Wrestling: Season scouting report, Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Jeff Vik (2nd season).

Last year: 5-25-0 (1-4-0)

Graduation losses: John Maddox (170, 16w, playing football at UW-Whitewater), Noah Festenstein (145, 6w).

Top returners: Seniors Jake Greenberg (113, 27w), Sam Haro (196, 18), John Pontarelli (152, 7w), Jordan Brown (160, 5w).

New faces in the room: Juniors Lucas Ramirez (120), Alexis Obregon (126); sophomore Paul Domain (106).

Outlook: Jeff Vlk has the Bison on the up and up. Despite a rough 2014 campaign, the theory of the second-year head coach is to never go back, and if Vlk can continue to build numbers in the program as he has in just one season in charge, then things might be shaping up well - sooner, rather than later. "When I took over the program, there were just 13 athletes in our program. That was then, but now, I am proud to say today we're at 60-plus, with over 20 of them freshmen. We obviously are in the middle of a major rebuild, so we're going to be very young, but the guys have worked incredibly hard in the weight room and on the mats, so the future is beginning to look very bright for us." Vik opens the season with three seniors in his starting lineup.

Elk GroveCoach: Dan Vargas (2nd season).

Last year: 3-13-0.

Graduation losses: Sean Oldenburg (170, regional champion, 21w, Illinois State University), Pedro Martinez (285, 8w), Daniel Jamieson (220,16w, sectional qualifier)

Top returners: Seniors Azeez Alabi (182, 18w), Eriberto Gutierrez (132), Chris Gatwood (152).

New faces in the room: Dionte Tillman (285), Louie DiPietro (220), Alexis Tijerin (160).

Outlook: The Dan Vargas era began one year ago, and the former Wheeling High School and Elmhurst College star found the going to be a little rough for his struggling program. Still, the 2009 state medalist still produced a regional champ and sent a pair to sectionals, helping position the Grens for this season and beyond. "It's all about changing the culture and attitude about the sport here, and we're slowly doing so, to the point that the numbers are slowly growing and the guys we have are totally buying into the system - and with the way both mentally and physically you must prepare in order to compete, and at a high level," Vargas said. "I feel very good about things are going, but now we have to get some results in order to continue to grow." The best of the bunch is two-sport standout Alabi (football), who appears to have his best days ahead of him at 182 pounds.

HerseyCoach: Jeff Kramarczyk (2nd year).

Last year: 13-9-0 (2-3-0)

Graduation losses: Tyler Cooke (285, two-time state qualifier, 39w, Harper College), Austin Wade (152, 19w), Grant Warner (138, sectional qualifier, 29w), James Joyce (195, 7w).

Top returners: Seniors Mitch MacTavish (126, state qualifier, 34w), Jordan Davis (138, sectional qualifier, 18w), Spencer Kruger (220); junior Luke Schmiederer (160); sophomore Matt Joyce (106, 18w).

New faces in the room: Junior Jacob Petersen (152); sophomore Sean Paton (113).

Outlook: That the Huskies enjoyed a 13-win season despite having holes in their lineup plus a handful of injuries to contend with lends credence to the job Jeff Kramarczyk and his staff did to keep the club focused during Kramarczyk's first year as varsity coach in the MSL. The challenge is still there this time around, with the departure of sometimes sensational heavyweight Tyler Cooke, who managed to earn consecutive trips downstate, as well as the steady Austin Wade. "I still expect our lower weights to be our strength," Kramarczyk said, "and along with our veteran starters, they should carry us through the year while we figure a way to deal with depth issues due to low numbers in the program at various weights." MacTavish, who was champion last weekend at the 15-team Ted DeRouse invite at Antioch, provided the orange and brown with a thrilling run into the state tournament in the final weeks last season, and the four-year veteran will look for a repeat of that February 2015 ride.

ProspectHead coach: Tom Whalen (7th season).

Last year: 21-5-0 (5-0-0), MSL East, regional champions, 3A state qualifier, lost to Glenbard North, 39-26 in dual-team state quarterfinals).

Graduation losses: James Ford (220, MSL, regional champion, two-time state qualifier, 38w, wrestling at North Central College), Adrian Wroblewski (182, MSL champion, sectional qualifier, wrestling at North Central College), Chris Rivera (126, regional champion), Dema Govalla (195, sectional qualifier), Alex Straczek, Tim McDermott, Igli Velcani.

Top returners: Seniors Alex Preissing (120,126, state qualifier, regional champion, 42w), Sami Dakka (126,132), Frank Mazur (132,138, 13w), Jake Verschoor (145, 6w), Tanner Strobel (152, state qualifier, regional champion, 36w), Bobby Jarosz (160, sectional qualifier, 36w), Joe Siracusa (170, 5w), Zach Fyke (170); juniors Matt Wroblewski (182, 6th place state medalist, MSL, regional champ, 43w), Dexter Straczak (106,113, 13w), Vinco Lobono (132,138, sectional qualifier, 26w), Stu Isteffanos (145,152, sectional qualifier, 10w), Alex Koczwara (182,195), Alex Palczewski (285, 10w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Josh Samson (145,152), Matt Schultz (220,285); sophomores Anthony Silva (113,120), Gianni Rago (120,126), Angel Romero (132), Ryan Vedner (182), Lucas Reinhardt (195,220); freshmen Andrew Baysinger (106), Jose Ramos (285).

Outlook: The Knights, awash with talent up and down the lineup and brimming from a challenging nonconference and weekend tournament schedule, finally broke through in the postseason, capturing a regional title and then a first ever sectional crown to book a first voyage to the dual-team state tourney finals. "It was a memorable season to say the least, but the boys know what happened last year is in the past, and we've got to look forward now and work that much harder if we hope to have a repeat of last years' success, and even more," said Whalen. Prospect has started well, grabbing a fourth-place overall finish at the prestigious Moore-Prettyman last weekend. But in the process, the Knights lost standout 152-pounder Tanner Strobel (concussion, broken hand) for a while. Prospect lost plenty of talent to graduation but returns the big four of Wroblewski, Preissing, Jarosz and Strobel. "We have experience returning, and those who know what it takes to be in high stakes matches, and the young guys we bring on we get battle tested in the room to get themselves ready for what's ahead," said Whalen. "There's no reason why we cannot be highly competitive once again, but this is a team that will need to get tougher while finding their own identity along the way in order to continue to build on the foundation that's been set forth." The one-two punch of Wroblewski and Preissing is state-medal worthy, with Wroblewski coming off a summer in which he was a member of the FILA Junior National Team in Poland, while his teammate (Preissing) qualified to Fargo, while earning a state title in Freestyle.

Rolling Meadows Coach: John Bassler (2nd season).

Last year: 17-4-0 (3-2-0)

Graduation losses: Kasey Jauch (160, sectional qualifier, wrestling at Cornell College, Iowa), Dan Stubing (152, sectional qualifier).

Top returners: Seniors: Eric Chalupa (195, sectional qualifier, 29w), Maciej Pogorzelski (285, 23); juniors Jackson Kohlberg (113, sectional qualifier, 34w), Liam Collins (145, sectional qualifier, 17w), Nick Delporte (170, 2014 state qualifier, 14w); sophomores Jacob Holm (MSL, regional champion, 27w), Michael Womeldorf (MSL champ, sectional qualifier, 22w).

New faces in the room: Senior Tulga Zuunbayan (160, regional, sectional champion, two-time state qualifier, 39w); juniors Hector Campos (120), Manny Luna (182), Michael Fiedler (152); freshmen Alex Hoffman (120).

Outlook: Already penciled in as a serious challenger to reigning champion Prospect when the final whistle closed on last season, the Mustangs' hopes increased dramatically when it learned that the two-time state qualifier Tulga Zuunbayan had transfered from Wheeling. That gives coach John Bassler and his men yet another potent weapon in the lineup. "Obviously, we were thrilled to have Tulga come aboard, and together with (Michael) Womeldorf and (Nick) Delporte, the middle of our lineup should produce plenty of bonus points for us throughout the season," said Bassler. If Delporte, who suffered through an injury-filled sophomore season, can regain his rookie season form when he headed downstate, the Mustangs' opponents at 160 and 170 will have their hands full. Big man Maciej Pogorzelski is one of the best in the area, while on the other end of the lineup, Jackson Kohlberg (113) and Jacob Holm (126), could easily combine for 75-80 victories between them. "We have eight returning sectional qualifiers, and we're healthy and driven to succeed, so if we can production from a couple of the first-year varsity guys, we could have an exciting season ahead of us," says Bassler.

WheelingCoach: Neal Weiner (30th season).

Last year: 23-3-0.

Graduation losses: Ricky Muro (138, sectional qualifier, 2014 state qualifier), Johny Carvijal (120, sectional qualifier, U.S. Army), Juan Hernandez (285, regional champion, sectional qualifier, Harper College), Alex Rybek (Illinois Wesleyan), Steve Montesinos (170, sectional qualifier), Carlos Giles, David Vergel.

Top returners: Seniors Robert Torres (195), Yoni Medina (220, sectional qualifier, 24w); juniors Jalen Shaw (152, regional champ, 31w), Zach Yfantis (285, 16w), Tristan Guzman (138, 15w), Andrew Lara (145, 16w), sophomores Mason Skloot (113, state qualifier, regional champion, 31w), Brian Madrigal (120, 24w), sophomores Issac Martinez (195), Carlos Montiel (170, 11w).

New faces in the room: Junior Scott Anderson (170); sophomores Manny Ramirez (113), Angel Villilobos (152), Willy Giles (160); freshmen JP Smith (126).

Outlook: The Wildcats fashioned an impressive record last season, recording more victories in duals than any of its league rivals. That led to a strong effort at regionals, where the club advanced eight into the sectional at Barrington. Two survived to make the trip to Champaign. However, of those state qualifiers expected to be back moved from the area, and landed at division rival Rolling Meadows. Tulga Zunnbayan enjoyed three superb seasons with Neal Weiner and his staff, including consecutive state tournament appearances and dozens of 6-point bonus nights for the Cats' cause, so his departure will impact the club during the early going. "It's always tough when you lose a two-time state qualifier, but we have a lot of talent that is back with us this year, including five regional placewinners (and two individual champions), so I feel we should be very competitive with the non-conference and tournament schedule we have put together this year," says coach Neal Weiner, who has amassed 463 victories during a successful 30 years at Wheeling. Weiner's men got off to a flying start this season by finishing second overall at Antioch last weekend, falling to state power Deerfield in the final with senior Yoni Medina capturing an individual crown at 220 pounds along the way.

MSL WESTBarringtonCoach: Dave Udchick (2nd season)

Last year: 19-4-0, MSL, regional runner-up.

Graduation losses: Julius Smith (170, two-time state qualifier, 2014 state medalist, MSL, regional champion, 37w, wrestling at UW-Oshkosh), Connor Boundy (145, state qualifier, 35w, wrestling at Indiana University), Travis Cysewski (160, state qualifier, regional champion, 25w, University of Wisconsin), John DePersia (195, sectional qualifier, 36w, wrestling at UW-Oshkosh), Alex Zintner (285, state qualifier, MSL champion, 32w, Indiana), Christian Kazanowski (152, 26w), Andrew Rasmussen (220, 22w), Nick Patino (126, 15w).

Top returners: Senior Mitch Stathakis (132, 2014 state qualifier, 19w), Matt Guhde (160, sectional qualifier, 25w); junior Jake Cysewski (138, 14w); sophomores Jarit Shinhoster (113, sectional qualifier, 9w), Connor Delahunt (120, sectional qualifier, 17w), Markus Hartman (126, 2014 MSL, regional champion, 25w), Jake Meyer (152, 11w).

New faces in the room: Senior Nick Zawisza (145); junior Alex Crook (220,285).

Outlook: The Broncos were ravaged by graduation, which took 20-plus seniors from the program, including the tremendous veteran trio of Smith, Boundy and Cysewski, who not only gave max efforts but more importantly the kind of leadership needed to keep Barrington in the hunt for regular and postseason championships. "Its' a whole new look for Barrington wrestling this season after graduating so many seniors, many of whom worked their way though the system to become a group we were all proud of," says coach Dave Udchik. While major losses are the topic this season, it was a handful of injuries last year which took a toll last season, especially at the lower weights. Two key figures who were on the injured list when most needed were Markus Hartman and Mitch Stathakis; they are back this season, which will help offset the graduation losses. "For the first time in recent memory, we won't have that powerhouse group at the upper weights, so we'll look for the other guys to help make up for that loss, and with Markus, Mitch, and a couple of other sectional qualifiers who are hard-working and hungry, perhaps they'll be ready to make their mark come crunch time," said Udchik. Senior Max Guhde will be one to watch, as his high work rate and gritty six-minute approach could translate to a big splash for the returning sectional qualifier.

ConantCoach: Chad Hay (5th season).

Last year: 18-3-0, MSL and regional champs, lost to Glenbard North in dual-team sectional.

Graduation losses: Bobby Alexander (138, three-time state medalist, four-time state qualifier, MSL, regional, sectional champion, four-time MSL champion, 47w, wrestling at Ellingsworth College, Iowa), Dan Andress (160, 4th place state medalist, MSL, regional champion, 44w, wrestling at Northern Illinois), Griff Rose (152, 2014 state qualifier, sectional qualifier, two-time MSL champ, 35w, Harper College), Michael Meier (220, state qualifier, MSL, regional champion, 35w), Andrew Zerfas (195, state qualifier, 25w), Joel Almodovar (170, sectional qualifier, 25w), Kevin Smith (182, sectional qualifier, 22w), Nick Oskorep (113).

Top returners: Seniors Kyle Peisker (132,138, two-time state qualifier, MSL, regional champion, 36w), Danny Madonia (126,132, state qualifier, MSL, regional champion, 34w), Nick Catalano (145,152, sectional qualifier), Jason Giuliano (113,120, sectional qualifier), Brian Smith (145,152, 18w), Steven Hanks (285, 220,285); junior Tyler Futris (106,113, secitonal qualifier, 31w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Eric McKenna (126), AJ Herrmann (152,160), Tyler Hickerson (285); juniors Eric Hominac (160,170), Lee Fuller (182), Artis Hudson (195).

Outlook:The Cougars ran away from the rest of the division in January, and later proved to be the class of the league for a second consecutive year, albeit not without a bit of drama. Chad Hay's group held off a valiant Barrington squad, using a record fourth straight MSL title from Bobby Alexander to lift the big trophy. The brilliant Alexander is off to college, as is nearly everyone else from 152 and up, so the question becomes, can the Cougars contend for more hardware come February? "We did graduate half of our lineup from a league and regional championship team, but there's still a solid group returning, and despite losing so many talented guys, it will now give others a chance to step-up and show what they are made of," says Hay, who guided his club to a third straight regional crown one week after the league tournament. Despite the loss of nearly 250 victories, and countless top-three finishes and bonus points that superb senior group takes with them, the current version of the Cougars are poised to make some terrific memories of their own. Last weekend, the Cougars rolled past their competition, including long-time nemesis Glenbard North, to capture their own Hruska invite as Nick Catalano and Jason Giuliano won individual crowns. Hay and his staff have reinforced the starting lineup with several who have been waiting in the wings. Veterans Kyle Peisker and Danny Madonia were in top form from the opening whistle last season and stayed in the fast lane throughout the campaign on their way to MSL and regional titles, and eventually a trip downstate. "The challenge will be a little greater this year, than the past couple of seasons," said Hay, "but all of us are looking forward to what's ahead and the chance to win another conference and regional championship, and a return to the dual-team state finals."

FremdCoach: Dan Ruettiger (2nd season).

Last year: 10-9-0 (4-3-0)

Graduation losses: Dominic Lorig (138, 26w), Chris Sheets (160, 13w), Dom Gallo (182, 15w).

Top returners: Seniors Alex Jacobs (MSL, regional champ, state qualifier, 33w), Grant Barwacz (132, sectional qualifier, 25w), Matt Kurtishi (152, 24w), Aaron Cortez (195, sectional qualifier, 22w); junior Zach Nemec (285, sectional qualifier, 27w); sophomores Cole Rimer (120, sectional qualifier, 25w), Quinn Bergles (sectional qualifier, 13w).

New faces in the room: Senior Joaquin Grace (160); junior Doug Sheehan (182); sophomore Adam Kemp (138).

Outlook: After struggling to stay afloat the past few seasons, the Vikings' ship has the wind fully in its sails under second-year coach Dan Ruettiger, who along with his staff hope to take this new-look club into a new era. "The guys have bought into our system and have been working hard in and out of the room, so the hope now is to get the results out on the mat and to improve from where we were last year," says Ruettiger. The team has a natural lead-by-example type in senior Alex Jacobs, who was a potent force in the Vikings' lineup last season, capturing two tournament titles before earning first-place trophies at both conference and regionals and ultimately earning a trip downstate. During the offseason, the senior won state titles at both freestyle and Greco before heading off to nationals in Fargo. "We should be very strong at the upper weights, but we're not a particularly big team after that, so that's where we could struggle a bit," said Ruettiger, who returns six athletes who advanced to the sectional a year ago.

Hoffman Estates Coach: Tony Ganas (6th season).

Last year: 0-5-0

Graduation losses: Mustafa Hashim (132, 24w), Cliff Eiring (145, 27w), Danny Gordon (152, 12w), Brian Miller (182, 17w).

Top returners: Senior Nathan Edwards (285, 14w); junior Malik Walker (152, 15w).

New faces in the room: Juniors Seth Caro (113), Nathan Ouimet (120,126).

Outlook: The Hawks have had their share of struggles during the past few seasons, fueled by a numbers challenge which has left Hoffman at a disadvantage against the top MSL teams and also at tournaments. "It's tough when you now you're going to give away 18-24 points with forfeits," coach Tony Ganas said. "It's a mental strain on the guys, and it eventually wears you down during the course of a long season." Still, the Hawks don't use the deficit as an excuse, and this year it's looking a whole lot brighter as it appears the number gap has closed significantly. "For the few guys who enjoyed success at the end of last season, and have returned, it's all positive and upbeat," Ganas said. "That attitude, along with a terrific group of new guys, has a much different attitude in the room here at the start, begining with two wins in our first three duals, which included a very good effort in a close match with Glenbrook South." Despite a roster generally in need of experience, Ganas sees help on the way as he welcomed 25 freshmen into the program, the highest number during his tenure.

PalatineCoach: Dan Collins (13th season).

Last year: 8-11-0 (2-5-0).

Graduation losses: Gavin Frey (126, 20w), Mikalos Jackson (152, sectional qualifier, 15w), Eric Ignacio (120, 8w), Muhammad Jamshadov (132), Manny Ramirez, Zach Mobile (170, 11w, Illinois State), Jack Bauer (Harper College), Matt Buffo.

Top returners: Seniors Oscar Rodriguez (120, sectional qualifier, 17w), Jason Lopez (195, sectional qualifier, 23w), Elvin Sosa (170, sectional qualifier, 16w), Max Stepp (285, 5w).

New faces in the room: Juniors Ethan Huber (138), Jose Aragon (145), Billy Illka (160), Jon Alanis (220), San Ceracas (220); sophomore Brett Spata (113).

Outlook: Few have the passion, tactical genius and first-class resume of Dan Collins, and the long-time Pirates coach feels a spot in the top half of the league is well within reach for this year's group. "We have a great bunch of guys who have bought into the Pirate system, and we/they expect great things to come from it," says Collins. "We're a little young at some weights, but we should be able to fill the gaps with an overall competitive roster which firmly believes in our Pirate motto of, 'It's not where you start, but where you finish' and we should see this play out come the end of the year." A first taste of sectional competition last season for Rodriguez, Sosa and Lopez provided a lasting effect on this trio, who look to be key figures in the Pirates' revival this winter.

SchaumburgCoach: Mike LeVanti (5th season).

Last year: 13-9-0 (2-3-0).

Graduation losses: Rafael Garcia (113, sectional qualifier, 19w), Mark Bruno (225, playing football at Carleton College, 27w), Tyler Alanis (285, 2014 state qualifier, sectional qualifier, 24w, Western Illinois), Woo Lee (195, sectional qualifier, 11w, Michigan State), Olijiah Salley (sectional qualifier, 15w), Gaby Ortiz (Elmhurst College).

Top returners: Seniors Hazen Rice (113, MSL, regional champion, 5th place state medalist, 41w), Zach Nykiel (120, 11w), Eric Ortiz (152, 21w), Logan Gruszka (170, MSL, regional champion, state qualifier, 39w), Tony Vezzetti (182, sectional qualifier, 29w), Jon Serio (285, 12); junior Nolan Warner (195, 5w).

New faces in the room: Juniors Zach Hosp (126), Hunter Mitchell (132), Colin Egan (138), Brandon Schaar (145), Andy Ortiz (220); freshmen Jack Lingle (106).

Outlook: The Saxons have been especially hard-hit by graduation losses during the past two seasons, which undoubtedly have had an effect on their ability to challenge for a top spot in the league after coming within an eyelash of a conference title just two seasons ago. Still, the cupboard is far from bare at Schaumburg, and in the dynamic duo of Hazen Rice and Logan Gruszka, the Saxons have two competitors with great chances to make a climb up the podium in Champaign come late February. Rice, a state medalist a year ago, made his statement of intent following his USAW preseason national championship at 113 pounds, while Gruszka dominated a loaded weight class, including a host of Greco-Roman national finalist and former all-Americans to represent the U.S. Cadet team last August in Sarajevo. "Those two obviously will get most of the headlines for us, but Tony (Vezzetti) is ready to make his move this year, and (Andy) Ortiz at 220 is fit and strong. Guys like Brandon Schaar and Colin Egan are capable of surprising, as is our heavyweight, Jon Serio, who is only at 222-225 pounds but still very competitive with those big boys," says LeVanti. "We'll know what we have when the new year comes around, so until then, we'll sort things out, continue to work hard and prepare for the final weeks of the season." The Saxons have a nasty tournament schedule ahead of them, incuding stops at the prestigious Dvorak and dates with 2A and 3A state powers Dakota and Oak Park-River Forest.

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Mike Fumagalli (4th season).

Last year: 9-10-0 (2-4-0).

Graduation losses: Ryan Soch (145, sectional qualifier, 15w), Sergio Garcia (16w), Juan Puga (16w).

Top returners: Seniors Isaiah Torres (120, 8w), Wesam Alabed (126,132, 19w), Luis Aburto (138, 8w), Jeremiah Recinos (145, two-time sectional qualifier, 35w), Husam Alabed (160,170, sectional qualifier, 30w), Nathan Osegueda (182, 15w), Jesse Hernandez (195, 15w).

New faces in the room: Seniors Fidel Hernandez (132), Ryan Ramirez (285).

Outlook: The always optimistic Mike Fumagalli has liked what he's seen thus far with his club in preparation for the upcoming season - going way back in the off-season and right on through the first day the Eagles assembled in the room at full strength."This bunch has terrific senior leadership, and it's such a tight knit group in the room, maybe the best since I've been here," Fumagalli said. "So if we stay healthy, there's the potential to see some very good things for us." While the lack of depth at the lower weights could cause some concern, particularly in the early going, there's no doubt four-year veteran Recinos and his teammate Husam Alabed are the Eagles' go-to men. After going 6-0 at the national duals, Recinos will be a force at 145, while Alabad, fifth at Freestyle and second in Greco at state, look to use his experience from nationals at Fargo to go further come February. Newcomers Hernandez and Ramirez are talented, but will need to cut their collective teeth in the wrestling-rich West Suburban Conference this winter with other first-time varsity performers.

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Chris Brassell (1st season).

Last year: 6-18-0.

Graduation losses: Joey Vogeney (182, 6th place state medalist, regional, sectional champion, two-time state qualifier, 47w, Naval Academy), Brendan Lowe (145, 27w), Shawn Sunny (106, 16w), DJ Meyers (113, 10w), Cameron Burkhardt (126, 19w), Ryan Burkhardt (138, 11w), Amru Qutub (195, 22w), Paul Giovanni (220, 22w).

Top returners: Seniors Jake Riportella (182), Juan Bahena (220); junior Jack O'Malley (145), Joe Belizzi (170); sophomore Arsalan Afshar (120).

New faces in the room: Sophomore Jayton Hall (126); freshmen Jake Belizzi (160), Sean Muellners (120).

Outlook: The Warriors will have a new look on the bench with long-time head coach and former Maine West state champ Lance Weber stepping down to spend more time with his growing family. Weber turns the reins over to Chris Brassel, who prepped at crosstown rival Maine South, where he earned nearly 125 victories before bringing home a state medal in the heavyweight division. The three-time all-CSL Brassell later enjoyed a terrific career at St. Cloud State. "I am happy to be here as head coach, and it's a fantastic opportunity to be able to coach a team from an area that I grew up and competed in, and I feel this group has the chance to become a pretty good team by the time we get to the postseason," said Brassell. Unlike Weber, Brassell will not have the luxury of having a superstar in the lineup every night, now that record-setting Joey Vogeney has moved on to the Naval Academy following a historic four-year career. "Obviously you're going to miss not having someone like Joey around, but all that means is that others will now have their opportunity to step in," said Brassell, who used the Vernon Hills mega duals last weekend to get more than 20 of his wrestlers competition over the two days of action. Brassell likes the team chemistry of this bunch, and although he lacks some depth here and there for now, the future looks bright as he begins to turn to several from his CSL freshman team from last season.

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. Viator Coach: Jason Churak (3rd season).

Last year: 19-12-0 (5-2-0).

Graduation losses: Brandon Suchyta (132, 2014 state qualifier, 2015 sectional qualifier, ESCC champion, 30w, Tulane University), Tim Cullinan (138, 21w, Missouri), Arlen Hermanson (160, 15w, transfer to Fremd), Shamon Johnson (170, sectional qualifier, 33w, Arizona State University), Mike Baxendale, 182, 22w, University of Cincinnati)

Top returners: Seniors Jmaes Valentino (285, state qualifier, regional champion, 34w), Joe McIntyre (170, sectional qualifier, 27w), Shaun Falbo (220, sectional qualifier, 22w), Matt Cook); juniors John Augustyn (120,126, 17w), Joe DeBartolo (120,126, 14w), Ryan Benson (152,160), ; sophomore Drake Imhoff (132, 5w),

New faces in the room: Junior John Finegan; sophomore Jackson Churak (138); freshman Elijah Black (145).

Outlook: St. Viator will be looking to maintain the remarkable momentum which has been building since the arrival of coach Churak three years ago. The Lions' head coach has changed the culture in the room, turning a relative unknown program into one that is no longer a pushover, witnessed by its program record 19 victories and five qualifiers into its 2A sectional. "We have come a long way, and it's good to see all of the guys hard work pay off with the kind of results we had last year," said Churak. "But that was last year, and this is a new season, so everyone will have to continue with their commitment and hard work in order to succeed." St. Viator lost a quartet of first-rate athletes, including four-year force Brandon Suchyta, whom Churak says was the key figure in the Lions' renaissance. There's a good core back, however, led by sensational senior big man James Valentino, who is on the viewing list of a handful of D-I programs, and will no doubt, make his mark in Champaign in late February. A more demanding schedule outside of the ESCC may help St. Viator for a run at league giants Marist and Marian Catholic.