Montini takes big lead at Dvorak
MACHESNEY PARK - For years Montini has been in perennial contention for the team title at the formidable Dvorak Tournament, battling to the finish against state powers like Sandburg and Providence Catholic.
After Day One this year at the two-day event, the Broncos have grabbed the team lead by the horns, holding a 33.5-point lead over defending champion Iowa City West.
"Last year we lost here as a team," the Broncos' Colton Rasche said. "This year we have to get this. It's the best regular-season tournament in Illinois."
Montini advanced seven wrestlers to Tuesday's semifinals at Machesney Park Harlem.
Rasche, Stephen Robertson (125 pounds), Frank Baer (140), Isaiah Gonzalez (160), Carl Foreside (189), Grant Goebel (215) and Ross Ferraro (285) all reached Tuesday's semifinal round for the Broncos.
Rasche was dominant in his quarterfinal match, winning a 9-1 major decision over Marc Rocha of Bishop Lynch (Texas). Rasche placed second at last year's Dvorak, and he's gunning for the title this year.
"Last year I was at 112 and now I'm at 130. I worked hard in the off-season, just preparing for this," Rasche said. "It doesn't matter to me who I wrestle next."
Second-seeded Rasche will face Plainfield Central's Joey Uccardi in his semifinal match.
Neuqua Valley also put in a solid day of wrestling, advancing four wrestlers to the semifinal round. Matt Cavallaris (112), Adam Stine (135), Andy Spangler (140) and Nick Proctor (160) all advanced for the Wildcats, who finished the day sixth.
Cavallaris upset higher-seeded Sean Raddatz of Marist 9-8 in overtime of his quarterfinal match.
"It just comes down to who wants it more," Cavallaris said of wrestling in overtime.
"Matt did a great job in that match," said Neuqua Valley coach Mick Ruettiger. "With 10 seconds left in that match, he hung on with that front headlock and won it."
Waubonsie Valley's Max Garbis and Wheaton North's Adrian Laskero are still alive in Tuesday's wrestleback round at 112 pounds. The Falcons' Dominick Schmit will try to wrestle his way back for third place at 160 pounds, and teammate Harry Myers will do the same at 171 pounds.
Waubonsie Valley's Kevin Carter (215) and Sherrod Stancil (285) also stayed alive for Tuesday's wrestleback round.
Despite his squad's considerable lead going into the Dvorak's second day of competition, Broncos coach Mike Bukovsky wasn't conceding anything.
"There are plenty of teams that can cut that lead down in a hurry tomorrow," he said. "We had a good day today, but we've got to come out ready in the morning."