Huntley's thinking big again
No fan of Huntley wrestling will ever forget its season one year ago when the Red Raiders famously won its first ever 3A team state trophy during a record setting campaign.
The fourth-place trophy BJ Bertelsman's men brought home was the first in program history, and first for the FVC at 3A since the IHSA went to a three-class system.
League rival Crystal Lake Central has dominated at 2A since 2009 under head coach Justen Lehr.
Most supporters could reel off the names of their heroes who helped the club advance to the dual-team state tourney for the first time, then upend perennial state power Glenbard North in its dual-team state opener to insure silverware bliss.
"Wrestling was kind of an after thought when I first arrived here. (We) didn't have a coach in the building, so that obviously changed, but I had to market the heck out of our sport in order build numbers in order to compete," said Bertelsman, named 2018 Coach of the Year by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association.
"(Bertelsman) is a great coach, who puts so much into what he does for all of us, making sure our non-conference schedule is among the best around, plus his technical knowledge is amazing," said junior David Ferrante.
Ferrante, Sammy Spencer and Gannon Kosowski are just three of many who helped lead the Red Raiders to a program best 24 wins - improving Bertelsman's record in seven years to a dazzling 126-44.
"Our coaching staff is dedicated to making all of us are very best," said Spencer, another junior.
"All of our coaches drive us throughout the year, which along with a great schedule has us all ready for the postseason," said Kosowski, who went from the JV his sophomore year to 37 wins and a trip downstate a year ago.
Last year Huntley advanced to the dual-team sectionals after outlasting a terrific DeKalb club at the Barbs' own regional.
There, the Red Raiders claimed five regional champions, while advancing 12 into the Barrington sectional, seven of which went downstate, another program record.
Brothers Zach and Sammy Spencer were state medal winners. Ferrante, who medaled as a freshmen, wrestled through torn ligaments in his thumb and elbow, and fell just short of reaching the podium.
"Injuries are part of this sport, but regardless, you wrestle through it for your teammates, coaches, hometown, and the 'H' on your singlet," said Ferrante, who's 100 percent following surgery this offseason.
Huntley lost four state qualifiers: Jimmy Pellegrino, Zach Spencer, Luke Loprieno, and Juan Quiroz, along with their 170-plus victories, leaving Bertelsman cautiously optimistic of the upcoming season.
"We have some terrific upperclassmen back, and some very good freshmen, the biggest since I began, but there will be a lot of rough matches ahead of this team (even) before the new year that will constantly test these guys each time out," said Bertelsman.