Glenbard North's Assad rebounds to reach final
CHAMPAIGN - If it was possible to awaken a sleeping giant ranked the No. 1 wrestler in the state and second in the nation, then that's what happened when Abe Assad lost his sectional final to Jon Halvorsen of Maine South one week ago at Conant.
Fast forward just a few days later, and the Iowa recruit and Glenbard North star destroyed three opponents, two with pins. He will face Halvorsen against Saturday night in the 182-pound Class 3A finals at State Farm Center.
"Not to take anything away from Halvorsen, because he's a great wrestler, but I did a few things wrong in that match, then put in one of the toughest practices ever this week to clean things up," Assad said.
"But to honest, it's also kind of nice to take that 'X' off my back and put it on someone else and go forward from there."
Assad (44-1) will be joined by a host of DuPage County wrestlers when the final session begins following the 5:30 p.m. Grand March on Saturday. It will begin with Neuqua Valley senior Jacob Boumans (40-3), who gets a rematch with Huntley junior David Ferrante (44-2) in the 170-pound final.
"Last year's quick exit from here stuck with me, so much so that each day when I get up, I look at a list of those I've beaten from fourth place on as a reminder to me heading into the postseason," Boumans said.
Boumans defeated DuPage Valley Conference rival Jackson Punzel of Naperville Central to book his place opposite Ferrante.
Defending team state champion Montini sent five into the finals, including reigning state champs Jake Stiles (45-0) at 152 pounds, and Wisconsin-bound Peter Christensen (195), who is 46-2.
"Yes, I feel a little case of nerves and pressure each time out, but I like it that way," said the Broncos star, ranked No. 2 this week by InterMat Wrestling.
Montini junior Fidel Mayora (145 pounds) cannot wait to face No. 1-ranked Trevor Chumbley (40-2) of Marmion in his final. It will be the third time this year, both previous results going to the Marmion senior.
"It's tough losing to the same guy twice in one season, so I am hoping the third time is a charm," Mayora said.
No. 1 Dylan Ragusin (42-6) survived against his top-flight opponent at 126 pounds, Anthony Molton of Lockport, 3-2.
Just last month, when asked what the highlight of his season was thus far, Lake Park senior DeMarco Lee (27-2) said to ask him at the state tournament.
Fast forward those few weeks, and the Lancers star finds himself in the 220-pound state final with Ramin Abraham (51-0) of Evanston.
"There's the matter of some unfinished business tomorrow night, but right now I am feeling really good about getting into the final, (but) as always, I'll take it one match at a time before I can answer you honestly," Lee said.
Coach Chris McGrath has sung the praises of his best man at Downers Grove North, 126-pounder Brad Rosen. Rose with one more win in wrestlebacks will earn a spot on the Class 3A podium.
St. Francis' Danny Skold fell short in his bid to get the Spartans their first state medal since Bob Hudetz did in 1980, but the affable senior, along with teammate Michael D'Orazio, did help put the program back on the mat.
Skold (36-3) lost his second-round wrestleback match, as did D'Orazio (35-9) at 132.