IC Catholic Prep sends four to state finals
CHAMPAIGN - If not for the success in Class 1A from IC Catholic Prep and its fantastic foursome of Nick Renteria, Michael Calcagno, Jadon Mims and Isaiah Gonzalez, DuPage County would have been shut out in its bid to send representatives into the state finals at State Farm Arena.
The IC Catholic Prep quartet marched into the finals after each performed at a higher level than its opponents, beginning with Renteria, who has been focused on his goal of a state title since his transfer from St. Laurence.
"When I came to (ICCP) in my sophomore season, I was coming into a room that already had a two-time state champ (Joey Bianchini) and that's what I want to do," said Renteria following his major decision victory over Ethan Monson from Mercer.
"This is really an amazing feeling - before I went out - my coaches said to just go out there, and live it and that's exactly what I did," Mims said after his resounding 16-6 major-decision victory over Walker Anderson (39-5) from Sherrad.
Over in Class 3A, Paulie Robertson, No. 2 at 285, had looked to advance to face No. 1 Ryan Boersma and avenge a 4-1 loss in the Dvorak final - however, Kevin Zimmer (Sandburg, 17-1) had other ideas in what would be a 5-2 defeat.
Paulie Robertson got the man, and the match he's been wanting.
Hinsdale Central junior, Cody Tavoso (26-4) will go in search of his third state medal back through wrestlebacks following his loss to No. 2 Will Baysingar in his 132-pound semifinal, while teammate, Marco Ivanisevic (36-3) suffered the same fate in his semifinal with No. 1 Andrew Blackburn-Forest (34-5) from Lockport.
Downers Grove South's Jimmy Nugent put a scare in reigning state champion Kole Brower with a big first period explosion, only to later concede to the No. 1 man at 138 pounds, 13-9.
"Jimmy has really come on of late, and has proved during that time he is right there with the top guys," said Downers Grove South coach Sean Lovelace, who watched Nugent nearly stick Brower with a wicked head lock in the first period.
Waubonsie Valley senior, Antonio Torres took an early lead on No. 1 Chris Moore, then defended a quality shot at the edge from the reigning state champion to force overtime, where he lost a heartbreaking fall at 6:45.
Torres, who opens in wrestlebacks on Saturday morning, has recorded four consecutive 30-win seasons.
Downers Grove North's Jordan Lewis made coach Chris McGrath a proud man after his thrilling overtime win in his quarterfinal, later falling to Boersma in his semifinal 6-0.
"Jordan has come a long way as a wrestler, and more importantly, a person (he's) a terrific young man, and I cannot tell you how proud of him right now," McGrath said.
"Win, lose or draw, coach (McGrath) treats me fair, and like a man (he's) been an unbelievable influence on me here at North," Lewis added.