DiMatteo looks to turn around Buffalo Grove
Mike DiMatteo has been coaching football long enough to know cycles, good or bad, can be tough to break.
His newest stop, Buffalo Grove, is a prime example. For years, the expectations of making the postseason were usually met by one of the Mid-Suburban League’s premier programs.
Now DiMatteo is trying to bring back the Bison to prominence after eight years without a playoff berth. And he likes what he’s seen in the effort to get the program back on a successful track.
“One thing I’m so happy with is there’s been no complaining,” said DiMatteo, who had success-filled tenures at Lake Zurich and Hinsdale Central. “They’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do. They’re getting tough and working at it and trying to get better every day.
“They’re coming to play with a passion every day and it’s fun to see. What that means for the season, I don’t know, but they’re going to work hard.”
Senior Brian Kleczynski has epitomized what DiMatteo has seen as the quarterback in the Bison’s option attack.
“I couldn’t be more proud of him because he’s worked so hard,” DiMatteo said. “He’s been the leader you’re going to look for and I’m excited to watch him compete on Friday nights.”
Senior Ryan Schumi (56 catches, 593 yards, 6 TDs) is one of the MSL’s most dangerous weapons. Center Trevor Boburka will be one of the anchors up front.
“I like our offensive group,” DiMatteo said. “When we do things right we’re pretty difficult to deal with.”
DiMatteo brought in former West Chicago head coach Paul Reinke to run the 3-3-5, which is similar to what the Bison ran in recent years. Defensive end Ivan Salazar’s steadiness has been a nice surprise after he didn’t play last year.
“I don’t think it’s that complicated but what we do can give an offense fits,” Reinke said. “They’re getting better at it.”
One thing which should help accelerate the learning curves is DiMatteo’s commitment to two-platoon football. The same method the Bison used back in their heyday.
“I’m pleasantly surprised,” DiMatteo said, “and really happy with what our guys are doing to try to get better.”
Probable starters
Bison at a glance
Coach: Mike DiMatteo (first year; 12th year overall, 71-45)
Last year: 1-8, 0-5 (6th East)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Brian Kleczynski 5-10/165 Sr.
RB Adam Steinle 5-10/190 Sr.
Slot Scott Smithern 5-11/155 Jr.
Slot John Pallister 5-11/155 Sr.
Slot Ryan Schumi 5-10/170 Sr.
RT Enzo Inman 6-4/200 Sr.
RG Nate Nascimento 5-11/255 Jr.
C Trevor Boburka 6-3/191 Sr.
LG Andy Walker 5-10/240 Sr.
LT AJ Wright 5-10/240 Sr.
or Ricky Strba 6-1/215 So.
WR Andrew Apel 6-1/160 Jr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Ivan Salazar 5-9/174 Sr.
NG Jona Augustyn 6-1/220 Sr.
DE Tommy Sakkos 6-0/240 Sr.
OLB Jack Asquini 5-9/205 Sr.
MLB Alex Tsourmas 5-11/190 Sr.
OLB Mike Schmitt 5-10/180 Jr.
CB Vinny Basso 5-8/140 Sr.
CB Joe Schwartz 5-8/150 Sr.
SS Paul Burke 5-10/170 Sr.
SS Mario DiCarlo 5-10/165 Sr.
FS Dan Kim 5-10/175 Sr.