Crystal Lake South stays perfect

Crystal Lake South wrestling coach Ross Ryan can look at his lineup and see quality wrestler after quality wrestler.

It is a nice luxury to have.

Moving to a perfect 12-0 in dual meets and 2-0 in Fox Valley Conference action, the Gators claimed 10-of-14 matches in defeating perennial conference power Dundee-Crown 37-22 in Crystal Lake Friday night.

Ryan's Gators are 2-2 against D-C during his 4-year tenure at Crystal Lake South.

“We have a strong lineup, but we are really strong in the lower weights,” said Ryan. “Those kids really stepped up tonight, but we had a lot of kids wrestle well tonight.

“Winning is fun and beating a great program like Dundee-Crown is always a great feeling. We have a lot work to do in the room, but I like the way we are wrestling.”

Producing wins for the undefeated Gators in the lower weights were Casey Callahan (103 pounds, technical fall), Nick Fontanetta (112, technical Fall), Nick Peters (125, pin) and Nick Gil (119, decision).

Cullen Smith (140), Jake Peters (145), Kean Loupee (160), Gary Hause (171) and Mike Romanelli (189) claimed wins by decision. Tom Gerszewski (140) won by forfeit.

Dundee-Crown (9-9, 0-2), which lost a tough conference meet to Cary-Grove 34-28 Thursday night, enjoyed

a 16-9 lead after heavyweight Raymond Griggel pinned South's Vinny Emory in 1 minute and 11 seconds. That lead was short lived, though. The Gators won 7 of the last 8 matches including a forfeit to win by 15 points and remain undefeated.

Along with Griggel, Cody Churkey (215) and Dillion Muscat (130) also garnered pins for the Chargers. D-C's Steven Vincent won by decision at 152 pounds.

“We had several kids who didn't stay tough and find a way to win,” said Dundee-Crown coach Al Zinke. “We could have won some more matches. It was a disappointing night. Raymond and Cody wrestled well. But we are not wrestling well as a team.”