Scouting Class 2A state wrestling (Fox Valley)
The lowdown: The recent decision by the IHSA to turn the state wrestling tournament into a full marathon after a half means extra lodging and food as the tournament is now three days in length. Gone are the smaller 12-man brackets for Class 1A and 2A with each class now at 16-man brackets. The first day of competition is more of a physical and emotional test than anything else as wrestlers are required to weigh-in (early) then sit and play video games, text, tweet or sleep, yet still try to maintain enough of an edge so when they are called (4:30 p.m. for 2A, 6:30 for p.m. 3A) they will be alert and ready to go in perhaps the most important match of their careers.
Class 2A first-timers
113: Tyler Espino (Hampshire, 37-7). The heart and soul of the program finally booked his place downstate after his strong effort at the Grayslake Central sectional earned a second-place medal. “We thought he had first-place wrapped up when a call for stalling when he was on top, with an arm bar, did him in,” began head coach Terry Wilkinson. “But he has delivered all throughout his career, and this didn’t set him back at all, and despite the fact that he feeds into one of the best in the state (Johnny Jimenez, Montini, 19-1) if he wins his first-round match, we all know that sooner or later you have to beat one of the big boys in order to make some noise, and he is confident that he can.” He takes on Davbid McDonald (31-12) of Tinley Park in the first round.
160: Buddy Toth (Burlington Central, 32-2). Unfortunately for Toth, he will not be able to wrestle at state due to a concussion.
171: Omar Awad (Burlington Central, 35-8). With an injury-filled junior season completely behind him, Awad’s stock soared this year, going from 10 victories to 35, which includes championship rings at both the Sterling and Kaneland tournaments, in addition to the top spot at the DeKalb regional, where he pinned his way to fame. He meets Alex Bee of Glenwood (33-3, 2-time state qualifier, 143 career victories) in the first round.
285: Zach Oranger (Hampshire, 24-14). A stunning victory over No. 3 rated Jake Cochrane (34-7) from Carmel in the quarterfinals sealed the deal for the Hampshire big man, who advances into the tournament in his first season after his transfer from nearby Burlington Central. “Zach is unfazed by it all, and especially his opponents,” said Whip-Purs’ coach Terry Wilkinson. “He’s been a great surprise for us, and he’s such a great kid to have in the room and to coach, and at this point, he seems to have that magic touch everyone needs this time of the season.” His Friday opponent is Austin Rosenfeldt (19-5) of Crete-Monee.
Returning to state
145: Johnny Major (Burlington Central, 29-5). 3-time state qualifier enters the tournament with 114 career victories for coach Tony Rigitano, who calls his 4-year veteran a key figure in the success of the Rockets’ program ever since he stepped onto the mats four years ago. Went 1-1 last year at 135 pounds at state to finish 35-10 overall. He meets Roark Whittington (34-7) of Notre Dame Friday in the first round.