Scouting state wrestling, Northwest
Scouting state wrestling, Northwest
80th Individual state tournament
Where: State Farm Center, Champaign.
Thursday - Class A at 1 p.m., Class 2A at 3 p.m., Class 3A at 5 p.m.
Friday - 8:30 a.m. (quarterfinals, all three classes)
Saturday - 9 a.m. (quarterfinal wrestlebacks), 1 p.m. (third- and fifth-place matches), 5 p.m. (Grand March, followed by championship matches)
The lowdown: The road to Champaign ws filled with plenty of bumps, curves and detours. Those who advanced into this year's state tournament were able to find their way, so let's take a quick look at each of the competitors who will try to stay on course inside the State Farm Center on the campus of the University of Illinois.
Gold Club membersMatt Wroblewski (Prospect, Sr, 220, 28-0): One of the best in the state is right here in the Mid-Suburban League, and this three-time state qualifier, three-time MSL and regional champ and two-time sectional champion has nothing left to prove except hauling off a state championship. "All of those individual titles, and even our two trips to dual-team state is great stuff, but this time of the year, there's only one thing to go after," said Wroblewski, after accepting his MSL trophy three weeks ago.
With pace in abundance and the ability to beat foes in multiple ways, the Knights star has recorded each of his 28 wins by either technical fall or pin. "Matt is the ultimate program guy. He cares just as much about the success of his teammates and the team as himself," says coach Tom Whalen. The No. 2-rated 220-pounder opens with Brian Ahle (33-5) from O'Fallon, and could face No. 5 Jake Dudeck (Lincoln-Way West, 32-5) in the semifinals. No. 1 Diante Drayton (Marist, 40-0) awaits on the opposite side of the bracket.
Tony Valentino (St. Viator, Sr, 285, 35-0): This three-time state qualifier and four-year veteran capped a marvelous three weeks of tournament play by winning his first sectional title of his career, one week after earning a second straight regional championship as well. The ESCC champ, who will wrestle next fall at Brown, is in search of the first medal for a heavyweight since 1976 for the program. "I feel like my time is now," says Valentino. "I've trained harder then ever before to get myself ready for this one last push, and I won't stop until I get myself into that state final." Valentino is well conditioned, and surprising quickness allows him to escape from nearly any dangerous situation when on bottom. The Lions' captain opens up against the No. 3-rated heavyweight, and one victory away from No. 2 John Ridgeway (33-7) from Bloomington.
Frequent flyersMarkus Hartman (Barrington, Jr, 145, 41-1): The cornerstone of the Broncos program, this two-time state qualifier and 2016 state medalist will be one of the favorites from the area to be a part of the Grand March. The three-year starter is a veritable fortress on the defensive side of things and an ice-cold finisher who possesses pace, power and a fabulous array of weapons. They've worked against all but one opponent this season, and that would be No. 1 Will Lewan of Montini Catholic. Hartman dropped that match 4-3 in the Berman Holiday Classic. "His approach to wrestling is unique, plus his attitude, work ethic and mindset have put him above all others - he has a state title on his mind," says Broncos coach Dave Udchik. The No. 2-rated Hartman opens against Austin Hoffman (York, 35-12) before a likely quarterfinal with No. 3 Yahya Thomas (34-2) of Mt. Carmel. Lewan (36-2) awaits at the top of this bracket.
Alex Koczwara (Prospect, Sr, 182, 34-4): This two-time state qualifier burst on the scene during his first year in the Knights lineup after waiting patiently behind a handful of veterans. He rose up to win a regional and sectional title one year ago, then followed up with the same results once again while adding an MSL crown to his resume. Not bad for someone who began to wrestle in eighth grade. "I watch a lot of film, never stop working, and with (Wroblewski) in the room with me every day, he has been a tremendous influence on the way I prepare, train and compete," says Koczwara, who hopes to attend the Naval Academy next fall. "His work rate, both in the room, and classroom makes him a terrific role model for others," said Whalen. First up will be Mason Hewitt (35-4) from O'Fallon.
Maiden voyagesNicky Amato (Conant, So, 132, 26-8): His transfer from Montini Catholic helped solidify the lower weights for coach Chad Hay, who leaned heavily on the trio of Alex Giuliano, Tyler Futris and Amato; they delivered four major titles and 12 top-three finishes in championship meets. "Nicky has done an excellent job battling and fighting all season long, and we saw just how dominant he can be when he overpowered his opponent in his state-qualifying match, winning 10-1," said Hay of his regional champion. "He's all business, all of the time, but that smile after that win let us know he was ready to head downstate." Amato's first-round opponent is Fidel Mayora (Montini Catholic, 40-3).
Jake Bellizzi (Maine West, So, 170, 30-13): Warriors coach Chris Brassell cannot say enough about his first state qualifier after the sophomore came within 1 victory of reaching sectionals last season. "Jake is a tremendous athlete, but it was really his mental toughness that made the difference last weekend at sectionals," said Brassell. "He stayed focused on one match at a time, and he was able to get to his attacks early and often, regardless of the score. Bellizzi's state opener is No. 1 Johnny Mologousis (42-0) of Lyons Township.
Quinn Bergles (Fremd, Sr, 160, 31-9): Part of the Vikings middle-lineup strength, this three-year starter showed an explosive flash in his sectional opener and never let up, taking home a third-place medal and a first trip downstate. "I'm lucky to have a strong partner (Aaron Kemp) who pushes me in the room each day, and I hope I do that same for him," said Bergles. The three-time sectional qualifier has won 69 matches during that time, and will look for No. 70 today against Jack Murray (30-14) from Mt. Carmel.
Liam Collins (Rolling Meadows, Sr, 138, 30-8): This two-time sectional qualifier came a long way after losing his state qualifier bout last season. "Liam is our hardest-working guy in the room, and it's paid off with him getting downstate," said Bassler. "He watches so much film, takes notes on his opponents and is so coachable, so none of us are surprised with his success and we won't be surprised if he gets himself on the podium on Saturday night." Collins had 24 wins last year, 17 in 2015. This three-year starter and recent regional champ faces Kenny Kerstein (36-9) of Deerfield.
Jake Cysewski (Barrington, Sr, 152, 39-9): The Broncos senior and four-year veteran has turned his game up a notch in the final third of the season to become one of the best in the area in his weight class, as witnessed by his MSL and regional titles and second-place finish at sectional to send him into today's first-round opponent, Matt Ortiz (36-6) from Montini Catholic. "Jake decided it was time to go for it, and he has really stepped it up," says Udchik. "He wrestled and lifted all during the off-season, and his mental aspect of the sport has increased greatly, which is part of the reason for so many close matches that have gone his way this season."
Lee Fuller (Conant, Sr, 182, 20-4): After missing over a month with an injury, the two-year starter gave a glimpse of what the Cougars' lineup needed during his absence - a strong upper-weight performance to help balance an attack which had graduated most of its starting big men. "Lee has had to overcome so much to get himself back to where he is right now, and I'm very proud of him for all the work he's put in to do so," says Hay. Fuller, who won 28 times last year, opens against Keontay Holmes (35-10) from downstate Alton.
Tyler Futris (Conant, Sr, 126, 32-7): The two-year starter fueled an incredible run for the Cougars in the consolation bracket that began with the senior winning his state-qualifying bout 10-9 against Brendan Gallo (Taft, 35-14). That outcome was followed by five consecutive wins by his teammates, who all advanced after their qualifying-match victories. "Tyler has had his share of adversity, throughout his career, so do see him win to get downstate made us all proud," said Hay. Futris' state opener will be against Danny Pucino (Libertyville, 37-4).
Alex Giuliano (Conant, So, 113, 28-9): This sophomore bounced back from a heartbreaking loss in his state-qualifying match last season to earn a well-deserved spot in the field of 16 after a wonderful two days last weekend as he advanced through the sectional on his home mats. Alex wouldn't let what happened to him last year happen again, and after his quarterfinal, it was his composure that allowed him to seal his trip downstate," said Hay. "He's had maybe the most competitive season of all our guys because he's seen so many ranked or honorable mention opponents, so I'm sure that has helped prepare him for the long haul." A regional champ, Giuliano will open at state against Anthony Molton (39-8), of Lockport.
Eric Hominac (Conant, Sr, 170, 32-7): After thrilling the home crowd by coming back from a 5-0 deficit and turning it around with a forceful pin to win his sectional opener, the two-year starter convinced his coach this weekend might be his best of the year. "Eric could be the most dangerous man in his bracket - you can never count him out, and you can see he's ready to get himself up on the podium in Champaign," says Hay. This two-year starter won 30 last season and a earned regional title two weeks ago. He will face Peter Ferraro (32-11) of Marmion Academy on Thursday.
Cormac Kane (Conant, So, 160, 21-7): The first-year starter came back from a string of injuries to put together a nice late-season run to join his five teammates downstate this weekend. "Cormac missed a chunk of time early on due to injuries, but he came back with a vengeance," said Hay. "Even as a sophomore, he carries himself as someone who should be competing with the best, and that's exactly what he did in the 'blood' round - recording a technical fall to qualify for state." His opening-round opponent is No. 1 Travell Timmons (36-4) from Lockport.
Adam Kemp (Fremd, Jr, 152, 29-13): This Vikings junior has come on strong down the stretch to join his teammates downstate, getting four consecutive victories in the consolation bracket, three of which were hard-fought 2- and 3-point decisions. "After training hard all season and against Quinn (Bergles) in our room, I finally have felt strong and confident to be able to go six full minutes, which has been the difference in the postseason," said Kemp, set to meet Brad Gross of Marmion Academy (34-6) in his state opener.
Jackson Kohlberg (Rolling Meadows, Sr, 126, 37-4): The Mustangs' top man has accomplished nearly everything one can achieve during a superb four-year career, except for qualifying for state. And after a satisfying three weeks in the current state series, the Mustangs captain finally booked his place downstate. "There isn't much more you can say about Jackson that hasn't been said, except his leadership, in and out of the room is way up there and his commitment to getting better after missing most of last season with an injury is the reason for his success," says Bassler. The No. 4-rated 126-pounder has bounced several state ranked opponents this year and will now take aim at the third-place finish his brother (James) earned in 2005. First up for Kohlberg is Jack Tangen (33-6) from New Trier.
Vince Lobono (Prospect, Sr, 145, 33-11): This two-year starter followed up a 25-win season from a year ago with eight more this year, including a regional title and second-place finish sectional finish to send him into his first state tournament appearance. "I listened to my coaches, and got back to my basics, did the simple things much better," said Lobono, who opens against Warren senior Grant Zamin (37-4). "Vince has medaled in every tournament this year, and has been a model of consistency," says Whalen.
Zach Nemec (Fremd, Sr, 285 37-2): For all of the big trophies earned during the past two regular by this Michigan-bound Vikings big man, this is his first trip downstate after a near miss a year ago. A real force of nature, Nemec possesses qualities usually reserved for those in weight classes far below his. "His speed afoot and quickness are uncanny, which he's used more effectively this season to put opponents away so much easier," says coach Dan Ruettiger. The two-time MSL and regional champion has recorded 28 pins thus far, and will look to add to that total in his state opener against Nick Yanan (26-12) of Wheaton North.
Manny Ramirez (Wheeling, Jr,, 113, 41-6): This two-time MSL and regional champ makes it downstate after his second try at sectionals last week, when he came back from a heartbreaking OT loss in his semifinal to grab one of the top four spots to advance. "All of that work I spent during the off-season, including 28 intense days at camp, paid off for me," said the junior, who won 32 last season and will face Dominic Zaccone (Stagg, 38-0) in his state opener.
Josh Ramos (Prospect, So, 285, 17-7): After handling the heavyweight chores for most of last season, he split time in that same role in 2017 until taking over for good late in year when he seized his opportunity the best way he knew how. "I was pushed a lot in the room by Alex (Palczewski, who is headed to the University of Illinois to play football next fall), so I was ready when I went back into the starting lineup," said the sophomore, who opens against No. 1, Anthony Cassioppi from Hononegah.
Dan Rasmussen (Barrington, Jr, 160, 33-9): Few have come further in one year than this Broncos junior, who last year didn't make it out of regionals, then turned around this season by winning titles at the prestigious Berman Holiday Classic and later a regional crown to earn the No. 9 spot in the state polls. "(Ras) takes losses so personal, and that elimination early on in regionals last year stuck with him. Since then, his improvement has come from everywhere, especially with his riding, confidence on his feet, and in his takedowns," says Udchik. State opener is against Matthew Young (29-6) of East Aurora.
Cole Reimer (Fremd, Jr, 138, 40-5): This junior overcame a bout with the flu just before sectionals to earn his first trip downstate after three consecutive sectional appearances. "Cole is smart, consistent and just plain relentless, and the kid just hates to lose," says Ruettiger, who saw Reimer claim three hard-fought victories in wrestle-backs, all coming despite being less than 100 percent healthy. His team-high 40 wins gives him 90 in three seasons, and his ability to score in the final 20 seconds of regulation to finish off opponents is way off the charts. Reimer has a tough state opener against two-time state champion Austin Gomez (42-1) of Glenbard North.
Jarit Shinhoster (Barrington, Jr, 132, 36-5): Last season's disappointing loss in his state-qualifying match stayed with Shinhoster during the off-season. His foes this year paid the price as Shinhoster's a long body allows him to maintain pressure, especially when riding out the final two minutes of a match. "Shin keeps his technique simple and he pushes the action, but he's very good defensively on his feet, and really tough to ride, or when riding his opponent," says Udchik. MSL and regional champ takes on Carlos Champagne (Marian Catholic, 40-3) in a first-rounder.
Nolan Warner (Schaumburg, 195, 32-9): This Saxons senior goes downstate for the first time, thanks in part to yeoman work from a pair of coaches on Mike Levanti's staff. "Nolan has done a great job to capitalize on things he does well, and he's also benefitted tremendously from the work he's received from Matt Gruszka and Matt Phelps, not only this year, but all throughout the course of his career," says the Saxons head coach. Warner, a regional champ two weeks ago, opens against Mason Kroening (34-2) of Waubonsie Valley.
Michael Womeldorf (Rolling Meadows, 152, Sr, 24-3): A back injury slowed this three-year starter down at the beginning of the season - but not later on when it really counted. The Mustangs standout has been on fire since the beginning of the postseason, culminating with a sectional championship last weekend after his defeat of DVC champ Anthony Marre of Glenbard North by an 8-0 major decision. "Michael is an intense competitor, and even though he suffered a setback this year with his injury, it didn't stop him from showing just how talented a wrestler he is," says Bassler. Just three wins from 80 in his career. Will open with Jared Ellingwood (39-6) of Plainfield Central.
Dan Wozniak (Conant, Sr, 152, 34-12): The senior held down the middle of the Cougars' lineup all season long, and was rewarded for his work there with a first trip downstate in his first full year in the starting lineup. We call him 'Steady Eddie' because he never gets flustered or lets his emotions get the best of him," said Hay. "With him, it's all business as he leads by example." Wozniak will first face Cole Smith (42-4) of Providence Catholic.
Zach Yfantis (Wheeling, Sr, 220, 40-8): To begin the season for the MSL and regional champs, this two-year starter was in the Wildcats lineup at heavyweight, earning several victories from that position. When coach Neal Weiner filled that spot with another athlete, it moved the two-time sectional qualifier into a weight class he was most comfortable with. Yfantis will face No. 1 Diata Drayton (40-0) of Marist in a first-round matchup.