Jacobs' Golnick topples top-ranked Jackson
Mikey Caliendo and Ryan Golnick were the stars of the show on Saturday at the Batavia Invite - but it was Golnick whose star was brighter on the big stage.
The Jacobs junior recorded a stunning third period pin over No. 1 Gio Jackson from Buffalo Grove to send the afternoon audience into orbit after this 220-pound final.
"Gio is a great wrestler, and it was a great opportunity (for) me to wrestle the No. 1 guy in the state. But to be honest, where any of us are rated in the state means nothing right now. It's where you end up at the end of the season," said Golnick, who came into the weekend at No. 7.
"That win over Gio is a big confidence boost for Ryan, who is so big, athletic and strong," said Jacobs coach Gary Conrad, who earlier watched his best man, No. 3 Jake Harrier (24-1) destroy the competition at 138 to win his second consecutive major in as many weeks.
Jackson (28-1) held a 3-2 advantage in the third period, until a second stall against the Bison senior made it 3-3 with 30 seconds remaining.
"That penalty point on that stall was big, and we knew (Golnick) has a big time lateral, but that's what got Gio," said Buffalo Grove coach Kurt Kutska after watching Jackson get pinned at 5:38.
The aforementioned Caliendo (29-1) from Batavia was untouchable on his way to his 145-pound title recording a pair of tech-falls and falls including a masterful performance in his final over No. 9 Kyetin Lindquist (25-3) of Machesney Park Harlem.
"I feel so confident out there this year. And in my heart, I know I am capable of beating anyone in my weight class," said Caleindo, No. 4 in the state, fourth at state a year ago.
Fresh off its impressive victory over 3A state power and McHenry County rival Huntley on Friday, Marian Central Catholic ran away from the 18-team field for the second consecutive year.
The Hurricanes outscored runner-up Hinsdale Central by 116 points (201-117) with Maine South (115.5), Addison Trail (101) and Andrew (101.5) rounding out the top five.
Two-time state champion Dylan Connell, No. 1 at 170 in 2A, captured one of the three individual titles for the Hurricanes.
Host Batavia was sixth after earning 100 points.
Hinsdale Central freshmen Cody Tavoso (31-3) helped the Red Devils cause by lifting the 106-pound trophy, while 2019 state qualifier, Noah Beltran would do the same for Maine South.
Beltran (23-4) impressed all throughout, particularly in his 126-pound final with Eduardo Cholula (West Chicago, 19-2) that saw the Hawks junior continue to add points down the stretch.
"It's important to keep adding points, and when I got those back points, I knew that I had him," said Beltran following his 10-1 major decision.
Tavoso was sharp from the start of the day which ended for the Red Devils rookie with a 7-5 decision over Alex Armira (27-3) from 1A power Chicago Hope.
"My technique, and ability to stay away from bad (shots), has been the difference in me since our (Rex Whitlach) before Christmas," said Tavoso.
Leyden senior Ronnie Massari (21-1) continues his fine work at 160 in the new year winning his second consecutive major after his 6-3 defeat of Kaden Randazzo (28-2) from Marian Central Catholic.
"It's all coming together for me at the right time," said Massari, champion last week in Farina Fieldhouse at the Conrad Invite.
West Chicago heavyweight Ryan Hannah (23-2) came in as the No. 1 seed and left atop the podium.
Hannah pinned his way into his final with Tedy Hickey (15-3) of Maine South, and once there, the Wildcats junior registered a 10-0 major decision over his opponent.
"This is a big tournament with some very good guys in our weight class so to win here feels good right now," said Hannah, who three weeks ago won the 285-pound crown at Wheaton Warrenville South.