Symbal, Gerszewski dodge upset bids
Just because your anointed favorite status doesn’t always mean it’s always easy at the top — just ask Josh Symbal and Tom Gerszewski.
The 182 and 152-pound stars nearly saw their star pass before their collective eyes Friday night on day No. 1 of the Class 3A wrestling sectionals at Barrington, however they both survived some scary moments in their respective quarterfinal bouts to guarantee their place in today’s semifinals, where one victory sends them down to Champaign, and one match closer to competing in the finals later on today.
Huntley’s Symbal (35-2), who was in cruise control with Fox Valley Conference rival Max Kersten (25-16) of Cary-Grove suddenly found himself on his back, and fighting off the attempts of the senior to pin him.
The Red Raiders’ senior stay composed, and worked himself free to end the hopes of his opponents, and bring the color back into coach BJ Bertelsman’s face, as well as the Huntley fans, who can now concentrate on Symbal’s match with Loyola senior and 2-time sectional qualifier Michael Paloian (27-5).
“Josh was up (13-0) in the second period, and gets on his back and in a headlock. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said Bertelsman, of his FVC and regional champ.
“I guess it’s always tough to get past that first opponent here but that sure was a wake-up call for him.”
Semifinals today will begin immediately following the first-round of consolation wrestle-backs, which start the day at 9 a.m.
Wrestle-backs semifinals, which will produce two more state qualifiers, are set for 1 p.m., with first and third-place matches scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Crystal Lake South’s Gerszewski (38-1), ranked second in the state at 152-pounds, survived a nightmarish bout with Aaron Brewton (34-6) of Warren 1-0 to stay alive, and advance into the semis to face Jack Connor (New Trier, 36-6), who was the CSL champ at his weight two weeks ago.
Gators sophomore Nick Gil (39-5) continues on a collision course with No. 2 rated Zach Synon (Prairie Ridge, 40-0) at 126 -pounds after rolling over Tyler Braswell of Zion-Benton 9-2, while Synon, at the same time, delivered a 12-1 major decision over Kevin Conrad of Barrington.
“Nick is really focused right now, and not looking past any of his opponents, but I can tell you he’s been pointing toward a potential match with Zach for sometime,” said South head coach Ross Ryan.
Senior Mike Romanelli (220, 34-8) looked strong in his match with Kevin Barbian (Libertyville), which resulted in the NSC champ recording a fall at 3:27, setting up a marquee bout with No. 2 Artie Bess (34-1) of Deerfield, who was one victory away from placing last year in Champaign.
Another much anticipated rematch will take place right from the get-go this morning with Jacobs sophomore, Austin Ryan (33-3) taking on Cary-Grove freshman Mike Cullen (38-2), who bounced back from his second-place finish at the Stevenson regional to win his first two matches easily to set up his date with his FVC rival.
The winner will likely face Barrington senior Adrian Gonzalez (32-2), who is looking to make his third appearance downstate.
Jimmy Kuczynski’s (33-8) bid to join his aforementioned FVC counterparts fell short in the quarterfinals when the Dundee-Crown senior dropped am 11-4 decision to Mark Shealy of Barrington, sending the Chargers’ 182-pounder into the consolation round where he will face Jonathan Wells (10-5) of Grant.
Kucynski, who opened the tournament with a 5-3 win over Dan Fiumetto of Prospect, will need to win two more matches in order to compete for the last two state spots in his weight class.
Jacobs senior Gabe Difecchio (25-12) went 1-1 on the day, and his wrestle-back opponent this morning will be Ryan Flores of Grant.