Girls wrestling: Schaumburg’s Razzak sharp again at Hoffman Estates invitational

The Hawks Invite featured several high-profile girls wrestling teams at Hoffman Estates, including five top-rated wresters and more than 30 state-ranked wrestlers, two of them returning state champions.

Lincoln-Way co-op proved to have too much firepower for the 39-team field, amassing 321.5 points to claim the top prize. Lockport was second with 238.5, followed by Schaumburg (231.5), Minooka (221) and Conant (201.5).

“To think that just three years ago when I would start in this sport (that) it has grown to the point that the last two weekends we've had over 400 girls wrestling at Conant and here is really something we should all be proud to be a part of,” said Schaumburg senior Nadia Razzak (33-1), who solidified her grip on the No. 1 spot in the state at 190 pounds with the tournament title at that weight.

“It was really kind of fun to named No. 1 in the state, but being there is only going to make me work harder in the (practice) room, continue (to) lift and work on my fitness and cardio,” Razzak added.

One of the best weight divisions was 130 pounds, where Wheaton Academy’s Catherine Diehl (34-1) beat state-ranked Jasmine Zavaleta of Conant (29-4) for a second straight week to win another title.

Before Diehl's 14-8 decision over Zavaleta, the Warriors freshman won a hard-fought 3-1 decision over Bartlett’s Lilly White (21-3).

Glenbard East’s Nadia Shymkiv (29-2) stunned reigning 100-pound state champion Saya Hongmoungkho of Rockford East 13-1 in the 105-pound final with a 7-2 decision. Montini freshman Sarah Bell (24-7) won her first major title of the season at 120 pounds.

“I made a few adjustments after my loss to (Veronica) Skibicki (Lockport) in my final last weekend at Conant and just worked hard all week in the room to get myself ready for this tournament,” said Bell, who credits her older sister Katelyn with her first-year success.

“(Katelyn) is wrestling in college close to home, so she has been able to help be another coach for me and preparing me both mentally and physically for my first year in high school wrestling,” Bell said.

Barrington sophomore Nicole Dziura (22-4) turned in a marvelous four-match effort to win at 140 pounds, recording a fall at 4:25 over Abby Kunz (30-6) from Lincoln-Way co-op.

CSL champion Sophia Fortis (Maine South, 15-2) came back from her semifinal defeat to eventual champion Rebekah Ramirez (Lockport, 29-4) to earn a third place medal at 235 pounds.

Upstate Eight Conference Tournament:

For the second consecutive season West Aurora nearly earned an eye-popping 300 points to crush the competition at the Upstate Eight Conference Tournament.

On Saturday at Fenton, coach Andrew Plata's men totaled 294 points en route to another team championship.

South Elgin was runner-up with 178 points, Glenbard East (131.5) edged West Chicago (130) and Bartlett (128.5).

“The guys have picked up the pace from the start of the season and have continued to ramp up their pace and work in the room, so we'll look to do so from here on out,” said Plata, whose team won 7 of 8 in the finals.

“We have a very good team and one that has worked hard (with) the hope of giving it everything we have at regionals where Marmion is part of our regional,” senior Dayne Serio said.

The No. 3 man in the state at 175 pounds was untouchable en route to his second UEC crown.

“I am bigger and stronger than last year, and I feel like I can ride anyone right now,” Serio said.

“Marcus has a big-time gas tank, and when you think you might (have) the upper hand on him, you quickly find out that you don't,” Serio added.

Serio was sixth a year ago at state, while No. 8 Quintana (22-4) is a two-time state qualifier.

The dynamic duo were joined atop the podium by teammates Gabe Richmond (113 pounds), Jack Platt (138), Evan Matkovich (150), Malan Hatfield (157) and heavyweight Alfonso Aguilar.

No. 7 Ismael Chaidez (24-3) pinned his rivals at 126 to win his third straight UEC title.

“It's great to win three UEC championships, but I am hungrier for more,” Chaidez said.

“Being the No. 7 guy in the state is something I do not pay attention to. (What) I have paid attention to is my fitness, cardio, my reattacks and scoring from (them) and feeling really great about where my weight is,” Chaidez said.

South Elgin senior Logan Dilallo (21-6) won the second individual title on the day for the Storm with a 19-9 major-decision victory.

“I won my first championship here earlier in the year at the Fenton Invite, so it feels good to win again,” Dilallo said.

The affable Dilallo had not wrestled since seventh grade before returning for his final year.

“I spent time in MMA, but I wanted to return for my last year at South Elgin and to wrestle with my brother Nick, who should be back soon from a knee injury,” Dilallo said.

Leo Salas opened the final session with the first title at 106 pounds for the Storm.

Others who won an UEC title were Jace Serpa (West Chicago, 120) and Victor Juarez (20-3, 215) from Elgin.

At Lincoln-Way Central:

California power Clovis smashed the field at the annual two-day Illini Classic in New Lenox at Lincoln-Way Central.

The Cougars scored an incredible 322.5 points, nearly 100 more than second-place Marist (227.5).

Stevenson (189.5) was third and St. Charles East (184).

Two-time state champion and nationally ranked Dom Munaretto of St. Charles East (35-0) won easily at 120 pounds. Teammate Declan Sons (22-14) won his first major of the year.

The Stevenson quartet of Stefan Vihrov (106 pounds), Shawn Kogan (132), Valadin Vihrov (150) and Philip Boyko (175) each placed second.