West Aurora loses in state quarterfinals
BLOOMINGTON — It was the kind of run West Aurora could ill-afford to suffer against the defending Class 3A state wrestling champion.
Making its first Elite Eight appearance in program history, the Blackhawks’ storybook season was abruptly ended by the Indians with a 35-24 loss Saturday morning at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
Minooka (24-3) captured eight matches in a 10-bout span, breaking free from a 6-6 tie with a 29-3 run to make the final score academic.
As is customary the case at the team dual-meet state tournament, the Indians forfeited the final two classes once the spread was mathematically insurmountable to make the final outcome closer than it was in reality.
“We acknowledge and celebrate program firsts,” West Aurora coach Mike DiNovo said. “There was hardly any dip between the individual regionals and individual sectionals (for those who failed to advance). The program took a good step forward.”
West Aurora closed out its year at 22-4.
Aaron Hett staked the Blackhawks to an early 3-0 lead with an 11-6 triumph at 171 pounds, and fellow senior Michael Ortiz deadlocked the match with another simple decision at 215 pounds.
But an early turning point occurred at heavyweight when Austin Beebe dropped a heart-wrenching decision to Jordan Brod.
“We didn’t expect to win at heavyweight,” said Minooka coach Bernie Ruettiger.
The Indians’ unanswered run was extended to 12 points with a fall at 103 pounds, and Corbet Oughton turning back individual state qualifier Brandon Walz at 112 pounds.
“We wrestled to win,” DiNovo said. “Minooka is really solid. They wrestle really hard. They have some bona fide state-caliber studs.”
Alberto Tijerina gave the Blackhawks a much-needed boost with his 6-0 whitewash victory at 119 pounds.
The senior made his varsity debut this year after spending his last three years behind state qualifiers Nicholas Drendel and Miguel Venecia.
“(Tijerina) has improved, improved, improved,” said DiNovo.
Jake DeKlerk had a major victory for Minooka at 125 pounds, which set the stage for the final performances by Venecia and Drendel.
Unfortunately for the two standouts, the outcomes were not scripted.
Venecia drew state medalist Bobby Zabel in his bracket, which dictated that Drendel wrestle at 135 pounds, two weights above his third-place individual run.
“I was the only kid left (at 135),” said Drendel.
Venecia had an early lead, but in a drag-out affair in which offense was at a premium, Zabel was able to turn the two-time state qualifier and produce a fall with seven seconds remaining.
“I didn’t have a lot of strength left in me,” said Venecia. “It was very exciting to make it down as a team, though.”
Drendel, weakened by illness, also had his 43-1 season end with a rare defeat.
“I haven’t been able to practice this week,” said Drendel. “I really wasn’t thinking about (my last career match).”
Greg Jacquez, overcoming turf toe, became the lone West Aurora state qualifier to win his match with a 9-8 triumph at 140 pounds, the last contested weight.
“We had a good season compared to last year,” Jacquez said.