Scouting Fox Valley wrestling
Bartlett
Coach: Gary Cotie (5th year).
Last year: 11th, Upstate Eight.
Graduation losses: Eric Moreno (5th place state medalist, 160, regional champ, 39 wins, Luther College), Camilo Garzon (145, 31 wins).
Key returnees: Seniors Luke Laten (140, 14 wins), Kenny Zipparro (125,130, 13 wins); juniors Nicholas Mokodanski (152,160, 16 wins), Tom Gbean (160,171, 7 wins); sophomore Sal Annereno (119,125, 25 wins).
New faces to watch: Senior Justin Jarosz (152,160); sophomore Kyle Pauletti (171,189).
Outlook: The Hawks will sorely miss dynamic three-year star Moreno, who reached elite status last February when he proudly wore the Dark Green and Navy Blue onto the podium in Assembly Hall to collect just the third state medal in school history, and later the athlete of the year at the school. “We were very proud of Eric’s achievements, and we will miss him very much, but even though we’re coming up short at 215 and 285, we have 5-6 solid guys returning, including Zipparro, who is in his fourth year on the varsity, and Sal Annereno, who won two varsity tournaments, and was runner-up at another as a freshman,” says coach Gary Cotie, whose club is in the Valley Division of the newly reconstructed 14-team UEC.
Burlington Central
Coach: Tony Rigitano (sixth year).
Last year: 16-7-0 (overall), 2nd at Belvidere regional.
Graduation losses: Taylor Schuck (2A state runner-up, regional, sectional champ, 31 wins, wrestling at Central Michigan), Shane Burke (2009 state qualifier, sectional qualifier, 33 wins, Iowa State), Tim Vincent (sectional champ, 30 wins), Demitrius Phillips (sectional qualifier, 20 wins).
Key returnees: Seniors Tim Maroder (sectional qualifier, regional champ, 171, 189, 36 wins), Brady Weinrich (119, 21 wins), Brent Sunderlage (189,215, 18 wins); juniors Johnny Major (sectional qualifier, 2009 state qualifier, 135, 140, 31 wins), Omar Awad (145,152, 20 wins), Joe Gannon (152,160, 21 wins), Buddy Toth (152, 17 wins, injured last season); sophomore Jake Tork (215, 21 wins).
New faces to watch: Senior Aaron Baltazar (160, 171); junior Jon Wright (112).
Outlook: The Rockets’ moment in the sun came when its superb four-year star and team leader Schuck, who came up through the ranks, brought home the first state medal in school history before moving on to the collegiate scene along with a quartet of key individuals to BC’s success. “It is impossible to replace four-year guys like Taylor and Shane (Burke), and the others, but they were the ones which helped elevate the program and help set the standard of what we’re looking to achieve each and every year,” says Rigitano. The respected head coach will answer the loss of the aforementioned with 11 returning athletes, including Maroder and Major, who have combined for 115 victories over two seasons, as well as the junior Toth who excelled at Fargo in freestyle over the summer. An extra bump up in the nonconference schedule should help down the road with the hope being to outrun Big Northern heavyweights Harvard, Marengo and Richmond-Burton to a divisional title.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Dan Cysewski (27th year).
Last year: 5th, FVC.
Graduation losses: Josh Nelson (2-time state qualifier, 145, 27 wins, MCC), Terrance Fox (sectional qualifier, 16 wins, Northern State, SD).
Key returnees: Seniors Corey Meyer (sectional qualifier, 29 wins), Collin Hanson (sectional qualifier, 171, 189, 23 wins), Richard Kersten (sectional qualifier, 215, 285, 26 wins), Zach Spielman (103,122, 21 wins), Dan Hendrickson, Jacob Mishall (135,140, 9 wins), David Henry (160,171, 10 wins); junior Trent Atkins (119,125, 17 wins).
New faces to watch: Sophomores Mike Underwood (112,119), Brandon Aguirre (130,135), Pat O’Malley (152,160), Garret Glueck, James Smart
Outlook: After the Trojans’ third sectional qualifier from last season (Kersten) returns to form after a long season on the gridiron, longtime head coach Cysewski will have a fearsome threesome for opponents to contend with as his youngsters get their feet under them in the first half of the season. “We have a lot of talented sophomores, which we will bring along slowly, with the hope that they will be strong contributors after the holiday break, but it will be our seniors that we will lean on for awhile to help carry us through,” says the coach. Both Meyer and Hanson proved to belong among the best following a superb weekend at the prestigious Moore-Prettyman tournament, with each showing that both are capable of bigger and better things during the upcoming campaign.
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Ross Ryan (4th year, 38-18).
Last year: 14-5-0 (5-0, FVC Valley division). 2nd, Machesney Park regional.
Graduation losses: Tyler Simmons (sectional qualifier, regional champ, 27 wins, Aurora College), Mark Mohler (sectional qualifier, regional champ, 32 wins, Marines), Jason Liuzzi (sectional qualifier, 20 wins, Franciscan), Anthony Woods (SIU-Carbondale).
Key returnees: Seniors Kean Loupee (state qualifier, regional champ, 160, 36 wins), Cullen Smith (sectional qualifier, 135, 13 wins); juniors Nick Fontanetta (fourth place state medalist, FVC, regional, sectional champ, 112, 42 wins), Jake Peters (145), Tom Gerszewski (sectional qualifier, 135, 26 wins), Mike Romanelli (189); sophomore Nick Peters (sectional qualifier, 119, 25 wins).
New faces to watch: Seniors Gary Hausl (171), Nick Reichmann (189), Joey Beausang (135); junior Austin Gill; sophomores Jordan Krussell (125), Vinny Emory (285), Nathan Furtek (130), Tad Gastfield (171); freshmen Casey Callahan (103), Nick Gill (112), Brian Pence (152)
Outlook: The Gators’ rise as a force in the FVC is confirmed by the rankings of its power-packed duo of Fontanetta and Loupee in preseason polls. Fontanetta, as a sophomore, earned the program’s first state medal since 1988, while Loupee advanced within one match of placing at 160 in Champaign. “No doubt, having two state qualifiers back this season is important for us, but we also have several others who are returning, who will be key contributors and anxious to succeed and qualify when the postseason comes around,” says Crystal Lake South coach Ross Ryan. A second consecutive Valley Division title is easily within reach, as would be an FVC crown if not for the presence of 2A state power Crystal Lake Central, which is the favorite once again as it returns three state champions yet finds itself the No. 3-rated team behind Marmion Academy and defending state champ Montini. Strong efforts in the first weekend at the Moore-Prettyman by Gerszewski and Romanelli helps confirm depth of team this season.
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Al Zinke (32nd year).
Last year: 2nd, FVC Conference tournament.
Graduation losses: Miko Villanueva (2-time 3A state medalist, FVC, regional champ, 42 wins, Harper JC), Mike Rust (sectional qualifier, 29 wins, Elgin Community College), Frank Abitua (sectional qualifier, FVC champ, 37 wins, transfer to Crystal Lake Central), Edwin Mendosa (sectional qualifier, 24 wins, did not return).
Key returnees: Seniors Cody Churkey (FVC champ, 215, 36 wins), Connor Lewis (sectional qualifier, 119, 33 wins), Travell Rounds (119,125, 30 wins), Gustavo Jacobo (26 wins); junior Dillon Muscat (140, 22 wins).
New faces to watch: Senior Chris Lamprecht; sophomore Raymond Griggel.
Outlook: The Chargers’ legendary coach returns to welcome most of his FVC runner-up club back, including three 30-match winners, and two others (Lamprecht and Griggel) who missed nearly all of last season to injuries. “I really like our chances this season, even with having a nationally ranked team like Crystal Lake Central in our conference. The kids are putting the time in in the room, and we have two former Dundee-Crown stars who the guys respect and work hard for so now we just have to see how things play out once we get our lineup put together,” said Zinke, who has turned much of the daily training over to 2008 state medalist Ryan Horcher and Wisconsin-Whitewater All-American Pat Nagel.
Elgin
Coach: Justin Goebel (3rd year).
Last season: 8-11-0
Graduation losses: Erik McGinn (3rd, UEC, 15 wins), Jesus Aguirre (23 wins), Ivan Ceballos (sectional qualifier, 28 wins, Iowa State), Sebastian Altamarino.
Key returnees: Seniors Nate Andresen (sectional qualifier, 103, 27 wins), Toby Schimel (sectional qualifier, 215, 23 wins); sophomore Richard Santana (160, 20 wins).
Outlook: The Maroons have been hard hit by graduation during the past few seasons, and this year is no different with the departure of 75-plus victories and sectional qualifier Ceballos. However, the cupboard isn’t bare. Andresen and Schmiel both easily advanced into the sectional last season, and Santana, as a freshman last year, was just one match away from joining his mates at the Glenbard North sectional venue at 152 pounds.
St. Edward
Coach: Shane Kottkamp (20th year).
Last year: 0-5-0.
Graduation losses: Shane Finane (sectional qualifier, regional champ, 11 wins, West Point), Price Davis (sectional qualifier, 20 wins), Ben Hermann, Drew Doherty (did not return), Derek Porto (did not return).
Key returnees: Seniors Dan Miller (140), Matt Rodriguez (171).
New faces to watch: Freshman Ben Bottoni (125).
Outlook: Another rebuilding program is in the works for the Green Wave, who not only lost their lone two sectional qualifiers from last season (Finane and Davis), but now also has to face nationally ranked Marmion Academy and Montini in the Suburban Christian Conference.
Hampshire
Coach: Terry Wilkinson (3rd year).
Last year: 8-18-0 (1-5, BNC East).
Graduation losses: Nathan Sorg (215, 19 wins) Tyler Sorg (285, 28 wins), Joe Comps, John Cheline
Key returnees: Juniors Tyler Espino (112, 26 wins), Cody Kleiser (135, 18 wins), Ray Stagen (130, 15 wins), Kris Johnson.
New faces to watch: Freshmen Alex Feltz (103), Mitch Lundry (103, 112).
Outlook: The decision of Sorg brothers not to return this season puts a dent into the top of the Whip-Purs’ lineup, as they take nearly 50 victories with them. Still, the trio of Espino, Kleiser and Stagen give the club a solid core in the middle of a lineup, and coach Wilkinson is looking to assemble a youthful squad itching to prove itself against the likes of state powers Harvard, Marengo and Burlington Central in the Big Northern East.
Huntley
Coach: B.J. Bertelsman (2nd year), Kevin Summerville (4th year).
Last year: 9-11-0.
Graduation losses: Colt Claudio (sectional qualifier, FVC champ, 33 wins, Harper).
Key returnees: Seniors Lucas Rogers (state qualifier, sectional qualifier, 135, 36 wins), Matt Zeis (215, 31 wins), Josh LaLuz (285, 17 wins); juniors Josh Symbol (160, sectional qualifier, frosh/soph state champ, 30 wins), Jacob O’Neil (119,125, 20 wins), Jeff Lucas (140, 17 wins); sophomores Jon Walker (130), Brandon Mabry (189, 8 wins), Zach Stenger (103).
New faces to watch: Juniors Duke Larkin (152), Brandon Doty (171), Michael Silvestri (215); sophomores Jordan Powers (119,125), J.J. Martinez (112), Jacob Palecki (145).
Outlook: The Red Raider program puts itself in a place of prominence after a sensational postseason run last season sent Rogers downstate, where he won his opening match and nearly another in the back-draw to show he and others from this club belong among the best of the best. This season, the senior, along with mates Zeis and Symbol, provide a potent attack. Huntley is a team in pursuit of bigger things. “Our strength will be the depth at the weights of our top three and others, but our overall youth and inexperience at the varsity level will also be our weakness,” said co-head coach Summerville.
Jacobs
Coach: Chris Taylor (2nd year).
Last year: 5-14-0.
Graduation losses: Aaron Ryan (sectional qualifier, 27w, Harper), Mike Stein (11 wins, Harper), Derek Bush (sectional qualifier, 19 wins).
Key returnees: Seniors Joe Ladick (152, 25 wins), Brad Jenisch (171), Frank Garcia (160, 12 wins); junior Colin Zaio (145, 13 wins).
New faces to watch: Sophomore Kenny Thompson (112); freshmen Austin Ryan (103).
Outlook: The Golden Eagles will be aiming to further climb the FVC ladder, and improve on their 11th-place finish in the conference tournament now that its second-year head coach Chris Taylor is firmly in charge after taking over just days before the season began last November. “We graduated just four from last year, and I believe we will have a solid lineup, especially in the middle, all with plenty of experience earned along the way,” said Taylor. Four-year starter Aaron Ryan will be missed, but battle-hardened senior Joe Ladick appears ready to assume his role after going from 10 wins as a sophomore to 25 last season.
Larkin
Coach: Andre Allen (1st year)
Last year: 5th, UEC tournament.
Graduation losses: Cam Martin (sectional qualifier, all-UEC, 30 wins), Patrick Lipscomb (29 wins), Tim Einhorn (26 wins), Joey Rodriguez (sectional qualifier, 32 wins), Jordan Perez (sectional qualifier, 26 wins).
Key returnees: Seniors Josh Brooks (captain), Andy Koehnke (13 wins); junior Brett Barry (sectional qualifier, 27 wins), David Perez (sectional qualifier, 26 wins).
Outlook: Former Royals assistant Andre Allen says former head coach Mike Mulhearn left him in good hands after instilling a good foundation of strong work ethic and solid discipline in the program for the new coach to build from after his fifth year at the helm. “I have a terrific group of assistants to work with, and fantastic support from our athletic director and school administration, which should make my first year an exciting one for all of us,” said Allen, in his 15th year of coaching. “So far I like what I am seeing from the guys, who have a great attitude and desire to improve, and after we sort things out in our starting lineup, I really see us having a good season.” Allen is counting on a quartet of returning starters, including Barry, who was a sectional qualifier as a sophomore and finished up one victory away from a trip downstate at 145 pounds.
South Elgin
Coach: Mark Cameron (6th year).
Last year: 20-10-0.
Graduation losses: Jake Randich (three-time state qualifier, 2009 state medalist, 44 wins), Tyler Toczek (sectional qualifier, 33 wins, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Arizona), Tom Randich (sectional qualifier, Purdue University, 29 wins), Mike Schoening (31 wins, Harper), Kevin Gianaris (119, 15 wins), John Parker (135, 12 wins), Jens Tuin (152, 13 wins), Xavier Salazar.
Key returnees: Seniors Ricky Garcia (171, 13 wins), Kyle Rodriguez (130, 9 wins); juniors Nick Citta (140, 30 wins), Cody Pych (160, 26 wins); sophomore Cory Pych (103, 14 wins).
New faces to watch: Seniors Billy Scott (152), Adam Lehhus (189), Andrew Marola (140).
Outlook: The Storm had a pair of benchmarks last season: 20 wins, and an upper-division finish at the UEC tourney. At the core of its success was superb 215-pounder Jake Randich, who was a force throughout the season, but has decided not to return for his fourth and final prep season. “Obviously we’re going to miss Jake and our other guys who were great three-year wrestlers for us, but the great thing is we have some very good core guys back, and some others who trained and worked behind seniors, and are (now) ready to step into the lineup for us,” says Cameron. The junior pair of Citta and Pych are ready to hit their stride after strong offseasons, which included a medal in Greco at Fargo for the 26-match winner Pych.
Streamwood
Coach: Bill Peach (6th year).
Last year: 2-13-0.
Graduation losses: Ben Ortiz (sectional qualifier, 16 wins), JD Palomo (125, 14 wins), Nick Lockwood (140, 14 wins), Luke McArthur (171, 13 wins, Joey Mendoza (13 wins).
Key returnees: Seniors Garrett Surges (285), Frank Adame (21 wins); juniors John Brewer (145, 7 wins), Shea Gilligan (152), Jimmy Gabioud (171), Ryan Cook (160), Robert Rader (189); sophomore Alex Curtis (sectional qualifier, 119, 10 wins).
Outlook: The Sabres’ coaching staff has the unenviable task of filling the boots of all five of the program’s medal winners from the UEC tournament, including fourth-place finisher McMahon as well as their lone sectional qualifier in Ortiz, who along with Mendoza were just two of four who returned last season from the 2008 regional starting lineup.