Wheeling wows 'em

The Mid-Suburban League team championship was already settled -- and Wheeling officials were beginning to clear space for some extra-large hardware in their trophy case.

It was time for the tried and true to give wrestling fans some extra-special entertainment Saturday.

Palatine's Dale Jarosz (130 pounds) and Prospect's Matt Boggess (135) and Peter Zintak (189) joined an elite group of 15 previous three-time MSL champions, capturing titles to put an exclamation point on the 38th annual wrestling meet at Wheeling.

The Wildcats, who clinched their second crown in school history and first since 1977, ran away from the field with 203 points, 55 more than runner-up Prospect (158).

Rolling Meadows (141.5) was third, and MSL West division titlist Hoffman Estates took fourth with 141 points.

The MSL East champion Wildcats were led by the nation's No. 1-rated 103-pounder Max Nowry (33-0) -- who rolled to his second straight conference crown.

Freshman Luke Smith (33-4) won the 112-pound title 8-6 over Hoffman Estates' Patrick Scully, who had fallen to Nowry in last year's 103-pound final.

"It's really nice to be a part of a championship team, and to see it all come together over the two days of competition in a very tough wrestling conference like the MSL," said Wheeling coach Neal Weiner.

"It was especially rewarding to have 11 place-winners (today), and to see Luke win his title as a freshman, and to receive outstanding performances from our 215-pounder (Eddie Brito), who finished fourth, and heavyweight Eric Tolendano, who took home a third-place medal."

"Now we'll begin to concentrate on the regionals next week at Palatine."

Prospect coach Gary McMorrow watched his Big Four -- Jonny Brennan (119), Tyler Rossdeutcher (125), Boggess and Zintak -- run over and through the competition.

A stirring effort from the senior Rossdeutcher (20-6) to complete his title run with an 11-4 victory over Schaumburg's Sergio Gomez (29-6) brought a smile to McMorrow's face -- and a compliment from the champion for Justin Milos, a Prospect assistant coach and former state medalist for the Knights.

"It's been quite a year for Tyler, who first had to endure the death of his father early on and later missing 20-plus days of competition to a concussion," McMorrow said. "It was a lot of heart out there (for) Tyler and I am sure this championship was for his dad."

"It's great having Justin with us in the room pushing (me) and Jonny everyday and just being there to be a source of support to me," said Rossdeutcher, who felt the weekend MSL meet was the best tournament effort of his high school career.

Zintak and Boggess were two of four previous two-time MSL champions from Prospect -- joining assistant Shawn Stoltz and Rossdeutcher's father, Kevin.

Zintak improved his record to 36-1 with a rare six-minute effort when he defeated Wheeling's Danny Vargas (32-5) -- who earlier surprised No. 2 seed Thomas Davidson of Rolling Meadows with a fall at 5:01 in the semifinals.

"It would have nice to have this be my fourth MSL title, but it is very gratifying to win my third in my final year at Prospect and along with my three teammates as well," said Zintak, ranked No. 3 in the state.

No fewer than three championship bouts were decided by 2 points or less, with a pair in overtime including a thrilling 3-1 win by PJ Starnes (Schaumburg) over Wheeling's Joe Kent at 145 pounds.

Starnes (34-2) who beat Kent 4-2 a few weeks ago, recorded a takedown in the second overtime period, then rode out Kent (33-4) for the entire 30 seconds of the third extra round to earn his first MSL title.

"I figured this match would be as tough as our first one, and I am glad it was so tough because it will prepare be better for next week's regional at Lake Park," Starnes said.

Jarosz's 3-1 overtime win at 130 pounds over Hoffman Estates' Nico Silvestri pulled the 2007 state medalist even with Palatine coach Dan Collins -- who earned three MSL titles from 1992-94 -- and more importantly prepared the talented and affable senior for what looks to be another long postseason run.

"My only 2 losses of the season have been in OT, so to (get) a win today in OT gives me the confidence I need in case I face another during the next three weeks," said Jarosz (29-2).

That sigh of relief by Elk Grove senior Robert Pechacek (28-2) after his 7-6 win over Hoffman Estates junior Tommy Wadas (26-10) in the 140-pound final signaled the release of the weight of the Grens' wrestling program off the shoulders of the now two-time conference champion.

"I feel like I have so much self-imposed stress and pressure on myself to help keep our program continue to be a presence while it is growing," Pechacek said. "So beating a very good wrestler and person like Tommy is so important to me while helping me get ready for regionals, sectionals and more."

The final at 152 pounds pitted No. 1 seed Ross Grande of Palatine against No. 2 Jamie Zabrin (31-4) of Buffalo Grove.

Grande (34-2) prevailed 6-2 to give the Palatine senior his second title in as many years at this weight.

"I've said it so many times this year, but it is all about continuing to work harder than anyone else, and being ready to go six minutes (or) more if necessary," said Grande, who with the win solidifies his status as the No. 4-rated wrestler in the state.

Buffalo Grove junior Kyle Czarnecki (32-2) positioned himself well for a top regional seed with a impressive 15-1 major decision over Dan Malik (Schaumburg) for the 160-pound title.

Earlier, the No. 4-seeded Malik upended top-seed Abel Rangel by a fall to book his spot in the final in just his second varsity year.

Conant's Joe Patricelli (29-7) earned bragging rights at 171, while junior Jose Flores (Hoffman Estates, 22-11) did the same after his 3-1 upset win in overtime over top-seed Mikal Johnson (30-7) from Rolling Meadows.

Flores' teammate Alex Ochoa, who was promoted from the JV squad Friday, ran into one giant too many at 285, where 2007 state qualifier John La Pointe (19-1) of Fremd earned a 9-3 decision.