Dreams denied on Day 2 downstate
CHAMPAIGN — It became a worst-case scenario for Lake County on the second day of the wrestling state tournament on Friday.
Jordan Reich, Devin Tortorice, Justin Weber, Nate Magiera and Jake Cochrane looked on course to achieve their dreams as the day started, but their collective hopes suffered a major setback as each was dealt a disappointing loss.
The last of the them came in shocking fashion as the No. 1-ranked Cochrane saw his state championship hopes dashed.
The aforementioned will be looking to rebound Saturday as they keep alive their pursuit of a state medal, while a few others remain alive as well in wrestlebacks.
Cochrane (Carmel, 42-2) had just recorded a takedown against Copache Tyler (36-1) of Springfield Southeast as the first period began to wind down. But in the blink of an eye, Tyler turned the Corsairs big man and quickly put away his opponent. Cochrane lay motionless on the mat at first, finally finding the strength to rise and shake hands with Tyler and his coaching staff before darting into the tunnel inside Assembly Hall.
Reich (44-6), who looked flawless here during his first two matches, drew Danny Swan (Oak Forest, 33-9) in his semifinal at 106 pounds. Reich had beaten Sean way back in the first weekend of the year to earn a championship ring at the Leyden Invite.
This timek, Swan had other ideas. He grabbed a 4-2 lead at three minutes, and then the sophomore was able to hold off Reich 4-3. Reich has a spot in Saturday's wrestlebacks, which begin at 9 a.m.
“The entire match changed when (Swan) got that takedown, and after that, he just shut Jordan down and didn't let him get into his game,” said coach Jerry Miceli, who will guide both Reich and senior David Pierce (145, 41-8) through the consolation bracket.
Weber (40-3) drew No. 1 Bryce Brill (Mt. Carmel, 48-0) in his semifinal. The Stevenson senior could not withstand the sheer force and firepower of Brill, who recorded a 22-9 major decision and earned a third consecutive trip into a state final.
“There's a reason Brill is the No. 1 guy in the nation. But I am still very proud of Justin for his effort, and his desire to go out there against the best and give him everything he could for six minutes,” said Patriots coach Shane Cook.
Weber next meets the winner of the Austin Pettinato (Libertyville) vs. Justin Maslow (Hinsdale South) wrestleback quarterfinal.
Wauconda senior Devin Tortorice (39-5) was unable to solve Randle Taborn (Springfield, 37-4) in his 132-pound semifinal Friday night. Tortorice fell behind 2-0 in the first period before eventually falling 4-0.
“We were close a couple of times but the Springfield kid defended two very good shots from Devin, and later, I thought we got that fireman's, but again he was very athletic and quick and got himself out of trouble then as well,” said Wauconda assistant Bob Kenison.
That first period takedown was only the 12th Tortorice had surrendered this season.
His teammate, Magiera (35-2), came back from a 7-2 deficit against No. 1 Lucas Joseph (East Peoria, 40-0) to draw withing 2 at 7-5 at five minutes with a takedown at the edge. But Joseph, who was a state runner-up in 2012, held on for an 8-5 victory.
Earlier in the day, Tony Cashmore (Grant, 31-2) started strong against No. 1 Joe Areola (OPRF) but couldn't sustain for a full six minutes against the top-rated senior in an 8-6 loss during the morning quarterfinal sesssion.
The Grant senior bounced back to win his first wrestleback and next meets Joey Welsh (Hononegah).
Teammate Nick Koch (106) is still alive as well, as is heavyweight Chris McDermand of Libertyville.
Third- and fifth-place matches will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the finals scheduled to begin immediately after the Grand March at 6:30 p.m.