Burlington, Hampshire send 5 to state
At Grayslake Central: Hampshire 113-pound senior Tyler Espino (37-8) placed second to advance to state along with 285-pounder Zach Oranger (24-14), who also finished second at the Class 2A Grayslake Central sectional.
They are the first two wrestlers in Hampshire’s young fourth-year program to reach state since the program was discontinued following the 1987-88 season. The program had a total of two state qualifiers in school history prior to this season.
“Tyler’s first day he stepped on the mat was the first year he wrestled, he’s a self-made kid, and he’s looking to be the second medalist (top six) in school history,” said Hampshire coach Terry Wilkinson. “(Oranger’s) record is not indicative of how well he’s wrestled all year and he’s a first-year senior wrestler.”
At Sterling: Burlington Central advanced three wrestlers out of the Class 2A Sterling sectional. Johnny Major (28-5) took second at 145, Buddy Toth (32-2) was fourth at 160 and Omar Awad (35-8) was third at 170.
At Byron: St. Edward senior Evan Finnane failed to make it out of the Class 1A Byron sectional at 285 pounds.