Montini marches into 2A semis
CHAMPAIGN — Israel Martinez was a one-name prep wrestling legend at West Aurora.
“(Assembly Hall) is a special place for me, because I had a lot of success here,” the first-year Montini coach said.
Martinez lost his first varsity wrestling match as a freshman — on a disqualification, after holding an insurmountable lead.
He never lost again, winning three straight Class AA state championships.
Friday on the University of Illinois campus, Montini once again looked to expand its storied program.
All seven wrestlers who qualified for the Class 2A state tournament from Montini were rewarded with semifinal berths.
Steve Robertson, a Penn recruit, seeks a third career title today at 152 pounds.
“You get used to wrestling before a large crowd,” said Robertson, who was also runner-up as a freshman. “I know what it takes (to win a state title). I’m just doing what I do best.”
Frank Baer was runner-up last year and looks to gain entrance to the 145-pound finals again with a semifinal win over William Burns of Mascouta.
“Getting a bye (win a sectional championship) is huge, especially in a 12-man bracket,” said Baer. “It’s always good going to the semis down here.”
Tommy Pawelski (103 pounds), Kevon Powell (112), Chris Garcia (125), Dimitri Willis (160) and heavyweight Ross Ferraro also made the semifinal grade for the Broncos.
“I have devoted my whole life to this wrestling program,” said Martinez. “The goal is to get the guys to the next level.”
In the large-school division, DuPage Valley Conference power Glenbard North had a tough first day.
Returning state champion Joey Gosinski and equally regarded Brian Murphy were the only two Panthers to make the semifinals at 130 and 140 pounds, respectively.
Wheaton Warrenville South had an equal number of semifinalists with Spartak Chino and Mark Savenok at back-to-back weight classes.
Chino, who will chose either Illinois and Nebraska to continue his career, recorded the fastest technical fall in IHSA history at 24 seconds of the second period.
“I felt real good about myself,” said the 152-pound Chino. “I’m very pleased with the way I wrestled. I’m excited for (today).”
Savenok is in the hunt for a medal at 145 pounds after a pair of simple decisions.
“I had some good takedowns in my second match,” said Savenok. “I’m just taking it one match at a time, trying to get into the state championship.”
Joe Hall extended his season for WW South with his consolation victory at 215 pounds.
“We expect (Hall) to make a good run in the wrestle-backs,” said WW South coach Ryan Ferguson.
Willowbrook junior Steve Congenie, a defending state champion at 152 pounds, is in the 171-pound semifinals.
In the lone battle involving local combatants, Congenie will face Downers Grove South senior Sam Apland in the first semifinal.
The weight class received a seismic jolt when defending champion Juwan Akui of Chicago St. Rita was scratched due to a school suspension.
Sam Brooks, a returning state champion from Oak Park, is in the other 171-pound semifinal.
The two West Suburban leagues are well represented.
Hinsdale Central senior heavyweight Jack Allen is undefeated after 44 matches; his younger brother Brian is in the semifinals at 215 for the Devils.
York senior Jim Nudera is in the 189-pound semifinals.
Hinsdale South sophomore Sebastian Pique extended his winning streak to 42 matches with his twin triumphs at 112 pounds.