Waubonsie Valley takes 2nd place

There was no stopping the West Aurora big guns Saturday afternoon.

Sensing history from the get-go, the host Blackhawks took command of the Class AA West Aurora wrestling regional from the start.

By the time seven of its 10 finalists claimed titles, West Aurora stormed to its third consecutive team championship with 214 points, easily outdistancing Waubonsie Valley (156).

It marked the first time in program history the Blackhawks won three regional titles in succession.

West Aurora (19-6) also advanced as a team to the Class AA Glenbard North sectional.

"It feels pretty good," West Aurora coach Mike DiNovo said. "Seeding had us getting eight to the finals. That's the name of the game this week: advancing."

Naperville Central and Naperville North had a pair of champions with their third- and fourth-place finishes, respectively, while Marmion had five qualifiers in placing fifth.

Wheaton Warrenville South boasted two champions to flavor its sixth-place finish; East Aurora and Aurora Central Catholic rounded out the teams.

The 42 individuals advance to the Naperville North sectional next weekend.

Four of the West Aurora champions -- Sam McKinney, Tanner Andrews, Mario Gonzalez and Dan Carey -- clinched their titles with falls.

Returning state qualifier Josh Zinzer was equally dominant at 125 pounds for West Aurora, winning by a 15-1 margin, while Vince Morris and Sam Pealstrom added crowns for the Blackhawks with decisions at 130 and 140, respectively.

"I was trying to get the fastest pin," Andrews said after needing only 23 seconds to secure his victory at 119 pounds. "It's great to be a part of the first team to win three in a row. Our next goal is to get more than four guys downstate."

Andrews' victory was preceded by McKinney winning in the second period at 112 pounds, and Gonzalez and Carey were invincible at 189 and 215 in another back-to-back clinic by West Aurora wrestlers.

Gonzalez remained undefeated at 189 pounds, using a fall late in the first period to yet another tournament title this winter.

"I can't wait (for the sectional)," said Gonzalez, the defending champion at 171 pounds. "DiNovo talks to us and gets us in the right mood."

Carey was in a scoreless tie late in the first period when the senior made a sudden move, taking down his opponent and earning another fall three seconds before the horn.

Jesse Pena (152 pounds), Tim Soloff (161) and Juan Perez (285) also earned automatic berths to Naperville North with their runner-up finishes.

Still searching for its first state qualifier in program history, Marmion made the cut to Naperville North.

Matt Grange (125), Pat Greco (130) and Andrew Konovodoff (145) fell in the finals, and Eddie Breen and Nico Jimenez earned it the hard way, claiming third-place victories at 103 and 171.

"My awareness on the mat has really improved," said Jimenez, returning from a spinal injury.

Waubonsie Valley had its championship aspirations evaporate in the semifinals.

"Coming in we thought that if we were at our best and West (Aurora) faltered a little bit, we would be right there," Waubonsie coach Brad Caldwell said. "It went the other way around. West was definitely solid all day."

The Warriors still advanced eight wrestlers, led by senior Kyle Rasmussen, who claimed the lone team title with a second-period fall at 135 pounds.

"I saw the opening," Rasmussen said. "I went for it and it all worked out."

The twin stalwarts for Naperville Central, Jon Coluzzi and Chris Graeber at 152 and 171, respectively, had workmanlike routes to the top of the podium.

Coluzzi scored all 4 of his points in the final period for a 1-point victory; Graeber was dominant early with two 3-point near-falls in the first.

In the zaniest final match, Naperville North senior Mark Puknaitis prevailed 17-10 over Marmion junior Andrew Konovodoff; each wrestler was threatened with a fall more than once.

And what a fall it was for heavyweight Mike Albanese, the Huskies' junior returning from a shoulder injury.

Albanese turned the tables on West Aurora conference champion Juan Perez, dramatically ending the final match with a second-period pin.

"Everything was happening so quickly," Albanese said. "I did what my coaches told me to do. Perez is a heck of a wrestler; I'll probably see him again next week."

WW South freshman opened the championship bracket with an 8-3 win at 103 pounds, and the Tigers' Tobias King scored the final 4 points at 160 for a 12-8 victory.

"This is the first varsity tournament that I've ever won," King said. "I guess this is the best time to take that first win."