Scouting the state meet / Northwest
82nd IHSA state wrestling tournament
Where: State Farm Center, Champaign
Thursday: 12 p.m. (Class 1A first round), 2:15 p.m. (Class 2A first round), 4:30 p.m. (Class 3A first round), 6:45 p.m. 1A/2A winner's bracket quarterfinals.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. (3A winners bracket quarterfinals, and first round wrestlebacks), 1:30 p.m. (second round wrestlebacks, all classes), 7:30 p.m. (semifinals, all classes).
Saturday: 9 a.m. (Quarterfinal wrestlebacks, all classes), 11 a.m. (semifinal wrestlebacks, all classes), 1 p.m. (3rd and 5th place matches, all classes), 5:30 p.m. (Grand March), 6 p.m. (Championship matches, all classes, beginning at 113 pounds).
Mat Chat: There were the usual surprises on sectional Saturday, helping make the anticipation for the state tournament that much more exciting, while filling wrestling forums with more than their share of back and forth chatter.
None rang louder than the stunning upset at Conant last Saturday when No. 2 Jon Halvorsen (Maine South) shocked No. 1 Abe Assad (Glenbard North) in the 182-pound final. A No. 2 beating a No. 1 isn't all together breaking news except with Assad, it marked his first loss in 88 matches for the No. 2 rated 182-pounder in the nation. This will make for a terrific storyline in Champaign this weekend and for sure make Assad's first-round opponent rather a little queasy.
Will any of the Northwest suburbs' 16 qualifiers make a name for themselves just as Halverson did?
Here is a look at each those qualifiers.
Jake Bellizzi (Maine West, 220, 28-7): You'll have to forgive this three-time qualifier for his dislike of red, white and black, as they are the colors of rival Maine South, which has been a giant thorn in the side of the Warriors' star during his career. Bellizzi would lose in the 2018 Central Suburban League semifinals to Sean Kelly, then one week later it was James Bartell in his regional final. The senior avenged that defeat in overtime against Bartell to reach the state tournament. "Jake has shown plenty toughness on day two of sectionals, winning three straight in wrestlebacks three consecutive years to get to the state tournament," said Maine West coach Chris Brassell. Eighteen pins, 62 takedowns for the Warriors' senior who opens Thursday against Providence Catholic freshman Ryan Boersman (42-5).
Alex Giuliano (Conant, 120, 31-5): The Cougars' classy four-year starter is back for his third time and arrives with an impressive resume. "Alex has been a true leader for us. He gets along with everyone in our room, supports his teammates and program, and is an all-around terrific young man that all of us are so proud of," says his coach, Chad Hay. Heads to Champaign as a four-time Mid-Suburban League place winner, two-time MSL and regional champion with 118 career victories, plus 56 pins, 16 coming this season. Opens Thursday against No. 1 Noah Surtin (47-1) of Edwardsville.
Jack Lingle (Schaumburg, 145, 30-8): This is Lingle's third appearance after coming back through wrestlebacks at the Conant sectional to finish third overall. "There are many reasons for the success Jack has had in his career, and in particular this season," said Saxons coach Mike Levanti. "Of them all, you cannot discount his work ethic. His effort in the room has been tremendous and that, paired with the extra time and work that he's put in with our coaches (Matt Gruszka and Matt Phelps), have really provided the catalyst for what we've seen from him during the last few weeks." The MSL and regional champ won 32 a year ago, and 28 during his first season downstate as a sophomore. His first-round opponent is 2018 state runner-up, Fidel Mayora (38-7) of Montini Catholic.
Jose Ramos (Prospect, 285, 41-3): Things did not go as planned last weekend at sectionals for this two-time state qualifier who appeared to be on course to meet No. 1 Ayden Guttridge (Rockford East) in what would have been a highly anticipated No. 1 vs 2 final. However, a stunning 4-3 second round loss forced the three-time regional and two-time MSL champion to make his way back through wrestlebacks in order to reach the state field once again. "Jose is explosive when he's aggressive, and tough to score on, and has wrestled and beaten some of the best heavyweights in the state during the past four years," said Knights coach Tom Whalen. His first-round opponent is 2018 state medal winner (5th) Justin Hull (35-5) of St. Charles East.
Andrew Baysinger (Prospect, 138, 14-3): Most may forget this Knights star made his first trip downstate as a freshman and if not for a variety of injuries during his career this could have been his fourth state appearance instead of just two. "It was a roller coaster season this year and honestly, all throughout my four years on varsity," said Baysingar, who has torn his meniscus in both knees, requiring surgery each time including this year when he missed three-fourths of the campaign. Went 38-5 last year, but lost in the blood round at sectionals. Already accepted in the Purdue and Wisconsin engineering schools, he is considering the Naval Academy as well. First round opponent is Torry Early (Oak Park-River Forest, 36-8).
John Smith (Wheeling, 145, 42-7): Injuries derailed this Wildcats star during his first two seasons but once back healthy he won 45 a year ago on his way to the tournament, then followed up with 42 more this year, one of which won him a regional title. A disappointing loss in the sectional final last weekend might just be the motivation needed to inspire his last run at a state medal. "John's goal all season long is to be a state champion and my staff has been helping him prepare all season long to do just that. We really feel he has a great opportunity to achieve that goal," said Wheeling coach Charlie Curran. The 2018 MSL champ has recorded 24 pins, and 3 tech falls thus far, and will look to add to that total in his opener Thursday with Jamel Sheppard (Plainfield Central) 43-7.
Brian Beers (Barrington, 106, 37-8): One of five from Barrington who are making their first visit to Champaign, Beers would compete with a maturity and calmness that belies his tender age, which is why he enjoyed such a terrific rookie season. "Brian is wrestling like a veteran deep into the season, and his non-stop attacking, even when he is winning, has helped him succeed which you saw in his sectional semifinal match that got him into the finals," said Broncos coach Dave Udchik. MSL and regional champ has registered 17 pins this season. First round opponent is Ben Aranda (39-6) from DeKalb.
Joe Caringella (Prospect, 170, 41-8): By his own admission, his first round contest at the Barrington sectional was not up to par for this three-year starter, who immediately put himself under pressure to win the rest of the way or have his season come to an abrupt end. "I finished fourth twice in a row at regionals and this was my first sectional tournament, so I knew I had to put that loss on Friday behind me and just get after it in wrestlebacks," said Caringella, who won four straight to advance, including an overtime thriller for third-place honors. He was 8-24 two years ago and 20-18 in 2018, Caringella doubled his win total this season while claiming MSL and regional titles. His first-round opponent is Anthony Pennington (Glenbard North, 37-7).
Jaylan Claudio (Schaumburg, 126, 26-11): This Saxons senior was not even in the regional starting lineup two years ago but the two-year starter nearly made it downstate a year ago, losing in the blood round to Glenbard East star Reese Martin. "Jaylan is a super-talented kid and probably the best raw athlete in our program," said Levanti. "The fact that he avenged two earlier losses in the last two weeks, his best coming against Ian Huck (Geneva) at sectionals, speaks to his grit and maturity. His weight class is absolutely loaded at state, but wrestling Jaylan is like playing with a lit stick of dynamite." First-round opponent: Noak Mis (Mt. Carmel, 27-10).
Fernando Corona (Leyden, 285, 26-8): This first year starter will look to earn Leyden's first state medal since Dan Kiebler in 2010. Kurt Bankson (1978), Pat O'Shea (1991) and Eric Wenckowski (1985) all did so before Kiebler, who earned his medals in back-to-back seasons. Corona proved to be a pleasant surprise in the Eagles' lineup to give the club a powerful one-two punch up top along with Ryan Jaffray at 220 pounds. First round opponent: No. 1 Aydin Guttridge (Rockford East, 31-2).
Cael Dyer (Barrington, 126, 37-12): One of the few seniors in the MSL champions' startling lineup, this three-year veteran would enjoy a rapid rise upward after going 14-18 in 2017, then 28-16 a year ago when he became a sectional qualifier. "His experience and attacking style on his feet helped carry him through and into the state tournament, and when he wrestles hard for six minutes, he can beat almost anyone," suggests Udchik. Seventeen pins for the regional champ who will face No. 3, Travis Ford-Melton (27-5) from Marian Catholic in his opening match.
Jake Hartman (Barrington 182, 37-9): Younger brother of 2018 state champion Markus has done quite well for himself during his first full season in the Broncos' starting lineup. MSL champion recorded a pin to qualify over Mundelein star DJ Preston. "When Jack puts opponents on their back he almost always puts them away," says Udchik, witnessed by his 24 pins, second on the club to Luke Rasmussen. "He's wrestling like a seasoned veteran, and doing it at a man's weight class, which says a lot about his mental and physical ability." Will take on the top seed, Nick Stemmet (38-3) of Yorkville, in his state opener.
Gio Jackson (Palatine, 220, 28-3): Storybook season for first-year starter, who has claimed an impressive four tournament titles this season, including MSL and regional trophies. "I always believed in myself, I just needed the opportunity to prove it, and because of my coaches, teammates, and workout partner (Brian Fernandez), I've been able to reach my goal of getting downstate," said Jackson, second at sectionals. "Gio is the real deal, but it's all come from a lot of hard work, and extra time he's put in," added Pirates coach Brian Winter. First round opponent: Nik Mishka (Mt. Carmel, 28-9).
Brian Morel (Fremd, 220, 28-14): Vikings senior knew there was little room for error after a 5-3 loss to the aforementioned Jackson in second round action sent him crashing into wrestlebacks. "When you know one more loss and it's over for you, it's important to stay calm, composed and just trust the game plan my coaches put together," aid Morel, a self described fitness guy who used that strength to outlast two of his four opponents to stay alive. After an ultimate tie-breaking win (7-4) to open play in wrestlebacks, Morel would win his most important match of his life to advance with a takedown in overtime. First round opponent: Jack Bazukas (Marmion Academy, 30-11).
Luke Rasmussen (Barrington, 160, 41-3): Remarkable breakout season for this Broncos junior, who went from 14 wins to 41, while taking turns as the top rated 160-pounder with Baylor Fernandes (Lockport) and Brad Gross (Marmion Academy) all season long. "Luke committed himself to become bigger, stronger and faster during the offseason, and it's through all of that work that he is now a takedown and pinning machine (27), now capable of competing with the best, and being the best," says Udchik. "That was a tough loss in the sectional final to (No. 4) Brock Emmerich (Deerfield) but he'll be focused and ready to go on Thursday in Champaign." First round opponent: Ricardo Salinas (Evanston, 41-4) and one win away from facing Fernandes (31-4) on Friday.
Dayven Shinhoster (Barrington, 195, 30-2): This two-sport star (football) would slowly climb the ranks in the weekly state polls, reaching the No. 5 spot before his thrilling 6-5 victory over No. 3 Cody Goodman (Deerfield) to lift the big trophy at sectionals last weekend. The junior, who lost earlier to Goodman (5-3) in overtime, recorded three impressive victories at 220 pounds during the regular season, and two over No. 8 Max Gomez (Stevenson), the second coming in his regional final. "Dayven is our most athletic wrestler, and he's definitely a gamer," says Udchik. "When he decides to turn it on, he is very tough to beat." The MSL champ takes on Kevin Zimmer (34-10) of Sandburg in his tournament opener.