Harper wrestlers getting good results

The No. 2-ranked Harper College wrestling program continues to have success.

After having some time off, the Hawks competed at the National Duals on the campus of Northern Iowa on Jan. 8. The Hawks finished third, the best effort yet in coach Dan Loprieno’s 10 years as Harper wrestling coach.

“It’s a good group of kids who are pretty focused. They need a good kick in the pants every now and again,” Loprieno said of the team’s recent efforts.

On Jan. 15, the Hawks won the Al Hanke Inivitational at Elmhurst College. The win marks the first time since 2006 the Hawks have won it.

The Hawks where led by weight class winners PJ Stearns and Arber Bebo (Addison Trail). Prospect product Tim Schigle (133 pounds) was able to make the semifinal round.

Last weekend the Hawks won two of the three matches at the Border Brawl hosted by Wisconsin-Whitewater. This time, the Hawks suffered a setback as their All-Amercian and top-ranked wrestler at 165 pounds, Luke Roth, dislocated his shoulder and will be out for the remainder of the season.

“When you lose one of your best kids, it hurts,” Loprieno said.

Look for Loprieno to turn to a pair of freshmen — Josh Ronne (Libertyville) or Ryan Bell — to fill Roth’s spot.

“I have no droughts one of those kids can fill in and get the job done,” said Loprieno, who pointed to depth as one of his team’s strengths.

This week the Hawks to Triton College to take on region rivals Lincoln College, Triton College, Rochester Community Technical College (Minn.) and Muskegon Community College (Mich). Lincoln is ranked No. 6 in the nation in the most recent NJCAA wrestling poll.

Loprieno expects 141-pound defending national champion Josh Kratovil to make his season debut this weekend.