Boys wrestling: Area’s top seeds roll into title matches

CHAMPAIGN — If there was any doubt about the top teams in the state this season, look no further than Marmion Academy, IC Catholic Prep, Montini Catholic and St. Charles East.

After just over two hours of grueling semifinal action Friday night in Champaign, the area will have the chance to lift championship trophies all across Class 2A and 3A on Saturday.

Nicholas Garcia (Marmion Academy, 49-2) and St. Charles East senior Dom Munaretto (48-0) are on the cusp of claiming a third state title, Garcia at 132 and Munaretto at 120.

“It feels kind of bittersweet knowing this is my last individual state tournament, but it is also exciting, so I am really looking forward to the Grand March, then my final,” said Garcia, who will wrestle at Illinois next season.

Munaretto, on his way to Ohio State, left little doubt as to why he is the No.1 man in his weight class after his third straight easy victory.

“You're always a little nervous down here. Before I kind of let it get to me a little more than it should, but my confidence is better than ever,” said Munaretto, whose teammate, senior Cooper Murray (No. 2, 43-7) thrilled the Saints faithful with a 3-2 overtime victory to advance to face No. 1 Kai Calcutt (37-2) from Loyola Academy.

No. 2 Colton Wyller (106, 35-9), No. 1 Zach Stewart (138, 24-3), No. 2 Demetrios Carrera (144, 39-5), No. 2 Ashton Hobson (150, 28-2) and Joseph Favia (285, 41-5) will all join Garcia in the Grand March.

Stewart is after the second title of his career.

No. 1 IC Catholic Prep in 2A celebrated four of their wrestlers advancing into the final, starting with reigning state champions Max Cumbee (132, 42-7) and Brody Kelly (175, 48-4).

Teammates Sam Murante (126, 30-10), Frank Nitti (144, 41-9) and Aiden Arnett (150, 40-10) will all vie for their first title. Nitti is a three-time state qualifier, his first two coming while wrestling at nearby York High School.

No. 3 Erik Klichurov (37-2) will face No. 1 Caleb Noble (Warren, 45-1) in his 113-pound final, while No. 3 Allen Woo (41-8) takes on Munaretto as he goes after his third straight state title.

The Montini Catholic duo, along with No. 2 Kai Enos (Batavia, 120, 34-7), No. 3 Dayne Serio (West Aurora, 42-3) and No. 3 Ryan Rosch (Wheaton North, 34-2) all have a chance at a title.

“I am wrestling in my final for my coaches and teammates,” Enos said after recording an impressive 10-1 major decision victory.

Serio broke open a close match with No. 5 Van Grasser (St. Patrick, 37-3) to claim an 11-0 major decision victory to earn a spot in the 175-pound final with No. 1 Brody Sendele (43-3) from Hononegah.

“I felt right from the start that I had a gas tank he would not be able to match, and now, I have the chance to give our family a state title after (his brother Dominic) finished second here last year,” said Dayne Serio, who will wrestle next season with his brother at Ohio University.

It was his tremendous fitness and heart that allowed Rosch (34-2) to defeat No. 2 Lucas Nance (Fremd, 38-7) with a 5-2 sudden victory.

Next up for the Falcons senior will be No. 1 Aaron Stewart from Warren.

“(Your) cardio is so important in this sport, and especially at this time of the year when you can expect a hard fought six, seven or eight minute match when it really counts,” said Falcons head coach Tim Walker, who hopes Rosch will win the program’s first state title since 2000.

The last day of the tournament will begin with wrestle-backs across all class beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, and continue on through to third- and fifth-place matches which are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

The anticipated Grand March will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by the state finals at 6 p.m.