Marmion, Kaneland well represented at state
George Fisher did not envision competing at 126 pounds in defense of his state championship, but a season-ending injury to four-year standout Eddie Greco forced Marmion wrestling coach Dean Branstetter to reshuffle his lineup for the state series.
The Marmion junior wrestled all but one match during the regular season at 132 pounds, but the St. Charles resident enters the three-day state tournament at the University of Illinois’ Assembly Hall in Champaign determined to become the second two-time champion in program history.
Fisher was one of five sectional champions for the Cadets last weekend at Sterling.
“You never have an advantage in wrestling,” said Fisher, who opens with highly regarded Bowen junior Rudolph Johnson this afternoon in first-round action. “I really don’t think it’s an advantage (being a defending state champion). I won state last year, not this year.”
The eight Marmion and four Kaneland qualifiers in the Class 2A individual state tournament, plus the eight local Class 3A qualifiers, headlined by West Aurora sectional champions Greg Jacquez (138 pounds) and heavyweight Austin Beebe, mark the conclusion of the wrestling season.
None of the seven area programs qualified for the dual-team state tournament.
Johnny Jimenez will also be in search of a second state championship this weekend in Big Ten country.
The sophomore, despite missing five weeks in the regular season following surgery to remove his appendix, drew Southeast sophomore Trumain Flynn for his first-round matchup.
Fisher and Jimenez are the No. 1 seeds at 126 and 113 pounds, respectively.
“I’m in the best shape of my life right now,” Jimenez said. “We didn’t get to do it as a team. It all comes down to individual state (to reach personal goals). I’m really excited about state.”
Anthony Bosco (106 pounds), Angelo Silvestro (138) and Cody Snodgrass (182) are the Cadets’ other sectional champions.
“I think they’re all really focused,” said Branstetter, who also has Jake Field (120 pounds), Sam Kellett (152), and Alex Fritz (220) in the state mix. “We have wrestled very well at the regional and sectional. I’m anxious to see how (the three-day format) plays out. There could be a lot of down time.”
Stephen Gust (106 pounds), Esai Ponce (126), Danny Goress (138) and Ben Kovalick (220) are the Kaneland hopefuls this weekend.
“We’re happy with the draw they got,” Kaneland coach Monty Jahns said. “I think all of them have an opportunity (to place). We have been wrestling good tournaments since Christmas break. I think our schedule prepares us for the state tournament.”
Tim Noverini will be making his third consecutive state appearance for St. Charles North in Class 3A at 152 pounds.
Anthony Scaccia (138 pounds) and Brad Martens (113) make their state debuts for Batavia and Geneva.