Hartman-Lewan rematch is on
CHAMPAIGN - While opponents of Markus Hartman and Will Lewan had been hoping to see a crack in the armor with these two 152-pound standouts, it became clear Friday that the high school wrestlers ranked No. 1 and 2 in the state deserve those spots.
Both advanced to Saturday's state championship match State Farm Center, where they'll meet to decide a title for a second straight year.
Lewan topped Hartman 3-1 last year at 145 pounds.
"This is what I've been focusing and preparing for ever since that loss, and I firmly believe I am about as ready as I can be for this," said Hartman following an impressive effort against Zach Reese (33-11) of Lockport with a pin at 4:54 in his semifinal. That came just a few minutes after Lewan (42-2) pinned the state's No. 3 man, Jeff Tangen of New Trier.
"I've had a few quick glances at Will during these two days, but the fact is we both know what the other can and will do," Hartman said. "Plus I've watched film on him, so it comes down to just going out and doing what I know I can do."
The Hartman-Lewan matchup will be one of the most highly anticipated of the 14 title bouts in Class 3A. And it will be the only one featuring a competitor from the Mid-Suburban League.
Hartman's teammates Jarrit Shinhoster (160, 35-2) and Jake Meyer (195, 45-2) found themselves trying to bring down higher seeds from Montini: Matt Ortiz (43-6) and Peter Christiansen (43-5). Despite valiant efforts to come back, Shinhoster and Meyer fell short and will try to continue in Saturday's wrestlebacks, which begin at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Both Broncos are already guaranteed a state medal because of how far they went in the front draw. And both will take their best shot at a coveted third-place finish.
The same can be said for a handful of wrestlers, such as St. Viator senior Jake Wolf. After running headfirst into No. 1 Cody Baldridge (Morris, 41-0) in the semifinals, he rebounded nicely to win his first-round quarterfinal wrestleback to get just one victory away from his first state medal.
"That was the plan from the very beginning of my career and this season, so I'll go out tomorrow looking to do just that, while having a little bit of fun at the same time," said Wolf, who meets Langon Blue (Springfield Lanphier, 34-6) in 2A action.
Fremd's Cole Riemer was sent into wrestlebacks following a quarterfinal defeat to No. 2 Kendall Coleman (Mt. Carmel, 39-4). But the Vikings standout never missed a beat, pinning Brian Reyes (Addison Trail). Next for Riemer is Alex Rosenbaum (35-5) of Highland Park.
Fremd's Adam Kemp (160, 35-10) is still in the medal hunt, and next meets David Ferrante (Huntley, 35-5).
Prospect senior Ryan Vedner (170, 43-6) is one victory from bringing home a state medal. Next up for Vedner is Kyle Quinn (Lincoln-Way West, 36-14).
Also still competing is Elk Grove senior Anthony Greco, who, when given the chance in wrestlebacks, took full advantage by shutting out Jon Cooper (32-10) of Wheaton Warrenville South 4-0. Next up for Greco (29-8) is Artese Gregory (Plainfield East, 35-9).
That leaves Greco 1 win from becoming the first state medal-winner since 1984, when Jeff Shapiro finished second.