More Smiths, more winning at Wheeling
A Smith family tradition.
That's what Luke Smith says it's all about ... and why not?
Beginning with Jamie Smith, and on through to the current Smith duo of Luke and cousin Mike, the name Smith has been as common in the prep wrestling scene as it is in everyday life.
It's one reason the Wheeling program has shined since Jamie, a recent Northwestern grad, stepped into the Wildcats room in 2002 to win seven straight regional championships - including last season when an upset of state power Libertyville in a sectional final advanced Neal Weiner's lads into its first-ever state dual-team quarterfinal appearance.
"We've been very fortunate (here) to have kids and families that come in here with the dedication and work ethic needed to succeed at a high level, and we have been just as lucky to have four like Jamie, Matt, Luke and Mike that arrive with plenty of club experience and the skills and talent to be leaders on (teams) they have been on," said Weiner, who is at 362 career victories and counting in his 23rd year as head coach.
Luke, a junior, is the latest bright star in the Smith family, as he brings an elusive, effervescent flair and explosive style which has earned him a top rating in pre-season polls at 135 pounds following his triumphant run to a third-place medal last year at the state tourney.
"I wasn't ever sure if I would like being the 'hunted' - but I enjoy the challenge of knowing that everyone is coming after (me) because it will keep me fresh and ready for every opponent I face," said Luke, who was the MSL, regional and sectional champion in 2009.
The gifted two-time state qualifier wore the captains armband proudly last year as a sophomore, alongside two-time state qualifiers and seniors Dan Vargas and David Aranda, and continues to do so for the 2009-2010 season.
"Yeah, coach told me he appreciates how seriously I take the role of team captain, but to dial it down a notch," Luke said with a wry smile as he has been known to leap high off the bench and into the air before unloading a stream of encouragement second to none.
"Both Matt (and Jamie) are always giving me advice, but sometimes I wish that I had the same calm demeanor that Jamie had."
Built much like Jamie, tall and lean, Luke uses his older brother's second-place finish to Nick Bertucci (Oak Park-River Forest) in 2005 as a constant reminder of the difficult task of winning it all as the impetus in his journey to the top.
"It's not an easy road, and the work never has to stop if you want to reach the top," says Luke, who in the offseason trained at the Lee Kemp club, along with Mike, and would earn a fourth-place finish at the Cadet Nationals in Greco style at 130 pounds.
"The thing about Luke is he is always looking for a bigger challenge, just like last weekend at the Moore-Prettyman tournament when he competed at 140 pounds, when he is a 135-pounder," said Wheeling assistant and 2004 state medalist J.P. Akouri.
"He is always seeking tougher competition and opponents, and this year he has a little more of that brawler mentality and a bit of a swagger that show to (me) that he's ready to make the step up to elite status."
Performing for a full six minutes, or whether with a swift, destructive fall just moments into the match, Luke never fails to think of anyone else but him teammates after he has left the match. He races off the mat to support and cheer others, especially Mike, who he will battle to a 50-50 draw most times in the room.
"We know each other so well, after wrestling each other since we were 5 so we can't surprise the other guy with any moves," Luke said. "That's why when we (both) need a real workout, we have to wrestle others."
Luke has enough confidence for his cousin to fill the 'room' so to speak, and he feels the 145-pound junior is ready for the next step after reaching the state tournament last season following a terrific post-season run.
"Mike had a real break-through match (at) Barrington with Joey Uccardi (Plainfield Central) and he showed, even in his 3-2 loss in the semis, he showed he is (right there) with state-ranked guys, and I know he is capable of better results when the postseason comes."
For the three-year veteran Mike the time is now, witnessed by his full commitment to wrestling after a decision not to return to football this fall.
"It's time to give wrestling my full attention," admits Mike Smith, who found his way onto Team Illinois, then Fargo during the offseason. Mike overcame a tough bout with a bad case of the flu to fight his way through at the Dundee-Crown regionals last year to advance into the sectionals and one step closer to his dream of joining Luke downstate.
"I had such a terrible conference tournament, so coming back, and to get out of the regionals was a big thing for me," said Smith, who battled a 102 degree fever leading up to an impressive 18-10 major decision victory in the 130-pound final over Brian Kempf (Hoffman Estates), who one week earlier sent him into the back-draw after a 12-10 loss in the quarter-finals.
A well-wrestled sectional at Barrington would result in a spot opposite eventual state medalist Danny Fisher (Highland Park) where he fell 7-3.
"I felt I was ready for the state tournament, but it's so different when you get down (there) on the big floor," said Mike, who went 1-2 on the weekend.
"When I get down there (again) the result(s) will be different."
"You can sense how Mike has matured as a person and athlete, and it's that change that will show in his performance on the mats this season," suggests Weiner, who feels the junior will easily handle the bump from 130 pounds up 2-3 weight classes this season.
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