Silver sluggers: Huskies tee off on
York 49-12 to win conference
OPRF finishes 6-0 against WSC-Silver opponents; Freshman also sweeps
to title ·
01/26/2012
Coming up roses: Mike Powell proudly
speaks of the senior class. (photos by BT)
Tonight's evening didn't quite have the same allure as an LT-OPRF
battle for the conference title, but York came into tonight with a
higher ranking, #24. It was also Senior Night, and recognition was
had for a baker's dozen of OPRF fourth years.
The Action |
We commenced at 285 with a flurry of Huskie related victories: Marq
Brumant (major), Joe Robles (tech), Matt Rundell (major), and Larry
Early (major). The 126 pound match was a goodie with Honorable
Mentions Johnny Gahagan and Brandon Kupczyk locking horns. Johnny
scored a near fall-3 to lay the groundwork for a hard fought 10-4
decision victory. OPRF was awarded forfeit victories at 132 (Cameron
Harris) and 138 (Mike Roeser). #11 ranked (at 138) Colin Rogers
bumped up in technical fall fashion to extend the team tally to
37-0. York's first points came on the board when JP Finan won via
default at 152. Next, the Huskies reeled off three more: Michael
Woulfe (fall), Joe Ariola (minor), and Corey Cepak (minor). Corey
wrestled himself a great match. The last two bouts were barnburners,
but the Dukes took victories at 195 (with Noah Fleckenstein) and 220
(with Joe Giordano). Slammin' Sammy took in the dual in the role as
#1 bench cheerleader.
The Freshmen |
The Phenomenal Freshman kept bulldozing the competition. These young
men have blitzed every team they've come across this year. Tonight
was no different; the Freshman squad won handily by a score of 78-9.
Yep, 78-9. The freshmen, like their elder brothers, swept through
the West Suburban Silver Conference. Not only that, this assembly
line of talent went undefeated on the year. Don't tune away in the
next few years, folks.
The Seniors |
As mentioned, this was Senior Night. We celebrate their
contributions, growth, and future, but we also recognize the
families that help tirelessly for their sons and daughters, as well
as for this incredible program. The recognized seniors are: Elle
Bakke (manager), Marq Brumant, Jamaal Bovell, Sam Brooks, Michael
Woulfe, Colin Rogers, Mike Roeser, Cameron Harris, Dominique Peel,
Jacob Friesen, Ty Fleming, and Tess Egan (manager).
Shaken and stirred: OPRF succumb to
Montini 37-24
Huskies manage six wins in battle of top tier teams ·
01/25/2012
First, teams lined up, and then
wrestlers (Drew Vrbanec and Colin Rogers). (photos by BT)
Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let's put it all in perspective.
This dual was a gift. Just the fact that we're among the top rungs
in the ladder is a fact that many, many, teams cannot say.
Before we let the tears fall, let's remember that we are traversing
roads that may never be found by other schools and teams. Let's also
remember that our eyes are still on the prize: the IHSA Class 3A
Dual Team State Championship. And, in a magical triple, let's
finally remember that we have amazing coaches, athletes,
parents, and fans. No matter whatever may happen, we win at being
ourselves and living life Huskie Style.
The
Dual |
I imagine you'll read, see, and hear a ton about this dual, and I'll
throw my perspective in the fold as well. Many fans came out, but
somehow, I expected more. The cameras were there, along with top
notch dedicated individuals to cover all of the action.
The Huskies won the coin toss and chose evens before the first bout.
And then:
Weight
Matchup
OPRF
Montini
126
Johnny Gahagan vs. Michael Sepke
Sepke pushed the pace early and often
and had visions of a major victory before Johnny's last
second takedown to push the bout into minor territory.
It was a big lift for the Huskies early.
3
132
Cameron Harris vs. Chris Garcia
Cameron fell behind early but battled
back to make a game of it. In the end, Garcia was too
strong: 13-10.
6
138
Colin Rogers vs. Drew Vrbanec
This was a battle of attitude. If points
were given on attempts, Colin would have had his hand
raised. Vrbanec scored on Colin's shots, and this chippy
bout continued Montini's winning ways.
9
145
Mike Roeser vs. Xavier Montalvo
Mikey gave it all he could, fighting off
a few near fall attempts before falling late in the
second period. The 15 point lead could have been too
much early.
15
152
Davonte Mahomes vs. John
Sullivan
OPRF could have used a better result,
but Davonte scored a major decision over a scrappy
Sullivan of Montini.
4
160
Michael Woulfe vs. Mike Maduko
This was a scoreless battle at the end
of the first before firmly moving to Woulfie's side.
Michael scored a nice five point move before dominating
on top for an OPRF ovation pinfall victory.
10
170
Joe Ariola vs. Conor Winel
Joey flat out took a match we needed to
have with 10 third period points. Winel's spirit was
damaged at the end. After the bout, unbeknownst to both
table scorers, the referees docked a team point from the
Huskies for unsportsmanlike conduct.
12
182
Andre Lee vs. Jake Turk
Turk looked experienced and
under control, while Andre appreaded a little of the
opposite. Andre's a sophomore, remember, and next time
he'll be better prepared to be on the big stage.
19
195
FFT vs. Anthony Ferraro
To have any hope, Sammy
needed to wrestle here. Unfortunately, a healing ankle
to be ready for state is more important than a six
minute challenge. From here on out, the dual was all
about the individuals that would toe the line.
25
220
Emonte Logan vs. Edgar Ruano
Ruano looked a much more
physically mature wrestler walking out onto the mat. He
controlled a first period before scrambling to an
effective fall victory in the second.
31
285
Marq Brumant vs. David Sarkan
This bout was a little slow
going, but Marq led in takedowns three to none. Sarkan
fought for awhile but met his end in the second.
18
106
Matt Rundell vs. Tommy Pawelski
Marquee match #1: The
Dvorak 2nd and 3rd place winners combated one another.
This bout was a pick 'em on the internet, but Rundell
being able to score a takedown and then ride to end the
second was huge. "Runaway" with a 7-4 decision.
21
113
FFT vs. Jordan Laster
The Huskies didn't have anyone to fit in
this spot. It's as simple as that.
37
120
Larry Early vs. KeVon Powell
Marquee match #2: This is the Dvorak
match that did happen. In the first exchange,
Powell won 3-1 in overtime. In this one, Larry earned a
first period escape due to a second injury timeout. It
proved to be the difference in a furiously fought bout:
4-3.
24
Final Score
24
37
Watch the Replay Broadcast |
If you like, remember that Illinois Matmen streamed a
live broadcast of
the dual. To find out more, go to this
forum thread. IM also said that they hope to put high quality
matches on YouTube in the coming days.
What's Next |
No time to sit and relax -- York is calling on Thursday night! Come
out on Senior Night! Huskies have a chance to wrap up conference,
both on Varsity and Freshman levels.
El Clasico: Huskies visit Montini
Broncos tonight
#1 (3A) OPRF travels west to battle #1 (2A) Montini ·
01/24/2012
vs
Earlier this season, head coaches Mike Powell and Israel Martinez
thought, "Why not?" Martinez and the rest of his Montini Broncos
will play host tonight, Wednesday, in a dual of top-ranked (by
Illinois Matmen) squads. This is only a battle of Varsity, but these
two Varsity teams are thick on talent.
Be There |
The Varsity dual will begin at 6:30 pm, so don't be late. In
attendance should be many, many fans with rooting interest. Some
will root for the Broncos. Others will cheer on the Huskies. More
still will celebrate dual wrestling on perhaps its highest stage.
Watch the Live Broadcast |
Just today
it was reported that Illinois Matmen would stream a
live broadcast of
the dual. Tune in around 6:30 pm. If you can't make it to the gym,
well, this is the next best thing. Cheer from afar!
vs 
