Scouting: Northwest suburban wrestling

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.

Elk Grove

Coach: Craig Johnson (first year)

Last season: 3-14 overall, 0-9 MSL

Graduation losses: Robert Pechacek (2007 state qualifier, MSL champ, sectional qualifier, 34-6), Dean DiMaso (sectional qualifier, 16 wins), Kamil Broda (sectional qualifier, 17 wins), Greg Reddington (sectional qualifier, 10 wins), Alejandro Murillo, Mike Czurylo

Key returnees: Seniors Mike Alcazar (145), Joe Wimmer (152), Scott Puppilo (171), Rich Szaflarski (215); junior Brett Lesniak (160)

New faces to watch: Senior Dan Schadd (160), Raul Garcia (189); junior Dan Clausen (215); sophomores Josh Tromp (171), Tony Szplit (135), Matt Bending (160), Sean Major (171), Kyle Haubner (215)

Outlook on the mat: Grens lost heart and soul of club with departure of 3-year star Pechacek, as well as another long-time veteran (DiMaso) yet gained a new head coach in Johnson, who will be assisted by son and former state qualifier Craig Jr. "The best thing about Elk Grove wrestling this year is that our numbers are up 50 percent on the varsity level, and that we have a strong freshman class to build upon," says Johnson, whose club is loaded with sophomore wrestlers and top-heavy in the upper weights at this time. Szaflarski returns with team-leading 9 wins.

Hersey

Coach: Jim Wormsley (sixth year)

Last season: 10-12 overall

Graduation losses: Nick Herling (sectional qualifier, 28 wins, 125), Brad Carmody (sectional qualifier, 28 wins, 171), Kyle Stortenbecker (sectional qualifier, 32 wins, 189), Steve Long (sectional qualifier, 23 wins, 285).

Key returnees: Senior Rory Petersen (135, 17 wins); juniors Demetrios Mitchell (sectional qualifier, 140, 145, 23 wins), Sean Bonner (145, 152, 16 wins), Kevin Snodgrass (119, 125, 13 wins), Keith Carmody (130, 8 wins); sophomore Jeff Koepke (152, 160, 20 wins)

New faces to watch: Senior Sergio Delgado (140); juniors Adam Wolotowsky (285), Mike Dragovich (285); sophomores Fred Scales (171), Brandon Carmen (112, 119), Zach Whitehead (130, 135); freshmen Stephfon Scales (103), Conrad Bugay (103)

Outlook on the mats: Huskies will need to replace nearly 115 victories from quartet which graduated after each turned in terrific three-plus years each with the big club under Wormsley. "We lost a lot at our upper weights, but if we can season the guys in the lineup at those weights in a hurry, there's an opportunity for us to have a good year and to be more competitive," offered Wormsley, a state runnerup in 1987 at Dundee-Crown for fabled head coach Al Zinke. The athletic Mitchell appears ready for a breakthrough season after gaining a spot in the Barrington sectional, while Koepke, who came close in his bid to join Mitchell as a freshman, give the Huskies a strong core to build around.

Prospect

Coach: Gary McMorrow (26th year)

Last season: 12-4 overall, 3-2 MSL East, MSL runnerup, second at Glenbrook South regional

Graduation losses: Peter Zintak (3-time state qualifier, state medalist, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 42 wins, Carroll College), Jonny Brennan (2-time state qualifier, MSL, regional champ, 32 wins, Wisconsin-LaCrosse), Tyler Rossdeutcher (MSL, regional champ, state qualifier, 2007, 24 wins, Harper), Brendon Smith (sectional qualifier, regional champ, 30 wins, Iowa), Andrew Mercer (sectional qualifier, 23 wins, Harper), Mike Kraak (sectional qualifier, 21 wins), Jeff Kissel (18 wins)

Key returnees: Seniors Matt Boggess (two-time state champ, 2008 runner-up, 135, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 44 wins, 140, 145), George Wrobell (119, 29 wins); junior Tim Schweibel (125, 20 wins)

New faces to watch: Juniors Leo Clark, David Suarez, Adam Flanders, John Eliopoulos (152), Joe Maigler (152), Brandon Thompson (152, 160), Chris Kozlowski (171), Jake Galloway (189); sophomore Judd Anderson (160)

Outlook on the mat: Not enough space to list accolades of those who have moved on to various college sites in and around the midwest, especially for four-year superstar and career leader in most categories (Zintak) in addition to another four-year pro (Brennan) and others who were all part of MSL title in 2007 and first-ever regional title one week later. "We are so young, with many having so much energy and enthusiasm, and desire to be a part of a program which is rebuilding," said McMorrow. All eyes will be on senior (Boggess) and his run towards a hopeful state title after a stunning injury in the final at 135 ended his dream to raise the gold medal.

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Dave Froehlich (30th year)

Last Year: 19-6 overall, 3-2 MSL East

Graduation Losses: Mikal Johnson (3rd place Class AA, 215, regional champ, 40 wins), Riley Albers (sectional qualifier, 31 wins), Sebastian Matei (sectional qualifier, 28 wins), Mike Atkins (sectional qualifier, 26 wins), Joe Mandozzi

Key Returnees: Seniors Tom Davidson (189, regional champ, sectional qualifier, 37 wins), Mike Medsker (103, 112, 30 wins), Moses Kim (119, 27 wins), Tim Herff (171, 25 wins), Andrew Smaida (135, 13 wins), Marc Vigna (152), Steve Orchell (140, 145), Keith Seiwart (130), Billy Devona (160, 171, 17 wins)

New Faces to Watch: Senior Alex Bueno; sophomore Cory Jauch (125)

Outlook on the Mat: Mustangs set school record for victories (19) last season, and despite watching over 140 individual wins graduate, there's plenty of reasons for another successful campaign. Starting with senior (Davidson) who is among the top-rated at 189 in preseason polls, the dean of MSL coaches feels his club can contend with the best the MSL has in 2009. "We should be pretty solid at 12 weights, with just two holes in our lineup to fill. We can be right there with all of the others in the conference if we can stay healthy."

Wheeling

Coach: Neal Weiner (23rd year)

Last Season: 21-2 overall, 5-0, MSL East, MSL conference, Palatine regional champions

Graduation Losses: Max Nowry (Class AA state champion, 103, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 42-0, U.S. Olympic Greco Training Program, Northern Michigan University), Matt Smith (two-time state qualifier, four-year starter, 32 wins, Iowa), Joe Kent (state qualifier, regional, sectional champ, four-year starter, 39 wins, Illinois State), Abel Rangel (2007 state qualifier, Illinois, 22 wins), Eric Toldendano (sectional qualifier, 20 wins, U.S. Army), Ed Brito (17 wins, Harper).

Key Returnees: Seniors Danny Vargas (state qualifier, regional champ, 38 wins, 189), David Aranda (state qualifier, regional champ, all-area soccer, 28 wins, 140, 145), E. Erdene Ochir (20 wins), Joe Cacchione (12 wins); juniors Joel Rangel (sectional qualifier); sophomores Luke Smith (state qualifier, MSL, regional, sectional champ, 38 wins), Mike Smith (sectional qualifier, 30 wins)

New faces to watch: Seniors Mark Katrich (119); juniors Jose Zaccarias (119), Rob Desio (135), Danny Zaccarias (130), Tim Schalz (285), Francisco Sanchez (285), Ernesto Ramos (152); sophomore Chris Johnson (215); freshmen Ed Scanlon, Branden Jagielski

Outlook on the mats: A superb group of returning stars (Vargas, Aranda, Luke and Mike Smith) on target for a long and successful postseason run, along with some strong underclassmen, give the Wildcats the early nod for top honors above all others in the MSL East this year. "Our obvious strength begins with our three returning state qualifiers, but we've got a bunch of guys ready to step in and make contributions on the varsity this season," says Weiner, who feels Hersey might be ready to challenge the reigning MSL kingpins. Smith brothers gained additional experience at Cadet Nationals, while Vargas has grown into his 189 class after taking on opponents at 171 in 2007-08 with plenty of success. Look for Rangel and Ochir to help solidify line-up where needed.

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.

Conant

Coach: David Pena (first year)

Last season: 10-10 overall; 5-2, 2nd MSL West.

Graduation losses: Adam Wright (23 wins, Illinois), Mark Chereso (14 wins)

Key returnees: Seniors Joe Patricelli (sectional qualifier, regional, MSL champ, 32 wins, 171, 189), Tyler King (24 wins, 125), Jake Prestia (20 wins, 215), Nate Johnson (11 wins, 285), Sean Smith (14 wins, 189), Tyler Anderson (171, MSL JV champ), Nick Bonnet (13 wins, 160); junior Nick Shay (145, 8 wins); sophomores Vince Gottardo, (sectional qualifier, 20 wins, 103), DeAndre Hamilton

New Faces to Watch: Zach Ciszek (103), Kevin Lejman (112)

Outlook on the mats: Long-time assistant Pena takes over for John Kane, who moved into athletic director's post and has a solid nucleus to build from after Cougars fell short in their bid to capture an unprecedented 30th MSL divisional title. "We have a well-balanced lineup which should be a tough dual-meet team, led by 8 returning seniors and some fast improving young wrestlers who will help us make a run at the MSL title this season," says Pena. Off superb showing last weekend in star-studded 189 pound bracket at Feutz Tourney, Patricelli looks ready to climb the ladder on the state level after just missing out on trip downstate a year ago. Same could be said for King-Gottardo duo who earned top-8 tournament finish in respective classes.

Fremd

Coach: Ralph Cortez (16th year)

Last season: 8-11 overall; 1-5 MSL

Graduation losses: John LaPointe (2-time state qualifier, MSL, regional champ, 26 wins, Colorado State), Bryan Opitz (sectional qualifier, regional champ, 29 wins, NIU), Luke Megleo (sectional qualifier, 28 wins), Eric Klen.

Key returnees: Seniors Ben Perna (285, 2006 state qualifier), Brett Opitz (189, 19 wins), Willie Tham (125), Richard Stanton, Mike Dallas (171, 9 wins), Jimmy Norris (285); junior Travis LaSchiava (sectional qualifier, 24 wins, 125)

New faces to watch: Juniors Honsol Choi, Ben Bodycot; sophomores Brandon Klen (MSL frosh champ), Vince Lorig (MSL frosh champ), Levi Jorgensen

Outlook on the mats: Vikings get huge boost with return of Perna, who burst onto the wrestling scene as a freshman to qualify into state tournament. Injuries have played havoc with senior in two sports (football) but his return bolsters team's look at upper weights (Opitz-Norris) and complements rising star on other end of lineup in LaSchiava, who nearly booked his ticket to state tournament after fourth-place finish at Barrington sectional. "We anticipate to be able to compete in nearly every weight class this season and that our off-season work will begin to pay dividends as the season progresses," said Cortez.

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Bill Scully (18th year)

Last Year: MSL West champions

Graduation losses: Justin Busca (25 wins, SIUE).

Key returnees: Seniors Tommy Wadas (sectional qualifier, 140, 29 wins), Andrew Petit (sectional qualifier, 160, 31 wins), Rocco Silvestri (145, 21 wins), Jose Flores (MSL champ, 215, 23 wins), Mike Eisele (285, 14 wins), Justin Harris; juniors Patrick Scully (sectional qualifier, 112/119, 35 wins), Brian Kempf (140), Nick Zielinski (130)

New faces to watch: Senior Taylor Hartsough (189); junior Angel Rodriguez (140); sophomores Bradley Willis (103), James Mathena (125), Sean Kirschner (171)

Outlook on the mats: Hawks return 10 with a combined total of 19 years of varsity experience including Scully, Flores and Eisele, who all excelled last weekend at Moore-Prettyman, and Petit, who was fourth at the Naperville North sectional to miss a spot in the AA state tournament by one place. When Wadas (shoulder) finally returns, Hawks will have perhaps top core group of all in MSL to help in pursuit of another divisional crown and more. "The intensity with this group has elevated the competitiveness in the room to a level we haven't seen (here) since '96 when we were ranked No. 3 in the state," suggests Bill Scully. "If we can stay healthy and get to our proper (weights) there will be an opportunity for this club to be a force to contend with by the season's end."

Palatine

Coach: Dan Collins (fourth year)

Last season: 4-2 MSL, second at Palatine regional

Graduation losses: Dale Jarosz (three-time state qualifier, state medal winner, 3-time MSL, regional champion, 2-time sectional champ, 35 wins, Illinois), Ross Grande (state qualifier, 2-time MSL, regional champ, 45 wins, wrestling at Nebraska, 149 pounds), Zach Zordan (sectional qualifier, regional champ, 14 wins), Dan Sutton (sectional qualifier, 22 wins), Chris Dimeo (sectional qualifier, 17 wins), Brian Mnichowicz.

Key returnees: Seniors Tommy Laskowske (sectional qualifier, 103, 30 wins), Ryan Cortez (sectional qualifier, 18 wins), Brendan Gerdes (145), Brian O'Shea (189)

New faces to watch: Seniors Andrew Jeon (140), Matt Koeune (285); juniors Lashon Mejias (125), Jeff Burda (140), Mike Woolf (112)

Outlook on the mats: No club in the MSL was hit harder by graduation as the Pirates lost half of their first 14, including the brilliant four-year stars in Jarosz and Grande. Victories and postseason success aside, the duo gave Collins and his club the type of leadership on and off the mats that coaches dream off, while giving program that extra something needed to continue growing. "It's nearly impossible to replace what we've lost, and we're going to have a very inexperienced line-up out there for awhile," said Collins. The senior combo of Lawkowske and Cortez will be the Pirates bright light this season, as each has long postseason rides in them if healthy.

Schaumburg

Coach: Matt Gruszka (second year)

Last year: 15-7 overall, third MSL West

Graduation losses: PJ Starnes (state qualifier, MSL champ, 40 wins, Harper), Sergio Gomez (sectional qualifier, 33 wins), Matt Felde (26 wins), Sean Cottini (17 wins)

Key returnees: Seniors Evan Hafner (state qualifier, 32 wins, 130), Craig Cruz (sectional qualifier, 24 wins, 215) Jon Mejia (171), Kevin Quinn (171); juniors Danny Malik (160, 21 wins), John Lombardo (135); sophomores Shan Hafner (112), Joe LaManna (152, 17 wins), Hamza Akram (119)

New faces to watch: Junior Seam Pottow (285); sophomore Xavier Davis (140); freshman Josh Marchok (189)

Outlook on the mats: Saxons are determined to employ an all-out attack for the top spot in the MSL West this season, despite loss of three-year star (Starnes) and underrated (Gomez) in the lineup. Surprise state qualifier (Hafner) might be state medal-worthy, and late season charge by (Malik) and recent success at Feutz says the junior is ready to step up a notch or two in the MSL and area. "The goal is always about improving on last week's performance and the guys are working harder every week to achieve that goal," says Gruszka, whose influence and positive approach is beginning to make a difference in Saxons program growth.

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.

CSL NORTH

Maine West

Coach: Lance Weber (second year)

Last season: 8-10-0 overall; 4-1, second in CSL North

Graduation losses: Tyler Gratz (sectional qualifier, 29 wins), Josh Gustafson (sectional qualifier, CSL champ, 215, 21 wins), Oscar Herrera (sectional qualifier, 23 wins), Sean Grappe (27 wins), John Cirone, Phil Ehorn, Roman Kovtun

Key returnees: Seniors Danny Lowe (145, CSL champ, 24 wins), Pawel Marek (130, 12 wins); juniors Chris Pack (sectional qualifier, 14 wins), Eisen Punnoose (119, 14 wins), Jeff Vernola (130, 19 wins), Charlie Vana (171)

New faces to watch: Sophomores Angelo Giannos (112), Jay Vance (119), Anthony Zourkas (152), Nick Littman (189)

Outlook on the mats: Warriors lost most of the top end in its line-up through graduation, but the strength on paper appears to be from the bottom up with veterans Lowe and Pack leading the way. Pack overcame season-long injuries to come this close to advancing into the class AA state tournament, while teammate (Lowe) looks to recapture his 2007 sectional qualifying magic. "We'll have to wait and see what our lineup looks like after a couple of weeks of duals and tournaments before we make any predictions on the season," says Weber, a state champion in 1997 for his alma mater.

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.