Harrier, Jacobs stay perfect in Fox Valley
Jacobs senior 138-pounder Jake Harrier has certainly enjoyed a stellar 4-year career for the Golden Eagles.
The Old Dominion recruit has qualified for the Class 3A state finals 3 times including a fifth-place finish as a sophomore.
Harrier, who is seeking a state title in 2020, was at his best in Thursday night's Fox Valley Conference dual meet against Hampshire in Algonquin.
The talented senior pinned Hampshire's Tyler Boyd in 45 seconds as the Golden Eagles cruised past the Whip-Purs 61-18.
"I just want to come out aggressive every match and get a quick pin and get points for my team," said Harrier. "I just want to help the team as much as I can. I am hoping get it done at the state meet this year and end my senior year on a high note. Wrestling is a tough sport but I love every part of it."
Jacobs coach Gary Conrad realizes he has special wrestler in Harrier.
"He is certainly a type of kid and wrestler you get to coach once in a career," said the Jacobs coach. "His work ethic is incredible. He is working out with me every morning at 6:20. He is totally dedicated to the sport year round. He is a great kid and I am hoping he ends his high school career on a high note."
Harrier got plenty of help from his teammates Thursday night. Also registering pins for the Eagles were Dominic Ducato (113), Jake Riddle (126), Alex Epstein (145), Vince Ducato (160), Chris Ackerman (170) and Antonio Carlos (285).
Jacobs, winners of 10 matches on the mat, also received technical victories from James Wright (106) and Joel Riddle (132). Tanner Ward (120) won by decision for Jacobs (3-4, 3-0). Ryan Golnick (220) received a forfeit for the winners.
"We have no depth with a lot of holes," said Conrad. "I am happy with the way we wrestled tonight. We are getting better as a team."
The bright spots for the Whip-Purs (0-3, 0-3) were Nathan Larson (152) and MJ Montegro (195) who registered pins. Gavin Edelstein (182) won by forfeit.
"Nathan was very methodical and MJ wrestled with a lot of heart," said Hampshire coach Randy Mitty. "They both had great nights and I am very proud of them. We had 17 kids in the program two years ago and have 53 this season. We are very young. We wrestled seven freshmen tonight and like our future. The Fox Valley Conference is a great wrestling conference but I like the way we are competing. We are extending matches in the dual meets and getting some wins. The program is headed in the right direction."