Scouting state wrestling for the MSL, St. Viator and Leyden
Scouting state wrestling
Where: State Farm Arena, Champaign
Thursday: 3 p.m. (2A first round), 5 p.m. (3A first round)
Friday: 8:30 a.m. quarterfinals, 7 p.m. (2A/3A semifinals)
Saturday: 9 a.m. (quarterfinal wrestlebacks), 1 p.m. (3rd-, 5th-place matches), 5 p.m. (Grand March, followed by championship matches)
Big picture: Contestants will get their first look at the new and improved State Farm Arena, which has gone through a major remodeling job during the past two seasons. While the hope was the stadium could provide eight mats for competition to quicken the pace and shorten the long days, six will still be in place when the first whistle opens the action today. The competition will be fierce, and the action figures to provide plenty of highlights. A tough draw will not deter the truly elite contenders, but it sure can make the path to a title more difficult.
Here's what to expect from the three days of action starting Thursday in Champaign.
Gold ClubKyle Peisker (Conant, 138, 37-1): This three-time state qualifier burst out of the gate this season and has stayed in the fast lane throughout, as witnessed by a magnificent two days on his home floor last weekend that ended with his first sectional title. "Wow, Kyle is looking awesome right now," said Conant coach Chad Hay. "His confidence is soaring right now after beating the No. 1 guy in the state, Jaime Hernandez (OPRF), in the final with two takedowns and a 2-point near fall to win 8-3. He is so mentally strong, and it's clear he's on a mission. With the No. 3 seed, good things could happen this weekend." It's 81 career victories and counting for the three-time MSL, and regional champ, who opens Thursday against Dominick Ambrose (24-13) of Providence Catholic, with a potential quarterfinal bout with No. 2, Al Jaffe (Marmion Academy) on the horizon.
Hazen Rice (Schaumburg, 120, 37-3): An always vibrant attacker with a first-class ability to scramble, this three-time state qualifier arrives with the goal of netting a second state medal to follow a fifth-place finish a year ago here. His four tournament championships this season, plus a third-place medal at the prestigious Dvorak, validates the high seed for Rice. He begins his quest for success against Khalil Johnson (Zion-Benton, 31-2), hoping to next meet either No. 4 Kevin Stearns (Sandburg, 43-2) or No. 12 Josh Ramos (Plainfield Central, 36-1), who Rice pinned earlier in the year. "He is always cool and calm, and it showed after catching (No.1) Jason Renteria (OPRF) in his sectional semi and showing the composure needed in order to beat a highly motivated,and quality opponent in his state qualifier (Jaleel Hollingsworth of Proviso West). It was classic Hazen," said Schaumburg coach Mike Levanti.
The three-time MSL and regional champ enters with 110 career victories.
James Valentino (St. Viator, 285, 19-4): The Lions junior just missed becoming only the sixth wrestler in Lions history to bring home a state medal last year. After a strong first season which included 31 wins and an appearance in sectionals, Valentino roared back this winter to capture a regional crown to firmly establish himself as one of the top big men in the East Suburban Catholic Conference, according to coach Jason Churak. "He's gotten to this level with more hard work than you can imagine, and his willingness to learn, and do all the right things has been one of the main reasons for his success," Churak said. "This is a talented bunch at 285 this year, so it won't be easy to medal. But if anyone can do it, it will be him." Churak says a nasty case of cauliflower ear appears to be cleared up, so the pain and discomfort Valentino had endured of late will be gone as he prepares for his medal run, which begins today against No. 2 Matthew Reyes (33-3) of Mt. Carmel.
Matt Wroblewski (Prospect, 182, 39-0): The Knights' star has accomplished much during his first two seasons with the varsity, including, among other things, a fourth-place finish last year at the state tournament. "Matt is the leader in our room, and is extremely focused on the success and improvement of everybody on his team, while obviously still working so hard to become better each day, which has shown in his first 2½ years with us," said coach Tom Whalen. "He's a great teammate, and is just fun to be around and coach." Wroblewski's resume includes two downstate trips, three regional titles, a pair of MSL championships, and last weekend the junior lifted his first sectional crown. He's won 15 by pin, with bonus points in 32 of his 39 matches. Wroblewski opens against Mason Hewitt (O'Fallon, 36-6) in an especially tough weight class which includes the top three ranked wrestlers in the state - Nathan Traxler, Jack Jessen, Patrick Brucki. Traxler, a Marmion Academy senior, is No. 7 nationally. A win for Wroblewski on Thursday means a bout against No. 3 (Brucki, 44-2).
Tulga Zuunbayan (Rolling Meadows, 152, 30-2): This three-time state qualifier is hoping the third time is a charm. He established himself as a top-flight performer right from the start, despite being an unknown. Soon after, nearly everyone knew of his talent, his funky style and earth-shattering moves. His transfer from Wheeling to MSL East rival Meadows has provided Mustangs coach John Bassler with a focused athlete making a final attempt for a title. "Tulga stated early on that his mindset if one of the differences this year from his past three," Bassler said. "You can tell that he means what he said by the hours upon hours of film he watches, then the little tweaks he's made to correct things. Although he will set the all-time record of 150 takedowns in a season, his focus is clear, and the goal is to be a state champ." With 142 victories, four regional titles and 3 MSL crowns under his belt, the state's sixth-rated '52-pounder seems ready for anything. After his opener with Austin Maher (Downers Grove North, 29-17) the road will be filled with tough tests, beginning with a quarterfinal against either No. 1 Nick Foster (Belleville East, 41-2) or No. 3 Dylan Geick (39-4) of Stevenson.
Frequent flyersLogan Gruszka (Schaumburg, 170, 37-2): This SIU- Edwardsville-bound Saxons star is downstate for the second time, although an injury his sophomore likely dashed his hopes of a third trip. It's hard to believe the No. 3-rated 170-pounder began his prep career at 106, especially when looking at the current fully developed physical specimen. That frame has helped lead him near the 30-pin mark this season. "When a kid goes out and pins 29 of the 39 he guys he faces, almost all in the first period, your expectations can sometime become a bit unreasonable," said coach Mike Levanti. "But even after his loss in the sectional final (to Rolliann Sturkey, OPRF) our expectations for this weekend have not changed, and I have total faith in Logan. I believe, without qualification, he'll achieve the goals he's set out for himself." The four-time MSL champ is in a nasty weight class to be sure, and his opener proves such when he lines up against No. 6 Carson Oughton (Minooka, 14-2) - a three-time state qualifier and two-time state medalist, and someone Gruszka pinned this season.
Alex Jacobs (Fremd, 220, 35-1): The highest-ranked wrestler from the MSL, this two-time state qualifier enters the tournament as the No. 2-rated 220-pounder. Jacobs defeated then No. 2-ranked Blake Zalapi (Hononegah) for the second time this season by fall last weekend at the Barrington sectional to safely secure a top four seed, and more importantly, a spot on the opposite side of most of the heavy hitters in this superb weight class, including No. 1 Eric Johnson (Plainfield East, 44-0). That's the fellow responsible for Jacobs' only loss this year. "Alex has got it all going right now," said Fremd coach Dan Ruettiger. "His movement, speed, quickness and ability to shoot from all angles presents a big challenge to opponents who have a difficult time with those skills, and everyone in our room feels if he continues to wrestle that way, he can walk out of Champaign on Saturday night with a state championship." A stinging early exit from the 2015 state tournament has resulted in the four-year veteran taking one match at a time. Jacobs has stormed through the competition at a rate of 18 pins and 9 tech-falls thus far. His opener comes against Brandon Purnell (29-4) of Chicago Simeon, with either No. 11 Diata Drayton (Marist, 30-4) or No. 12 Dwayne Hill (Belleville East, 46-1) next in Friday's quarters.
Danny Madonia (Conant, 132, 34-1): The steady rise of Madonia is one of a handful of terrific individual stories this year from the MSL. The four-year veteran continues to draw raves from coaches, especially his own. "Danny is at his best right now," said Conant coach Chad Hay. "He's heading to Champaign with the intention of getting on that podium Saturday night, and I know that he can do it. Nobody is as good on his feet as Danny, and he has the ability to take down anyone, at any time. His confidence and focus is exactly where it needs to be right now." Madonia's breakout year included his fourth consecutive regional title to go along with his second state trip and over 130 career victories. In this nowhere-to-hide division, the senior opens with a quality opponnent in Jake DiBenedetto (Lincoln-Way East, 40-7) followed by 2015 state medalist Anthony Cheloni (Marmion Academy, 38-7). Wins would lead to a likely semifinal with last year's 2A champ, Dylan Duncan (Montini, 38-2).
Mason Skloot (Wheeling, 113, 29-11): This sophomore was a key figure in the Wildcats' 22-point victory over MSL rival Fremd to win the 10th regional title in program history at Glenbrook South two weeks ago. The two-time state qualifier captured one of six individual titles that day, joining teammate and fellow state qualifier Jaylen Shaw atop the podium. "One of my goals when I got to Wheeling was to get downstate all four years - so far, I'm two-for-two," said Skloot, who opens against Isaac Martinez (32-4) from Moline. "Mason is a bit of an unorthodox wrestler, but he has the ability to score points from anywhere on the mat," said coach Neal Weiner.
Tanner Strobel (Prospect, 152, 27-5): This four-year veteran, and two-time state qualifier helped clinch the Knights' first trip to the dual-team state tournament with a gutsy effort in a dual with Grant one year ago. This year, the three-time sectional qualifier had to dig down deep one last time in order to join his teammates downstate. "When his focus level is high and he believes in himself, there is nothing he cannot accomplish, and you saw it last weekend at sectionals where he had to come all the way back after losing his opening match," said coach Tom Whalen. Strobel will look to add to his 19 pins this season (102 in his career), starting with Matt Ortiz (Montini, 26-14). He's one win away from facing the three-time state qualifier from Hononegah, Fernie Silva.
Maiden voyagesWesam Alabed (Leyden, 126, 36-7): There were plenty of heavy hearts in the Leyden corner after the Eagles' Jeremiah Recinos lost his state-qualifying bout in closing seconds to end a superb four-year career under coach Mike Fumagalli, who watched two others fall out of contention on the final day of the Conant sectional. "It was a very difficult day for the Leyden wrestling family to see Shane Dziadosz and Husam (Alabed) eliminated, plus Jeremiah, who I've been coaching since he was 9 years old," said Fumagalli. "With that said, we were able to celebrate one of our guys' success, and it's a nice one for all of us." That bright spot is Wesam Alabed, who along with his brother Husam, came to America from Syria when they were 8 years old and have seen wrestling change the course of their lives. "Wesam has ben able to gain ground on some of the best kids in the state, even though he's only been on the mat for four years, compared to other who have had 10 years experience," said Fumagalli. "So his success has been remarkable - and he's quite capable of more this weekend." First up will be Vinnie Piunti (35-9) from Lincoln-Way Central.
Andrew Baysinger (Prospect, 106, 35-7): The rookie 106-pounder has stepped into the MSL East champs' lineup to become the table-setter for a terrific Knights lineup which recently captured its second consecutive regional crown and a trip to the 3A dual-team sectionals against Notre Dame later this month. "Andrew is a true student of the sport," said coach Tom Whalen. "He's a hard worker, very coachable and eager to learn, and has tremedous courage and strength for a freshman." Baysinger's 19 pins tie him for the team lead with Tanner Strobel, and he's second behind Wroblewski with bonus points scored in 26 of his matches. Baysinger has a big test ahead Thursday when he meets No. 1 Marcus Povlick (Plainfield North, 39-1).
Nick Catalano (Conant, 145, 38-4): This veteran of three seasons gave the Cougars a triple threat in the middle of their lineup, just behind Madonia and Peisker. Catalano, like his teammates, was consistenly in the top seven or eight in the state polls from the very beginning. "Nick has had a great year, and is capable of beating anyone if he continues to push the pace and uses his great conditioning to go a full, hard six minutes," said coach Chad Hay. The MSL champ was part of one of the most exciting matches Hay has seen in his time, when in last weekend's sectional semis, Catalano found himself down 5-0 to Leyden's Jeremiah Recinos before getting back even at 6 at the end of the second period and finally using a takedown winner at the edge with six seconds remaining to book his place in the final field of 16. Catalano will open against Three Johnson (28-3) of Downers Grove South, who was beaten by former Conant teammate of Catalano's, Bobby Alexander, in the opening round a year ago before rebounding to finish sixth overall.
Aaron Cortez (Fremd, 195, 24-8): Cortez finished fifth overall at Wheaton Warrenville South's Ed Ewoldt Invite, giving him a 9-6 record at the time. Since then, he's been on the ride of his wrestling life, winning championships at both the MSL and regional tourneys while going 15-2 during the second half of the season to earn a trip downstate alongside teammate Alex Jacobs. "I've been very fortunate to have Alex and Zach (Nemec, the Vikings' MSL and regional champ at heavyweight) in the room, and just beating on me each and every day this season - it's the biggest reason for my success thus far," said Cortez, who opens with No. 3 Dylan Erwin (38-3) of Metea Valley. "To see how far Aaron has come in his four years here is amazing," said coach Dan Ruettiger. "We're all very proud of him, and if wrestles this weekend like he has of late, he could come home with a medal."
Max Guhde (Barrington, 160, 39-4): Broncos coach Dave Udchik calls this two-year starter and first-time state qualifier the ultimate rags-to-richest story - the best example of hard work paying off. Cast as an undersized 182-pounder in the Broncos' lineup, last year, Guhde still managed to win 28 times. One year later, he has become one of the best in the state at 160. "Max is a wrestling junkie, and he and his father have hit nearly every off-season tournament in the midwest and across the country during the past few seasons," said Udhick. "And it's all paid dividends because his mat sense and awareness are second to none." First up for the No. 6-rated Guhde will be Cam Hayes (31-8) of Naperville Central.
Markus Hartman (Barrington, 126, 38-6): An injury just after the MSL tournament last year ended what appeared to be a serious run at a state medal in his freshman year, but the sensational sophomore has roared back this winter in a quiet, but deadly way. Hartman has stayed near the top of the state polls all season long. "We kind of feel around here as if Markus is senior, because he's already beaten so many upperclassmen in his first two seasons with us," said coach Dave Udchik. "He's probably in one of the top weight classes here in the state, but with everything he can do, we all know he can medal in Champaign if he wrestles to his potential." Should Hartman defeat Jake Polka (25-7, Marmion Academy), he would face No. 1 Austin Gomez of Glenbard North.
Bobby Jarosz (Prospect, 160, 27-10): Don't spend too much time on the 10 losses this three-year starter has incurred - instead, look at the competition and the tremendous physical and mental strength the Knights senior has built ever since stepping into coach Tom Whalen's lineup. "Bobby is a great athlete, and when he is aggressive, is a great, great wrestler," said coach Tom Whalen. "When he attacks like he can, he is extremely tough to stop, and if he decides to stay where he has been these last couple of weeks, he can be on the podium Saturday night." The four-year starter and two-time sectional qualifier has 80 career victories, and will look to add to his total against Kenny Kirkland (19-5) of Minooka.
Alex Koczwara (Prospect, 195, 36-6): After learning from some of the recent greats in the Knights' program, this Knights junior has made the most of his opportunity by rising up to reach the state tournament after winning a sectional crown last weekend at Conant. "Even though he's been behind a great bunch of guys the last couple of years, make no mistake he is not a surprise to our staff here," said coach Tom Whalen. "He's a hard worker in the room, the weight room, plus, where it really counts, in the classroom, and we've seen his confidence and leadership grow with each day." The Fargo qualifier makes his debut in Champaign against Erick Cole (31-10) from Rock Island.
Jack Lingle (Schaumburg, 113, 28-11): Levanti suggested just prior to the postseason that this 113-pounder could surprise during the state series, and the sophomore backed up the prediction of his coach with an opening night win at the Conant sectional to start his weekend well before coming back through wrestlebacks to secure his first trip downstate. "You got to just love the way he competes, he's progressed all throughout the year, and it was his quarterfinal bout with (Oscar) Rodriguez from Palatine at the MSL tournament where we really saw him turn the corner," said coach Mike Levanti, who will watch Lingle face No. 1 Real Woods (Montini, 37-0) on Thursday.
Jake Meyer (Barrington, 152, 33-14): Meyer was in the Broncos' regional lineup last year as a freshman, falling in his sectional qualifying match to finish up an 11-10 record. One year later, Meyer cracked the 16-man field in Champaign thanks to a wonderful two days on his home floor as he survived a most difficult and talented weight class which featured the second- and third-ranked wrestlters in the state. "You can never count Jake out of any match - he can score from every position, because he's very tough on top, and has developed several different attacks on his feet," said coach Dave Udchik. Guilty of sometimes chasing the lead at the onset of his bouts, Meyer seems to find a way a way stay close and usually succeed. Meyer meets Trevill Timmons (Lockport, 23-6) in his opener.
Maciej Pogorzelski (Rolling Meadows, 285, 39-6): The Mustangs' big man went from a fourth-string freshman to one of the best heavyweights around. Unable to get out of regionals last year as a junior despite finishing with 24 victories, Pogorzelski exploded out of the gates this season, earning a second-place medal at the prestigious Hruska Invite. He followed up by winning a tourney crown at Rockford East, and later, a first-place finish at regionals. He's proved he can go with the best, having defeated No. 6 Darien Kaufman of Glenbard West 3-2, and losing a tough one to No. 1 Matt Allen (Hinsdale Central) by the same score. "Maciej is a great story for this program as he's worked his way up through hard work, a terrific off-season and pure toughness," said coach John Bassler. "Although he has a tough road in Champaign, he's a guy you can never count out, because he's driven to succeed this weekend," says Bassler. Thursday opener is with Ronald Tucker (42-4) from Lockport.
Miguel Romero (Prospect, 132, 27-11): The Knights' sophomore was the star of the Conant sectional on opening night, when he surprised No. 4 Gabriel Townsend with a stunning pin midway through the second round. Romero continued his memorable weekend by advancing into the final, where his run of victories came to an end against No. 5 Danny Madonia. "Miguel is quick and explosive, has been on fire the last three weeks and continues to improve each week, making him a great addition to our lineup," said coach Tom Whalen. Romero's 13 pins this season should help prepare him for his state opener against No. 8 Marc Fleener (Plainfield South, 43-6).
Jaylen Shaw (Wheeling, 152, 32-9): A silky smooth junior who began his prep career at Hersey before moving over to division rival Wheeling, Shaw immediately made his mark by winning the first of two regional titles. One week later, Shaw would lose his state qualifying bout to Connor Boundy of Barrington to end his sophomore campaign with 31 victories. "Jaylen is cool under pressure, and a very talented, and intelligent wrestler, we're glad we have him in our program," said coach Neal Weiner. Shaw's tournament championships, at Glenbrook South (Erb) and at regionals, led to a second-place sectional finish. Shaw's state opener is against Dalton Lawver (Rock Island, 35-7) on Thursday.
Tony Vezzeti (Schaumburg, 182, 31-6): Hard to believe this is the first visit to Champaign for Schaumburg's standout, who has turned in a wonderful four-year career under coach Mike Levanti, including a breakout senior year which has seen him climb the state polls. Vezzetti is ranked No. 5, just behind his MSL rival Matt Wroblewski of Prospect, who sure have been seeing plenty of one another in the postseason. "Regardless of the outcome in all those finals, the goal for Tony has always been to be successful when this weekend comes to an end," said Levanti. "His unorthodox style, and unshakable confidence will make that a goal a reality." The three-time sectional qualifier opens the tournament against Daltyn Dodd (29-5) of Moline, and will feed directly into the winner of the Michael Kordik (Stevenson, 38-4)/Ezra Avery (Lyons Township, 35-10).
Nick Zawisza (Barrington, 145, 39-13): Broncos coach Dave Udchik calls his junior the Cinderella story of the year in the program after a few spot starts last season evolved into a breakout season. Zawisza is tied with Max Guhde for the team lead in victories. "Nick was very inexperienced last season, now, he's one our toughest and grittiest guys we have due to an incredible work ethic," says Udchik. "He takes a lot of pride in knowing he can break guys down by pushing the pace, and going all-out for six minutes." Zawisza will face 2015 state champ Shayne Oster (31-3) of Lockport on Thursday.
- Mike Garofola