2008-2009 Postseason

Big banquet for the Little Huskies
Celebration forthcoming on April 16 · 04/06/2009

Little Huskies Wrestling Banquet

Who? All Little Huskies Wrestlers and their Families
When? Thursday, April 16, 2009 - 6pm
Where? OPRF South Cafeteria
Why? To celebrate another great wrestling season with participation trophies and special awards!

Catered dinner including: Fried Chicken, Mostaccioli, Meatballs, Salads and Dessert

Cost: This year, the cost of dinner is being covered by the Little Huskies Wrestling Club (anyone wishing to make a donation to the Club to help defray the cost of the banquet can do so that evening)

RSVP: RSVP with # attending to Mary Matticks by April 11th | Mary Matticks or to 708/524-2060 (leave message)

Event flyer: Click here to view the event flyer.  (Microsoft Word, 20 KB)

Historic wrestling banquet delivers the goods
03/25/2009

Click on a photo to see a larger version (Photos by Brian Tideman)

OPRF was the site for the 2009 Huskie Wrestling End-of-the-Year Banquet.  As an unofficial spokesperson of the crowd that gathered in the cafeteria, I will speak for all and say that the banquet was a top notch event.  Here are a few (of the many) key points to take away:

• Our parents and Huskie Wrestling Family deserve an amazing amount of thanks

• Our coaching staff, too

• Despite results on the mat, dedication and pride are rewards unto themselves

• If you want to max your potential, commit yourself (offseason wrestling, anyone?)

• OPRF wrestling looks just as cool on video than it does in person

• Mike Powell is just as good an entertainer as he is a coach

• The future is immensely bright

• And, in the meantime, take a breath, and enjoy the present

Visual Image Photography presents: The coolest poster you'll ever see
03/24/2009

View the complete version (PDF, 238 KB)

2008-2009 Postseason Awards
03/23/09

The Doings/Pioneer Press West All-Area Wrestling Team - link

First Team (4): Chris Dardanes (125), Nick Dardanes (130), Ellis Coleman (135), Dan Martin (145)
Second Team (2): Benny Brooks (189), LaQuan Hightower (285)
Honorable Mention (3): Joey Brown (103), Sammy Brooks (152), Matt Monson (215)

Pioneer Wrestling Awards - link

Co-Wrestler of the Year: Nick Dardanes, OPRF
Coach of the Year: Mike Powell, OPRF
Rookie of the Year: Sammy Brooks, OPRF

Huskie Wrestling Banquet upcoming on Wed. March 25
03/18/2009

When: March 25 from 5:30-8:00
Where: OPRF cafeteria
Food: Pot luck (Freshmen - salads/appetizers; Sophomores - desserts; Juniors/Seniors - entrees)
Schedule: Eat (5:30-6:30) Awards (6:30-8:00)

Click here to view the event flyer.  (Microsoft Word, 24 KB)

2008-2009: One last look at history
03/16/2009

Click here to view the featured articles.  Read and relive all of the action and stories from this historical season.  Thanks to Mack Bolen, the Wednesday Journal, and the Oak Leaves for the wonderful articles.

In my attempt to honor these fine young men, I have assigned a nickname to each Varsity wrestler.  Some names are borrowed; most are original.  Nicknames are meant to be complimentary.  If I missed a wrestler on the Varsity postseason roster, please let me know.

Thank you all for a wonderful season.  You are my heroes.

Spring Fling: OPRF Huskie Booster Club Dinner Dance & Auction
upcoming on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Concordia University
03/11/2009

This Huskie Booster Club event will take place at 6:30 PM at Concordia University. 

Included will be: Dancing, Open Bar, Live & Silent Auction, Dream Vacation Raffle, Fresh & Fabulous Buffet

Music by: The New Invaders  |  Buy tickets online at: www.regonline.com/oprf

Tickets are $85.00 per person or one table of 10 for $800.00.

RSVP by March 14 please!  |  Questions?  Email Patty Jurczak at pattyjurczak@comcast.net.

Click here to view the event flyer.  (Adobe PDF, 351 KB)

Nick Dardanes is the Tribune/WGN-Ch. 9 Athlete of the Month
03/07/2009

Photo by Brian Tideman

Nick Dardanes has earned the Tribune/WGN-Ch. 9 Athlete of the Month Award.  To cap off a great season, Nick earned the first OPRF individual state championship since 1994.  Watch tonight's (Sunday, March 8) WGN News at 9 for a story.  Congratulations, NIck!

Read the Chicago Tribune article here -- now with video!

Pin kings and pin queens: Bowl and reception a success
03/07/2009

Bowlers enjoyed the friends and fun at Circle Lanes.

Candlelight bowl this Saturday @ Circle Lanes (5-7 PM)
03/03/2009

Adults, come out to support the Huskie wrestling program!  $50 donation gets you food and, better yet, exaggerated stories from Coach Mike Powell. 

Full schedule of the night's affairs:

5 - 7 PM: Candlelight bowling at Circle Lanes
After 7 PM: Reception at The Avenue Ale House.  Food will be served at the Ale House.

Circle Bowl (Forest Park) - 7244 Circle Ave, Forest Park, IL  60130

Avenue Ale House (Oak Park) - 825 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL  60304

Updated: 2009 Candlelight Bowl (Microsoft Publisher, 251 KB)

Trophy triumph: 33-30 victory over Minooka
has OPRF nation in Huskie heaven
OPRF captures 1st dual team title · 02/28/2009

After his pin victory clinched OPRF's championship, Sammy Brooks hoists the 3A championship trophy.

What a day of wrestling!  Rather, I should say what a year!  The OPRF Huskies won their first dual team state championship in history win a 33-30 hard-fought victory over the Minooka Indians.  It was the second time in 13 years that two public schools met for state supremacy.

OPRF (24-0 overall) capped off an amazing season full of maturation, education, achievement, and -- yes -- surprises in front of an amazing group of family, friends and fans.  Here is a brief summary that doesn't do the day justice:

Quarterfinals: OPRF defeats Naperville Central 42-22.

The dual meet began at 160 pounds.  In one of only two non-forfeit victories, Naperville Central scored a victory when Joe Savina defeated Chris Wilson.  OPRF won 10 of the remaining 11 contested bouts.  The Huskies scored falls from Matt Monson and The Great Dardanes.  LaQuan Hightower sat out this meet, and you could see he was well-rested during his match versus Edwardsville.  Benny Brooks, Kendall Hutchinson, and Aaron Minnis scored decision victories.  Liam Pegg was defeated at 119 pounds, and Joey Brown, Jake Venerable, and Dan Martin earned bonus points in victories.  It was Naperville Central's first appearance at team state since the format began in the early 80's.  The Redhawks put forth all they could muster against OPRF, but the Huskie Might prevailed easily.

Semifinals: OPRF defeats Edwardsville 38-36.

Don't let the score fool you; OPRF won 7 out of the first 9 matches.  The Huskies had an astounding 5 falls in those 7 matches: Matt Monson, LaQuan Hightower, Joey Brown, Frankie Picchiotti, and Chris Dardanes.  Benny Brooks and Nick Dardanes scored major decision victories.  Despite close losses by Kendall Hutchinson and John Wilson, OPRF led 38-6 after the 130 pound weight class.  OPRF could afford to lose 30 team points in the next 5 bouts (5 bouts x 6 maximum team points per bout = 30 total team points), and Coach Powell decided to save his squad for the showdown against Minooka in the finals.

Championship: OPRF defeats Minooka 33-30.

From the get-go, this match was a seesaw affair of wits, wills, and wear.  Sitting in Minooka's section (for the pictures, I swear!), I heard one fan predict, "The dual will be seven matches for us, seven for them, and bonus points will decide it."  His crystal ball proved true as the matchups were tight and highly contested.  Beginning at 189 pounds, "Blazin'" Benny Brooks came out on fire in a dominating technical fall victory over Tim Meyer.  Matt Monson continued the scoring with an 11-5 decision victory over Brandon Haase.  At 285, LaQuan Hightower was overmatched by Cody Jones.  After three bouts, OPRF led 8-3.  Leo Ruettiger outlasted Joey Brown 4-2, and Bobby Zabel found Kendall Hutchinson's back.  After the 112 pound match, Minooka took its first lead at 12-8.  At 119, Minooka won its fourth straight match with a Joeie Ruettiger major win over Jake Venerable. 

Chris Dardanes and Brian Bokoski next engaged in a bout that many will never forget.  A week ago, Chris defeated Bokoski at individual state in a close match.  This time, Bokoski came out with a vengeance and maintained a lead for most of the match.  Chris persisted, attacked Bokoski, and shocked the Indian faithful with a pin victory.  The Huskie crowd erupted at the reversal of fortunes.  At 130, Nick Dardanes majored Blake Montella.  OPRF regained the lead at 16-14.  Ellis Coleman dated a tech fall but married a pin in a victory over Sean Kenny.  At 140, Marcus Rangel outlasted Aaron Minnis for a 10-1 victory.  Dan Martin stole back the momentum with a decision victory over Kalvin Hill.  With three bouts to go, OPRF led 27-20.  Ryan Warczynski scored a major decision over Brock Friesen.  OPRF now led 27-24.  A victory by Sammy Brooks (any victory -- since OPRF held the dual meet tiebreaker) would seal the deal.  Amongst cheers of "Sammy," the freshman wasted little time in gluing Mitch Brozovich's back to the mat.  The title would be finding a home in Oak Park!  In the last bout of the dual meet, Brandon Collofello took a forfeit victory at 171 pounds.

Mack Bolen wrote a full story on OPRF's day:

Huskies nip Indians for AAA crown - Mar 01

The Iditarod is a long grueling race held in Alaska every year covering over 1500 miles.  Much like a wrestling season it is a long and difficult journey filled with hardships, starvation, taxing both the mind and the body.  At the end lies the finish line.  This year the Oak Park - River Forest High School Huskies' sled towed by 14 "dogs", a dedicated musher, and a huge support group managed to cross that line first.  Looking at the OPRF line-up, one could easily mistake them for a MASH unit, bruised, bandaged, bleeding, knees with ice and wrapping and a whole lot of limping...a stark testament to the brutality of this sport.

It was a hectic Saturday with the IHSA debuting it's first ever 3 class team championship, 6 mats and plenty of action.  The Huskies came in to their quarter final match as huge favorites over Naperville Central and managed to wrap up the victory early 42-22 and rest some starters.

Next up was Edwardsville in the semi-finals, winners over Mt Carmel.  Once Again the Huskies had the match wrapped up early and forfeited the final 5 matches securing a 38-36 victory.  At this point OPRF's Matt Monson (215) had gone 2-0 winning both matches by fall.  Minooka defeated Glenbard North in a tight semifinal to set up IHSA ranked #1 vs #2.

The finals match began amidst a sea of orange, black and blue. Both teams had large cheering sections, turned out for the marquee match-up of two great, young, well-coached public school programs.  The match began at 189 lbs, and the Huskies jumped out to an 8-0 lead featuring a TF by Ben Brooks (189), and another big win by Matt Monson at 215, 11-5 over Brandon Haase.  Minooka then went on the warpath, winning the next 4 matches including a pin by Bobby Zabel at 112 and a 19-7 major decision by Joeie Ruettiger 119 for the Indians.  With Minooka out in front 16-8 and gathering momentum two of the states' best 125lbers stepped out on the mat in an individual tournament rematch.  Brian Bokoski came out strong, taking an early lead, but Chris Dardanes battled back and regained the lead in the 3rd period and with a quick half off of a take down caught Bokoski for the fall with seconds to spare.  At 130lbs Nick Dardanes faced one of the most underrated wrestlers in the state, Blake Montella. OPRF was able to get a hard fought major decision, 19-8 to go up 18-16.  Here, Minooka caught an advantage.  Because of the coin-toss (odds and evens), OPRF had to put their 135lber out first, allowing Minooka to move Rangel to 140 to face Aaron Minnis instead of Ellis Coleman.  The strategy worked; Coleman got the pin at 135, but Rangel got a 10-1 major decision at 140 to break the Huskies' string of 3 straight wins.  The score was now 24-20 in OPRF's favor.  Dan Martin won 12-5 but was unable to score any bonus points to give the Huskies some breathing room.  At 152lbs Minooka put Ryan Warczynski out and he followed with an 11-0 major decision, closing the team score to 27-24, with two matches to go.  At 160lbs, Minooka had sophomore Mitch Brozovich, hero of the team sectional victory over Providence.

The Huskies put out freshman Sam Brooks; ironically Sam hadn't wrestled a match at team sectionals or in the team state meet, yet here he was about to wrestle in the pivotal match of the night.  Even before the OPRF faithful were on their feet chanting "SAMMY, SAMMY, SAMMY", you could sense something.  Sam Brooks was not your typical freshman; a former kids state and national champ, winner at Conant and a state qualifier at 152lbs is a resume that states one is ready for "the big match".  And so it went...after getting a take down, scoring some near fall points on a tilt, and finally locking-up OPRF's first ever team title with a wicked cradle, the slap of the referees hand on the mat signaled the fall and the championship.  The crowds chant continued after the raised hand and team celebration, like a homage not just to the wrestler, but to the embodiment of the success of a young hard-working team that came out of nowhere in just the last 6 years to claim it's glory.  The final match was forfeited; the Huskies ended an undefeated dual meet season with a close 33-30 victory over a well-deserving, hard working, Minooka team with some of the best fans you will ever see.  In the end, Coach Powell was in the center, doused in water, surrounded by his kids, both arms skyward with extended fingers...we are #1. 

Updates from Team State
02/28/2009

 Quarterfinals  Oak Park-River Forest 42, Naperville Central 22

 Semifinals  Oak Park-River Forest 38, Edwardsville 36 - (OPRF led 38-6; FFT in last 5 bouts)

 Championship  Oak Park-River Forest 33, Minooka 30

OPRF wins the Dual Team Championship!

Team State this Saturday
02/26/2009

I hope you do all you can to travel down to Bloomington, IL, to watch Team State tomorrow (Saturday).  If you can't travel south -- but crave your updates -- try these links:

• Illinois Matmen homepage

• Illinois Matmen 3A forum

• Illinois Matmen live streaming video - (details)

• IHSA homepage

• IHSA wrestling main

• IHSA ScoreZone

For detailed information on Dual Team State, click here!

Photo finish: Brian Tideman drops the pen, lifts the camera
Wednesday Journal features three of Brian Tideman's photographs from Individual State · 02/25/2009

If you viewed this week's wrestling article in the Wednesday Journal, you had a chance to read about local wrestlers making their mark on the state's grandest stage.  You also had a chance to enjoy photographs from yours truly.  My name was mistakenly absent from the print photographs, but my pictures can be seen online at the Wednesday Journal.  And, yes, that's my name there!  Pulitzer Prize, here I come!  =)  See the pictures!

Come out to support the Huskies this Saturday at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, IL, as they challenge for ultimate team glory.  I'm sure you'll see a number of sensational "shots."  Full details of Dual Team State are listed further down on the homepage. 

If you can't make it to Bloomington, the Frosh/Soph tournament (not related to IHSA) begins this weekend.  For more information, click here.

Blackjack: 21 dual victories earn OPRF a spot at the final table
OPRF defeats Sandburg, awaits Saturday's competition to decide team champion · 02/24/2009

Marist High School's location would seem to benefit Carl Sandburg High School in its dual meet against OPRF.  Almost in Sandburg's backyard, the crowd reflected a different story.  Sandburg's strong fan base sat perched in the stands with their Eagle-eyes affixed to the mat.  However, OPRF's side of the stands was nearly standing room only.  The Huskie crowd, as writers say, was not disappointed.

OPRF (21-0 overall, 6-0 in conference) won eight bouts to Sandburg's six in the Huskies' 35-26 victory.  The victory punches OPRF's ticket to Bloomington, IL, where the Huskies will compete on the final day of the IHSA season.  Scroll down to the end of this article to view full details of Dual Team State and its location at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington.

Recap of the OPRF-Sandburg dual:

At 6 PM, the dual meet began in the 189-pound weight class.  Benny Brooks scored a decision victory over state placewinner Joe Schneider.  Matt Monson scored a pinfall victory at 215 pounds, and LaQuan Hightower gave up 50 pounds but nothing more in his 2-0 triumph.  When Joey Brown majored his 103 pound opponent, OPRF led 16-0.  Sandburg countered OPRF's four victories with four of its own.  Nick Fishback muscled an 8-0 major victory at 112, OPRF's Frankie Picchiotti made his Varsity return with a hard-fought decision loss at 119, Jake Venerable couldn't quite overtake the Eagles' Manny Ozoa, and Jon Morrison (state runner-up at 125 pounds) scored a tech fall victory over OPRF's Charlie Johnson.  The score was now OPRF 16, Sandburg 14 (the Eagles lost a team point for wrestler misconduct).  The Huskies scored consecutive tech fall victories at 135 and 140 (Chris and Nick Dardanes), and Ellis Coleman scored his team-leading 32nd fall at 145 pounds.  Dan Martin sealed the victory with a 6-4 decision over Jake Fishback at 152 pounds.  Sandburg ended the dual meet with falls from Juan Soliz and Chris Frostman.  OPRF competitors not mentioned above include Kendall Hutchinson, Brock Friesen, and Chris Wilson.

Here's another take on the dual: Illinois Matmen recap

OPRF now advances to the 8-team Dual Team State tournament this Saturday, February 28, in Bloomington, IL.

Here are the details:

Where: U.S. Cellular Coliseum (Bloomington, IL) - 101 S. Madison Street - Bloomington, IL  61701 - directions
When: Session One (Quarterfinals and Semifinals): Saturday, February 28 at 9:00 AM (OPRF to first wrestle at 11:00 AM); Session Two (Finals and 3rd Place Meets): Saturday at 6:00 PM
Cost: $7.00 per session
Teams: Grant vs. Minooka, Glenbard North vs. Wheeling, Mt. Carmel vs. Edwardsville, OPRF vs. Naperville Central
Advancement: The winners of the quarterfinal dual meets will advance to the semifinals and will comprise the top four team medal winners.  If a team loses its first dual meet, its season is over.
Brackets: For a state bracket, click here.

Here is a full schedule of Saturday's action (1A and 2A also have similar schedules):

Session One

9:00 AM (Quarterfinal dual meets in top half of bracket only)

Dual A: #14 Grant vs. #2 Minooka
Dual B: #7 Glenbard North vs. #25 Wheeling

11:00 AM (Quarterfinal dual meets in bottom half of bracket only)

Dual C: #16 Mt. Carmel vs. #17 Edwardsville
Dual D: #1 OPRF vs. Naperville Central

2:00 PM (Semifinal dual meets)

Dual E: Winner Dual A vs. Winner Dual B
Dual F: Winner Dual C vs. Winner Dual D

Session Two

6:00 PM (Championship and 3rd place dual meets)

Dual G: Loser Dual E vs. Loser Dual F (Third Place)
Dual H: Winner Dual E vs. WInner Dual F (Championship)

Good times will be rolling: Candlelight bowl set for March 7
Mark your calendars now and come out to support the Huskies in this fun evening · 02/05/2009

IHSA releases postseason wrestling assignments! (Dec 3)
OPRF to attend Morton Regional, De La Salle Individual Sectional, and Marist Team Sectional
View complete list on IHSA's website: 3A Assignments | 3A Sites

• On Saturday, February 7, OPRF will travel to Morton (East Campus - Cicero, IL) to compete in the regional tournament.  The top 3 wrestlers in each weight class will advance to individual sectionals.  The Morton Regional will consist of these 10 teams: OPRF, Morton, Reavis, Farragut, Prosser, Lyons Township, Proviso East, Oak Lawn, Fenwick, and Argo.  Only the regional team champion will advance to the IHSA dual team tournament.
   

• On Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, OPRF will travel to De La Salle (Chicago, IL) to compete in the individual sectional tournament.  The top 4 wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the individual state tournament in Champaign, IL.  Team scores are not kept at individual sectional tournaments.
   

• On Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, OPRF will send its individual sectional place-winners to Assembly Hall at the University of Illinois (Champaign, IL) to compete in the individual state tournament.  Again, team scores are not kept at this tournament.
   

• If OPRF is the Morton Regional champion, then on Tuesday, February 24, OPRF will travel to Marist (Chicago, IL) to compete in the IHSA dual team sectionals (the first round of the dual team tournament).  This year, there will only be one dual meet at team sectionals.
   

• If OPRF wins in the dual meet at Marist, then on Saturday, February 28, OPRF will travel to U.S. Cellular Coliseum (Bloomington, IL) to compete in the dual team state competition.  The tournament consists of 8 teams.  If a team loses in the first round of the tourney, the team is done.  If a team wins in the first round, the team is guaranteed two more dual meets.  If it wins the next, it will battle for 1st.  If it loses the next, it will battle for 3rd.

Mark your calendars now for these amazing competitions!

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