Lutz (285), Dominic Cervantes (152), Ricardo Hernandez (145), Taylor Manual (189);sophomores Cory Bergstrom (119), Sean Bergstrom (130), Adrian Avila (135), Tom Becknell (215)
Key newcomers: sophomores Rich Downes (125), Chris Myers (140), Jack Becker (171);freshmen Nick Klein (103), Angel Cabrera (112), Jose Collado (125), Jimmy Prince (160)
Outlook: The Knights inexperienced squad does not have any seniors on the varisty level, but they are hoping to shown signs of improvement in the powerful FVC this season as Tom Frye takes over for Steve Wood as head coach. Mendoza, Barbacovi, and Lutz should be a strong junior trio.
East Suburban Catholic
Carmel
Coach: Bob Kuykendall (first season)
Last year's record: 11-10 overall, 3-4 in ESCC
Top graduated seniors: Ryan Williams (two-time state qualifier), Ryan Unrein (state qualifier)
Top returning competitors: seniors Matt Oliva (112), Will Robinson (130);juniors J.P. Hough (125), Shane Siefert (145), Franki Swindell (145), Steve Lester (285)
Key newcomers: juniors Jeremy Schnur (130), Nic Steinberg (130), Anthony Gleeson (140);sophomores Brian Waldron (103), Bobby Dandino (152), LaRon Biere (160), David Heath (189) Logan Lester (285)
Outlook: The loss of elite seniors Ryan Williams and Ryan Unrein to graduation will be very tough for the Corsairs to replace, but first-year coach Bob Kuykendall still has some experienced wrestlers returning to lead his young squad in the ESCC.
St. Viator
Coach: Jeff Kramarczyk (first year)
Last season: 3-25-0 overall; sixth ESCC
Graduation losses: Vince Sabatello (sectional qualifier, 2nd, ESCC, 130, 30 wins), Jack Joyce (regional champ, 3rd, ESCC, 171, 33 wins), Chris Corey (4th, ESCC, 160)
Key returnees: Seniors Pat Hughes (130), Richard Rittmeyer (189); junior T.J. Hohenadel (152); sophomore Danny Sabatello (112, sectional qualifier, 2nd, ESCC, 112, 28 wins)
New faces to watch: Eric Aberhamian (160), Sean Connerty (215)
Outlook on the mat: Third head coach in as many years will lean heavily on a quartet who battled through their first-full season with the big club and in the ESCC, including post-season experience in regional competition, as well as the pressure of sectional play for then freshman Sabatello. "We once again are very young, but the guys had a great off-season and all of them are looking forward to making a name for themselves this season," says Kramarczyk, who has assisted during the past three seasons under Fr. Dan Hall and Ben Hamilton. Long-time ESCC and state power (Marist) is the early choice to win it all, with Marian Catholic, the pick to challenge.
MSL East
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Dave Durlacher (third year)
Last season: 12-12 overall (4-3 MSL)
Graduation losses: Jeff Streu (sectional qualifier, 28 wins, Rensselear Polytechnic Institute-NY).
Key returnees: Seniors Kyle Czarnecki (state qualifier, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 171, 39 wins), James Blackmon (sectional qualifier, 14 wins), Jason Sandoval, Kevin Alvarez (22 wins); junior Jamie Zabrin (MSL runner-up, 37 wins).
New faces to watch: Juniors Ryan Sparks, Joey Roberts, Ben Lake; sophomore Eugene Blackmon; freshman Chewy Zabrin.
Outlook on the mats: Czarnecki, who was just one match away from a AA state medal, appears ready to add plenty of hardware this season, while Zabrin gives the Bison one of the best 1-2 combos in the area. After that, former BG star Durlacher will look to sort out the rest of his lineup before the MSL season begins in earnest. "Kyle and Jamie can go with anyone in the state, and some of our youngs guys (Chewy) Zabrin and Eugene (Blackmon) should help us late in the year after getting some experience on the varsity level. After that, the staff will need to put the rest of the puzzle pieces together," Durlacher said.
MSL West
Barrington
Coach: Al Strobl (second year)
Last year: 1-4-0, fifth MSL West)
Graduation losses: Kyle Krull (Northern Idaho), AJ Brander (Harper), Marcus Kuiper (Marine Corps)
Key returnees: Senior Beau Conrad (112, 11 wins); juniors Luke Miller (sectional qualifier, 24 wins, 160), Troy Morrison (sectional qualifier, 14 wins, 215), Dan Santoro (171, 29 wins), Kalvin Argueta (189, 10 wins), Ryan McQueen (160); sophomore Dakota Wapotish (135, 20 wins)
New faces to watch: Sophomores Will Quinn (119), Joe Adriani (130), Steven Polaskik (140), Edwin Delansa (145); freshman Adrian Gonzalez (103)
Outlook on the mats: Broncos might have had the youngest starting lineup in the area last season, and although Strobl's club might be as young this season, it appears they have grown up quicker than expected after a terrific opening weekend at the Moore-Prettyman. "While we have a group with a lot of potential, maybe the best thing about them is they are all just a great group of kids," offers Strobl, who watched his youngest (Gonzalez) stun the field to win the title at 103 last weekend. Core group of Miller, Wapotish, Santoro and Morrison is team strength for now as youngsters learn on the job, with each capable of 30-plus wins in just their second-year with the big club.
WSC Gold
Leyden
Coach: Jason Potter (fourth year)
Last season: 20-3-0 overall; WSC Gold and regional champion
Graduation losses: Bhavik Patel (Elmhurst College, state qualifier, 103, 34 wins), Matt Soch (Elmhurst College, state qualifer, 152, 33 wins), Mike Cocozza (Elmhurst College, sectional qualifier, 130, 30 wins), Nick Cassano (state qualifier, 171, 34 wins), Mike Feldmann (sectional qualifier, 160, 31 wins), John Burke (Triton College, sectional qualifier, 285, 33 wins.)
Top returnees: Seniors Adam Schammert (171, 160, sectional qualifier, 36 wins), Brian Andronic (135, sectional qualifier, 25 wins); juniors Jose Menesses (119), Jose Flores (125), Hector Garcia (130), Kevin Lewis (140), Dan Kiebler (215, sectional qualifier, 21 wins)
New faces to watch: Junior Dan Cocozza (152); freshmen Jake McCabe (103), Jesse McCabe (112)
Outlook on the mat: Eagles have been flying high ever since Potter took over, culminating in a memorable 2008 season which included a third straight division title and regional championship over mighty Oak Park-River Forest on its home mats. "We lost a large group of senior starters, but they all left their mark on a young bunch of kids who may lack varsity experience, but will make up for it with their toughness," says Potter. Three-year starter Schammert is one to watch, as is Kiebler, who came on during the second half of the season to surprise many an unsuspecting opponent. Terrific weekend schedule (Conant, Palatine and Lyons) will toughen youngsters as they ready themselves for what appears to be a strong wrestling conference from top-to-bottom.