DeKalb dominates Conant sectional
Lukes Schmerbach tried to downplay his achievement on Saturday afternoon.
By late morning, the DeKalb senior wrestler had already achieved his goal of advancing to the Class 3A state tournament. He won his two matches in convincing fashion to reach the finals of the 170-pound division at the Conant sectional.
With the top three placers all advancing to the state tournament, Schmerbach could spend the rest of the afternoon basking in the glory of earning his first trip to Champaign.
But Schmerbach's journey to state was paved with adversity, from his two right shoulder surgeries, to the COVID-19 delayed and shortened season to his slow rise from the junior varsity team to mainstay on the varsity.
Schmerbach had set in motion a plan to push forward until he finally stood at top of the podium at the State Farm Center on Feb. 19.
"The doubts definitely have gone through my mind, mainly because I have only one shoulder," Schmerbach said. "I just kept pushing and pushing, but being in this atmosphere (at sectionals) just boosted me.
Schmerbach completed the next step of his stunning journey, capturing first place in the 170-pound class to join a parade of champions in a historic day for the Barbs, who qualified a program record 12 wrestlers to state, according to DeKalb coach Sam Hiatt.
Schmerbach (31-2) posted a 16-6 major-decision victory over Wheaton North's Mikey Rosch in the 170 final.
"I just went into the matches knowing I could beat these kids and with a positive mindset," Schmerbach said. "My coaches gave me confidence boosters throughout the day to keep going. I've put in the work in practices. I lost a few matches, but the results have spoken for themselves."
Overall, the Barbs finished with four sectional winners, including Tommy Curran (145), Bradley Gillum (182) and Gavin Engh (220).
"We sent 10 to state three years ago, when these seniors were freshmen," Hiatt said. "This is huge. They're leaving their stamp on the program. They've come so far. They're leaving a mark, a legacy for us, on the wrestling program.
"Lukes has shown a great attitude to get back, a lot of people would've given up after getting hurt as a sophomore and a junior. He just keeps getting better and better. They're a hardworking group of kids. Gavin had a big win, our first 220-pound winner in program (history). To send 12 to state, it's a big accomplishment, and I'm excited to see what they will do next weekend individually."
In the 182 title match, Gillum (27-2) notched a 7-1 win over Batavia's Jackson Tonkovich to add another championship for the Barbs. Sporting a black eye from his regional match last week against Tonkovich, Gillum, an SIU-Edwardsville recruit, got an ounce of revenge with a sectional title to move closer to winning his first state title after placing second at state at 160 pounds in his sophomore season.
"It was a big win," Gillum said. "I have to keep working hard. I made sure not to hurt the other eye. I came so close two years ago, but this year I know I'm going to win. Nothing is going to get in my way."
St. Charles East qualified six wrestlers for state, highlighted by three sectional champions. At 120 pounds, Ben Davino (33-1) continued his climb toward his ultimate goal of a state title, winning all three of his matches with ease.
"I came in trying to dominate and that's what I exactly did," Davino said. "I treated last year like official state, not much of a difference. I'm excited for next weekend, though, to get a chance to compete against the best."
Tyler Guerra (28-5) posted a major decision over West Chicago's Pierre Baldwin at 132 pounds, and Brody Murray (29-6) defeated Glenbard West's Max Konopka 7-0 in the 160 final.
"I just tried to score points and open up and not stall," Guerra said. "I just tried to do everything I could out there to win. I feel good now, and am wrestling good, so there's not much I can ask for right now."
Murray, a sophomore, said he's excited for his first state experience next weekend.
"I just stuck with my stuff, not let the bigger, stronger and older guys bother me," Murray said. "It's great to go to state as a sophomore. Hopefully, I can place this year after not making it last year."
Other Saints qualifiers were Gavin Connolly (145), Elijah Chiaro (170) and Austin Barrett at heavyweight.
Batavia sophomore Ino Garcia (38-4) had to fight off a late surge in the third period to defeat Schaumburg's Brady Phelps in the 106 title match to complete the trifecta - conference, regional and sectional champion. Teammate Kaden Fetterolf also claimed a sectional title at 138 pounds. Batavia qualified five wrestlers for state, tied for the most in program history, including Tonkovich, Aidan Huck and Cael Andrews.
"After I got thrown, I had to get out of it," Garcia said. "This feels awesome. Last year I got knocked out, but this year I'm going. I'm going to try and go for four (first places)."
York sophomore Zack Parisi (39-4) posted a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Schaumburg's Callen Kirchner to win at 113 pounds to wipe away his disappointment from placing second at regionals.
"I just kept attacking and attacking," Parisi said. "Getting second (at regionals) helped me push myself throughout the week of practice. It feels great to go to state. Winning in the semifinals was special, to punch my ticket to state."
Meanwhile, Conant finished with a pair of sectional winners and a third-place medalist on its home mat. Ethan Stiles (26-1) pinned Glenbard West's Brennan Skoda at 152 pounds, and Henry Chang (28-6) posted an emotional 4-2 win over DeKalb's Bryson Buhk at 195.