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Lemont, IL —
Two of the top programs in Class 2A wrestling met in the first round of the state series last weekend, ending one team’s bid to return to the dual team state tournament.
Montini is ranked No. 1 and Lemont No. 2, according to illinoismatmen.com. However, the wrestling website has no bearing on how teams are assigned in the postseason so both powerhouse programs ended up at the Evergreen Park regional Saturday.
Four-time defending state champion Montini won with 305 points, beating out runner-up Lemont (231.5) for a spot in the dual team sectionals Feb. 21.
But the Indians are not making any excuses.
“You wanna be the best, you have to beat the best,” said Lemont coach John St. Clair. “There is no rating system in place for Illinois high school wrestling, but we’re not whining or complaining about it. It is what it is.”
The Indians have more important things to focus on after qualifying 10 wrestlers, including five regional champs, to this weekend’s individual sectional at Lemont.
And, of course, all 14 of the Broncos’ wrestlers will be there too.
“Nothing really changes for us,” St. Clair said. “We want to keep our preparation the same as all season and don’t want to tone it down too much.”
The only time a Bronco didn’t win a weight class at regionals, he lost in the championship match to an Indian.
Lemont winners were Jake Kaminsky (152 pounds), Mark Kirkman (160), Eric Kirkman (170), Chris Giatras (182) and John Tomala (195).
Jake Latanski (126) was the Indians’ lone runner-up while Glen Malecki (132), Bobby Bromberek (138), Jimmy Brennan (145) and Mike Devitt (220) all won their third-place matches.
Adam Strube (106), Jack Pack (113), Vince Lietza (120) and Travis Layer (285) all fell just short of qualifying after losing their third-place matches.
“Our kids have a great work ethic and are peaking at the right time,” St. Clair said. “All 10 of our guys are capable of making it to state.”
College futures set
Lemont athletes Kelly Trojak and Alyssa Stube were both recognized Wednesday in the high school’s board room after deciding on their college futures.
Trojak will continue her soccer career at St. Xavier University next school year while Stube has committed to play softball at Cardinal Stritch University.
Trojak has started 50-of-52 games during her career with a total of 16 points on six goals and four assists during those two years.
Stube is a career .286 hitter with 20 runs, 17 RBIs and a .402 on-base percentage over two seasons.
Staff writer Ryan Long can be reached at rlong@mysuburbanlife.com or (630) 368-8887.
Two of the top programs in Class 2A wrestling met in the first round of the state series last weekend, ending one team’s bid to return to the dual team state tournament.
Montini is ranked No. 1 and Lemont No. 2, according to illinoismatmen.com. However, the wrestling website has no bearing on how teams are assigned in the postseason so both powerhouse programs ended up at the Evergreen Park regional Saturday.
Four-time defending state champion Montini won with 305 points, beating out runner-up Lemont (231.5) for a spot in the dual team sectionals Feb. 21.
But the Indians are not making any excuses.
“You wanna be the best, you have to beat the best,” said Lemont coach John St. Clair. “There is no rating system in place for Illinois high school wrestling, but we’re not whining or complaining about it. It is what it is.”
The Indians have more important things to focus on after qualifying 10 wrestlers, including five regional champs, to this weekend’s individual sectional at Lemont.
And, of course, all 14 of the Broncos’ wrestlers will be there too.
“Nothing really changes for us,” St. Clair said. “We want to keep our preparation the same as all season and don’t want to tone it down too much.”
The only time a Bronco didn’t win a weight class at regionals, he lost in the championship match to an Indian.
Lemont winners were Jake Kaminsky (152 pounds), Mark Kirkman (160), Eric Kirkman (170), Chris Giatras (182) and John Tomala (195).
Jake Latanski (126) was the Indians’ lone runner-up while Glen Malecki (132), Bobby Bromberek (138), Jimmy Brennan (145) and Mike Devitt (220) all won their third-place matches.
Adam Strube (106), Jack Pack (113), Vince Lietza (120) and Travis Layer (285) all fell just short of qualifying after losing their third-place matches.
“Our kids have a great work ethic and are peaking at the right time,” St. Clair said. “All 10 of our guys are capable of making it to state.”
College futures set
Lemont athletes Kelly Trojak and Alyssa Stube were both recognized Wednesday in the high school’s board room after deciding on their college futures.
Trojak will continue her soccer career at St. Xavier University next school year while Stube has committed to play softball at Cardinal Stritch University.
Trojak has started 50-of-52 games during her career with a total of 16 points on six goals and four assists during those two years.
Stube is a career .286 hitter with 20 runs, 17 RBIs and a .402 on-base percentage over two seasons.
Staff writer Ryan Long can be reached at rlong@mysuburbanlife.com or (630) 368-8887.
