Mid-Suburban League has dynamic title duo

CHAMPAIGN - The drama and tension surrounding the remarkable run to a state championship medal by Mid-Suburban League wrestling stars Matt Boggess and Kyle Czarnecki will not be forgotten by their friends, family and coaches long after the dynamic duo moves on to their new collegiate address next fall.

The determination of each to wash away bitter memories from a year ago in Champaign was never so evident when watching the reaction of both just moments after the realization of their accomplishment hit both terrific young men on the big stage inside Assembly Hall on Saturday night.

For Boggess (42-1), the story of the frightful injury suffered in the opening seconds of his final with Josh Kratovial has been told countless times. And all the extra pressure and stress of high expectations before he even set foot on the Knights' mats makes his Class 3A state title at 140-pounds all the more special.

"I guess I never really realized how much extra pressure there was on me to (succeed) until this year," admitted Boggess, who came off of a national club championship before his rookie season. "Four years later, and a lot after a lot of growing (up) and maturing as a person, I now understand how all the added stress of those high expectations can take a physical toll on your body and mind."

"We saw an entirely different (Matt) this season," began Knights assistant coach and two-time state medalist Shawn Stoltz. "He was eating right, really watching his diet and the amount of sleep he was getting, and training so much differently, and all with a purpose."

That (purpose) was to wrestle 24 minutes to a state title, as Boggess reminded all those on the Assembly Hall floor Saturday night who were not familiar with his tactical approach to the weekend."

"I knew with the bracket that I was on, and how tough our entire weight class was, that in order to win it all, it would take six hard minutes in each of my 4 matches to be champ," he said. "I guess it was my best six minutes (ever) that carried me over the top."

With a smile as wide as the University of Illinois mat, Boggess watched the chief official raise his arm after dominating Donny Simpson of Romeoville 12-3.

Caught up in the emotion of it all, the three-time state qualifier, and two-time medalist wrapped his arms around Prospect head coach Gary McMorrow and held on for what seemed to be an eternity.

"I cannot describe the feeling that I had when I was hugging coach (McMorrow) but I know that I was thinking about my family, my coaches and our program," Boggess said, "and how proud that I hopefully made all of them for my achievement."

Having to look at the names of nine others who have medaled in the sport of wrestling at Buffalo Grove, including current head coach Dave Durlacher, still did not conjure up thoughts of joining the select group for the two-time MSL champ Czarnecki.

Not that the four-year star was lacking in confidence. The 160-pounder just felt that with so much star-power in that class in 2009, and what can and did happen to him one year ago, the chances to emerge from such a tough group caused him to ponder his eventual finish.

However, not long after dropping down to 160 from 171, while switching with teammate and good friend Jamie Zabrin (also a state qualifier this season), Czarnecki found himself rated No. 4 in state polls and the subject of talk on many a forum and blogs as a possible state finalist.

"I always felt I could challenge for a medal, but being so close last year and then coming away with nothing proved to be my greatest disappointment in competitive sports that I've ever had," said Czarnecki.

One match away from the medal round, Czarnecki found himself up on eventual fourth-place medalist Dan Stellar, but unable to hold on for the final 15 seconds.

He would fail to win his back-draw match with Danny Watson of Batavia and went home for good.

Summer-long trips to the western suburbs with Zabrin to the famed Overtime Wrestling club and a commitment to overcome the devastation last February led to a dogged determination by Czarnecki. It carried him through all of the competition in the post-season and right into the final against Nick Proctor of Neuqua Valley.

Just as he did in his semi-final bout with Charles Argue of Mt. Carmel, Czarnecki began cautiously, but ready to unleash with an arsenal of weapons.

With 12 seconds remaining in regulation, Czarnecki struck for a takedown in his 4-3 victory over Argue. Then against Proctor, a late second-period takedown gave him a 3-2 lead, which he rode out with the poise and power seen on the next level to win the second state title in BG history. "I honestly thought, 'I don't believe it,' when the referee raised my hand," said Czarnecki, "and how much this is something that I will always have for the rest of my life."

"We knew if it came down to beating (Proctor) on top, that Kyle would have too much strength and power for (him) and that would be the match in the third period," said a proud Durlacher, who now has his first medalist of his coaching career.