Wauconda qualifies school record 9 wrestlers for state
It was a record-shattering day for the Wauconda wrestling team Saturday at the IHSA Class 2A Deerfield individual sectional.
After winning the Grayslake Central regional last weekend to advance to the dual-team sectional against state powerhouse Montini, the Bulldogs smashed their previous school record of advancing six wrestlers to the state meet by qualifying nine wrestlers downstate Feb. 16-18 at State Farm Center in Champaign.
The top four wrestlers in each class advanced to the state meet.
Wauconda coach Trevor Jauch had individuals up and down his lineup contributing in the 14 weight-class tournament as was the case last weekend when the Bulldogs edged rival squad Antioch for the regional title.
"I think we can have a lot of guys find the podium (top six places) at state," said Jauch. "I'm thrilled, these guys put in a ton of effort for this moment, and really happy how we competed today."
As was the case last week even without standout Aaron Cramer in its lineup, Grayslake Central had strong showing Saturday starting with No. 1-ranked 106-pounder Anthony Alanis (40-1) posting a narrow 6-4 decision over Wauconda's Gavin Rockey for first place. Top-ranked Matty Jens (28-0 at 182) also has his sights set on a state crown for the Rams while teammate Tyler Weidman placed second Saturday at 126.
"They've worked their butts off all year, and now they just have to go out and compete," said Grayslake Central coach Matt Joseph, who is a product of former Hersey coach Rick Mann's program. "We've been fortunate that none of them had any close matches (before the finals), and they've put them away early."
Antioch continued to shine at the sectional level behind champions Edgar Albino (31-3) at 132, Anthony Streib (23-3) at 138, and Caleb Nobiling (34-8) at 145.
"All three of them have the potential of being a state champion depending on how they wrestle next week," said Antioch coach Wilbur Borrero. "We've got several kids that can place downstate, and they've all been there before."
The Sequoits also got a second from Gavin Hanrahan at 113, and a third from Ben VazWquez at 160.
Besides Rockey, Wauconda piled up a lot of second-place finishes from Logan Andrews (138), Nick Cheshier (152), Sean Christensen (182), and Mike Merevick (195). The Bulldogs also got a third's from Nate Randle (113), Cooper Daun (132), and Cole Porten (145). Wauconda's Lucas Galdine (120) took fourth.
Vernon Hills freshman Ilya Dvoryannikov (29-9) was the shocker of the day witEh a pin over Montini's Will Prater for the 160-pound title.
"I couldn't be more excited, and we had a really good end to the season," said Vernon Hills coach Jesse Wolter, whose team also got a second from Max Accettura at 285. "The work ethic of the whole team has been unbelievable compared to last year and they push each other."
Wheeling's Patrick Tinsley (138) and Vernon Hills' Kevin Halley (195) took third while Carmel Catholic teammates Tony Hinojosa (132), and Nicholas Asllani (145) placed fourth. Grayslake Central's Carter Vincent (170) placed fourth.
"He's (Hinojosa) just really improved as the year's gone on," said Carmel coach Bob Kuykendall of his freshman qualifier. "He's had to learn how to wrestle at the high school level, his hard work has paid off, and it couldn't happen to a nicer kid."