Here's a new
music video that's exploded on the wrestling scene. Enjoy
it, as it gets you (and me) ever more ready for the 2010-2011
season. | View
on YouTube.
Are you ready for some...WRESTLING?
Relive the 2009-2010 highlight film · 10/08/2010
Despite the Huskies faltering in their bid to defend their dual team
title, 2009-2010 was a record year. OPRF pushed its
consecutive duals win streak to 35 duals before losing, won
conference for the third straight year, advanced 6 wrestlers to
individual state where it won the unofficial state point total
count, had four state place-winners including the first sophomore
state champion in OPRF history. I tell you; this year's crop
of Huskies are just as hungry -- if not more -- than last year's
squad. Enjoy the 2009-2010 highlight film, created and edited
by James Oliva of
Video Infinity.
(Fast internet speed recommended to view video.)
2009-2010 |
The highlights
Q & A 101: Who is the brain behind
this site?
OPRF alumnus Brian Tideman pulls the electronic
strings · 10/08/2010
OPRFwrestling.com sat down with Brian Tideman to gather his thoughts
about the Huskies.
(Keep in mind, Reader, that OPRFwrestling.com and Brian
Tideman are one and the same. Or, forget that fact altogether
if you want!)
OPRFwrestling.com: I'm glad
you could find the time to chat with us.
Brian Tideman: My pleasure.
O: Tell me about your past. Did you
wrestle? Where did you grow up?
B: I was born in Oak Park and attended Oak Park public schools
through high school. I moved to River Forest earlier in my
adult life. I did wrestle in high school for one winter and
spring, but after winning only one match, I decided to stop
wrestling. I was in the process of falling in love with the
sport, and I acted as a manager for two of my remaining three years
at the high school.
O: When did you come on board with the
Huskie wrestling program?
B: In the summer of 2008. I began a website that highlighted
results and achievements of the West Suburban Silver conference, of
which OPRF is a part. Mike Powell learned that I was an
alumnus of OPRF, and he asked me to create a website for the
program. Before 2008, I had been a fan of the team and watched
them whenever I could. My running joke was that I was Waldo in
the book "Where's Waldo?" Even if you couldn't find me in the
crowd, you knew I was there.
O: So, you created OPRF's wrestling website
all by yourself?
B: I did. Don't ask me how many hours I spent on that. I
benefited from lots of practice and from seeking out tricks of the
trade. It was a rollercoaster of frustration and elation.
Being without a human child of my own, the website is my baby.
O: Do you just manage the website?
B: No, I also tally and input Varsity statistics, as well as
announce for Varsity dual meets at the high school. I really
enjoy announcing, and I keep working to improve in that area.
O: And the photos on the website?
B: I take many of the ones that I post. I do my best to give
credit to photographers and websites for ones I post that are not my
own. I try my best to show respect to others. I've had
visions of possibly recording summary podcasts and posting them on
the web. I may do that someday.
O: What is your favorite part of managing
the website?
B: I like the writing aspect of it. I write the articles, and
I love being creative and fun with them. Sometimes it does
take time for me to get it the way I want. It feels great when
it feels perfect.
O: Tell me about some of the neat ideas
that you've come up with to show Huskie support.
B: Well, I think about the Huskies a lot. I always think about
ways to highlight the website, the athletes, and to make things fun.
I had two ideas when it comes to dual meets. The first idea is
that when a Huskie wrestler has his opponent on his back, the home
crowd would repeatedly yell, "Call the fall! Call the fall!"
The second idea piggybacks the first. After a pin is called,
the home crowd would shout, "Orange and Blue...Orange and
Blue...Orange and Blue Wrecking Crew!" Or, after a fall, maybe
we could have a Huskie bark sound bite over the sound system.
O: What is the Orange and Blue Wrecking
Crew, and where did it come from?
B: There are two, actually, and they both came from me.
There's the Orange and Blue Crew and the Orange and Blue Wrecking
Crew. The Orange and Blue Crew is the name of the supporters
of Huskie wrestling. I was tired of generic titles like "Dog
Pound" that can be claimed by many schools. I wanted something
particular to the high school. The Orange and Blue Wrecking
Crew is the name of the wrestlers themselves. They do what the
name suggests.
O: Looking back on all the Huskie wrestling
you've seen in your life, what's your favorite memory?
B: That's extraordinarily difficult to decide. I remember
individual moments like Chris Dardanes winning the state title in
the final seconds this year, Ben Brooks scoring a reversal with two
seconds left before winning in overtime last year, and Chris Ragucci
trailing by about a dozen before throwing a headlock and pinning his
opponent a little over ten years ago. The best moment has to
be a team achievement: completing a 2008-2009 undefeated season en
route to the first team wrestling title in history.
O: How about the worst memory?
B: My worst individual memory was when Alan Cartwright, class of
1996, lost in the state title match that year. I watched from
the stands, and I thought Alan Cartwright outpointed his opponent in
the match. As for the team, I could barely move after Lyons
Township defeated the Huskies by criteria in a dual meet in 2007.
It gave the Lions the conference title over OPRF.
O: What most frustrates you about your
work?
B: I wish more article writers would mention the name of the website
in their articles. They utilize the website for information,
but still Tim Stablein and Brad Spencer choose to ignore me? I
don't get it.
O: If you could have one OPRF wish, what
would it be?
B: For the program, I would wish that the field house is filled to
the brim for each and every home event, that every child in our
community tries wrestling, and that families fight tooth and nail to
move into our community because of the greatest wrestling
traditions.
O: What are you most excited about for the
future of OPRF Wrestling?
B: I can't wait to read the unwritten stories. Anybody can
step up to be a hero, and anybody can succeed through hard work and
dedication. It makes me smile to think that there will be
amazing young men and wrestlers who haven't even been born yet.
The case of the missing website
OPRFwrestling.com gets back on track · 09/27/2010
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, put your hands together
for...the Orange & Blue Wrecking Crew! Your 2010-2011 Oak
Park-River Forest Huskies!"
My summer was nice. I visited with friends. I stayed out
late. I slept in occasionally. I hid from the mosquitoes
(that wasn't so nice). One thing that particularly bugged me
(no, not the mosquitoes again) was the fact that I couldn't update
the website. Yes, THE website. It is the only website in
my eyes. (Okay, there's
this one, too.)
My tiny laptop fell fatally wounded. After a brief and very
exciting resurrection, it firmly rested six feet under. That's
okay, I have a desktop, I told myself. Well, that computer
perished shortly after my laptop. No website updating
capabilities.
Fortunately, I have progressed with a new (and smaller still) laptop
to use. Hooray! You'll be seeing me with my laptop at
events this season.
In the coming weeks, I will have this website updated for the
2010-2011 season. I hope you are as excited as I am. The
Orange & Blue Wrecking Crew returns!
Thank you for your patience during this past hiatus. Case
solved!
-Brian Tideman, OPRFwresting.com author
Best of the best: Fargo championships
are on the brink
Illinois Junior Freestyle dual team takes gold
in another USA Wrestling event · 07/15/2010
ASICS/Vaughan Junior and Cadet Nationals, a.k.a. Fargo (July 19-24)
Beginning on Sunday, July 18, with the kickoff of the Cadet Greco
tournament, wrestlers from across the country will clash at the Fargodome to determine who is the best of the best. Last year,
OPRF shone brightly with three All-Americans and four medals (Sam
Brooks x2, Nick Dardanes, Chris Dardanes). Who will make an
impact on behalf of our Orange and Blue Wrecking Crew this year?
Huskies at Cadet Greco: Darius
Henry (112), Michael Woulfe (152),
Sam Brooks (171), Marq Brumant
(285), Elijah Thompson (285)
Huskies at Junior Greco:None
Huskies at Cadet Freestyle:Sam
Brooks (171)
Huskies at Junior Freestyle:
None
All-American Medalist (top 8
finish)
Sam Brooks repeats as National All-American!
He takes 7th in the Cadet Greco division and 2nd place in the Cadet
Freestyle division. Congratulations, Sammy!
Illinois Juniors take 2nd in Greco, then dominate Freestyle (June
25-28)
Team Illinois has been dominant on the high school duals level for
years. Its Greco and Freestyle squads have consistent talent
that is barely paralleled -- if at all. Both the Cadets and
Juniors continue to succeed. In late June, the IL Junior group
took home the silver (Greco) and gold (Freestyle) trophies.
OPRF's Nick Dardanes and Ben Brooks wrestled in the Greco
tournament, and Nick Dardanes also took part in the Freestyle
tournament. Congratulations to all involved for Team Illinois!
Summer fun: The greatest sport in the
world heats up
Spring officially says goodbye, but wrestling
churns on · 06/23/2010
OPRF Coach Octavius Bellamy (right)
oversees the Huskies at June 22's summer league event. (Photos by B.T.)
In these first days of summer, let all of us from the OPRF Wrestling
Family wish you warm times with family and friends. On to more
news!
Cadet Duals in Rochester, Minnesota (June
15-19)
Our own "Slammin'" Sammy Brooks and "Dynamite" Darius Henry wrestled
for Team Illinois. Sammy wrestled in both the Greco and
Freestyle tournaments, and Darius wrestled in the Greco tournament.
The IL Cadets (rising sophomores and juniors) took 3rd in Greco and
2nd in Freestyle. Sammy wrestled to an all-tournament 8-0 in
Greco and 6-1 in Freestyle. Darius wrestled to a 6-3 record in
Greco. Congratulations, gentlemen!
Junior Duals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (June 25-28)
Team Illinois's Junior squad (rising seniors and recent graduates)
will also prepare for Greco and Freestyle dominance. Look for a
few of the Huskie finest to contribute on one or both of the teams.
Thank you to all who came out to the annual Car Wash on Saturday, June
19th. Your contributions to the bar-none absolute greatest
Wrestling Family (of which you are a part) are greatly appreciated.
Summer League
The Huskies have entered a summer league for our high school age wrestlers.
The location varies, but this past Tuesday, June 22, the league took
place at York High School. There were several teams in
attendance including Fenwick, Waubonsie Valley, Hinsdale Central, and
the host Dukes. In the summer league, wrestlers gain invaluable
experience by wrestling many short matches during the night.
OPRF Summer Camp (July 12-17)
OPRF High School and the OPRF Wrestling coaching staff will run a
summer wrestling camp to all children who are entering 1st - 8th
grades. The fee is only $65.
View the camp details. Email
Mike
Powell with questions.
The high school wrestling camp (incoming 9th - 12th grades) will also
be held at OPRF High School the same week as the youth camp, but at
different times during the day. The fee for this camp is $115.
It is a top notch camp and a great way to prepare for winter
wrestling.
View the camp details. Email
Mike
Powell with questions.
Register for either camp at the OPRF athletic office between 8 am - 3
pm weekdays. With a top notch coaching staff like ours, this
camp is truly an amazing experience (for any age!). Don't miss
out!
Former Huskies and Company Show Support
Let's not forget the contributions of OPRF lifers in the spirit of
Huskie love. Thank you to all who came out for the May 14
fundraiser in honor of Steven Shupe (OPRF '87), a former Huskie
wrestler. The event was held at Skrines in Forest Park. To
learn more about the event at Skrines, or how you can contribute,
please go to our latest
News
Archive section and scroll down a few articles.
Former Huskie wrestlers gather at
Skrines on May 14.
Coaching to the letter: News from the
top
Don't miss out on car wash, summer camp, and
more! · 06/14/2010
Huskie Wrestling Family,
We have great news and a couple of announcements.
Ellis Coleman, just 18 years old, just placed 3rd in the world team
trials at 66 kg in the Greco-Roman style. His only loss in the trials
was to a 36 year old veteran. Since leaving us, Ellis has been honing
his craft at the Olympic Training Center (with Pete Kowalczuk, who
didn’t wrestle due to injury) in Colorado Springs where he has
established himself as the next great Greco prospect. This is an
amazing accomplishment and we are very proud of Ellis.
Darius Henry, soon to be a household name in Illinois wrestling, and
Sammy Brooks leave tomorrow to defend Team Illinois’ 2009 Cadet (15
-16 years old) National Greco-Roman Championship. Darius is a new
comer to Team Illinois and Sammy will be the captain of this year’s
team. Good luck Huskies!
The annual Car Wash will be this Saturday, June 19th, from 9 AM – 1:00
PM. We hope to retain our status as slightly below average car washers
and great fundraisers. Please come out and support the Huskies. We
will be washing cars on the corner of Scoville and Erie.
Summer League-
We have entered a summer league for our high school age wrestlers. It
starts tomorrow night, the 15th. We will be leaving from the alley at
5 PM.
OPRF Summer Camp-
If you still need to sign your wrestler up for our summer camp, you
can do so at the athletic office of the HS between 8 AM – 3 PM
weekdays.
Lifting –
We are weight lifting each M,W, F at 8:30 AM. All wrestlers are
expected to be there and get strong with/like coach Messer (awesome
beard optional).
In Relentless Pursuit,
The Huskie Wrestling Staff
Niall Collins, former Huskies head
coach, immortalized by OPRF
Former football and head wrestling coach accepts
school's call to hall · 06/14/2010
(Photo by Jon Langham, Sun-Times Media)
Niall Collins, selected to be a grand marshal at the 2009 IHSA
Individual State Wrestling Tournament and previously selected to the
St. Patrick High School Hall of Fame, was honored by Oak Park & River
Forest High School on Sunday, June 6. Niall was chosen to be
added to a prestigious, and newly revived, tradition at OPRF.
Niall was one of three new members of the high school's Coaches Hall
of Fame. Niall's efforts throughout the years have been
substantial, coaching for 22 years in football and wrestling. He
was the Huskies head wrestling coach from 1994-2004.
"I appreciate the honor," Niall said of his selection. We
appreciate you more, Coach Collins.
World Team Trials, 2nd Chance, and
Northern Plains, oh my!
Michael Woulfe the lone Huskie champion in
these three recent tournaments · 06/05/2010
Here are the Huskie/Little Huskie results from the
last week of tournament action:
May 28-29 |
FILA World Team Trials | Nick Dardanes (60 kg / 132.25 lb) |
2nd Place
May 29 |
IL Cadet Freestyle Nat'l Team 2nd Chance Qualifier |
Maurice Wilson (119) | 3rd Place
May 29 |
IL Cadet Freestyle Nat'l Team 2nd Chance Qualifier |
Sam Koenigsburg (125) | 2nd Place
May 29 |
IL Cadet Greco Nat'l Team 2nd Chance Qualifier |
Donald Hicks (125) | 2nd Place
May 29 |
IL Cadet Greco Nat'l Team 2nd Chance Qualifier |
Michael Woulfe (152) | 1st Place
May 29 |
Northern Plains Schoolboy Freestyle Regionals |
Matt Kleinkopf (112)
May 29 |
Northern Plains Schoolboy Greco Regionals |
Matt Kleinkopf (112) | 6th Place
You can view these results and more posted in our
2010
Offseason page.
Here is more information about Matt Kleinkopf, the
lone Little Huskie at Northern Plains:
Matt Kleinkopf, River Forest, age 12,
as a member of Team Illinois, placed 6th in the Kid’s Northern Plains
U.S. Regional Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships in Rochester, MN, in
the Schoolboy Division Age 12-14, 112 lbs, on 6/4/10. Northern Plains
is one of six U.S. Regional’s and hosts Kid’s Greco-Roman and
Freestyle state champions and place winners from IL, IA, NE, WI, MN,
ND, and SD. Matt qualified for Kid’s U.S. Regional’s by earlier
placing 4th in Illinois Greco-Roman State on 5/15/10 at OPRFHS, Oak
Park, and also earlier placed 4th in Illinois Freestyle State on
5/1/10 at The University of Illinois, Champaign.
State of affairs: Greco State nets
more Huskie success
OPRF secures double digit medalists in its
home Field House · 05/16/2010
The string
of mats prepares for Saturday's action.
This past weekend, May 15-16, Oak Park & River Forest
High School hosted the Illinois Greco-Roman state championships.
Many of the young Orange & Blue competed, with strong results.
Here are the competing wrestlers, along with any
medals:
Little Huskies wrestlers included Jaleel Hollingswoth
(4th - Novice 70), Brian Holloway (3rd - Novice 90), Jerry Johnson-Reyes (Schoolboy 91), and Matt Kleinkopf
(4th - Schoolboy 112).
Big Huskies included Cadets:
Anthony Felix-Reyes (112), Cameron Harris (112), Darius Henry (2nd -
112), Donald Hicks (119), Maurice Wilson (4th - 125), Sam Koenigsberg (6th
- 125), Jake O'Mara (5th - 130), Colin Rogers (3rd - 135), Brandon
Beltran (140), Arlo Sheridan (5th - 140), Ivan Castro (4th - 152), Michael Woulfe (6th
- 152), Terry Martin (6th - 160), Joe Ariola (6th - 160), Mike Disher
(160), Sam Brooks
(2nd - 171), Marq Brumant (2nd - 285), and Elijah Thompson
(3rd - 285).
Big Huskies included Juniors:
Robert Manolo (4th - 98), Andrew Sparks (112), Milan Stambolic (145).
and Kris Ellis (189)
If I you know OPRF names that should be
added or subtracted
from the above lists, please
email me.
Champaign redux: Huskies storm
Freestyle State
Seven Huskies place, several put up strong
showings · 05/02/2010
Little Huskies wrestlers included Jaleel Hollingswoth
(Novice 70), Jerry Johnson-Reyes (Schoolboy 91), and Matt Kleinkopf
(Schoolboy 112).
Big Huskies included Cadets:
Anthony Felix-Reyes (112), Cameron Harris (112), Darius Henry (112), Maurice Wilson (125), Donald Hicks (125), Sam Koenigsberg (125), Arlo Sheridan (135), John O'Mara (135), Terry
Martin (152), Michael Woulfe (152), Joseph Ariola (171), Sam Brooks
(171), Jamaal Bovell (189), Marq Brumant (285), and Elijah Thompson
(285).
Big Huskies included Juniors:
Milan Stambolic (152) and Kris Ellis (215).
Congratulations to the
medalists!| Matt
Kleinkopf (4th - Schoolboy 112), Cameron Harris (5th - Cadet 112), Sam
Koenigsberg (6th - Cadet 125), Michael Woulfe (5th - Cadet 152), Sam
Brooks (1st - Cadet 171), Joe Ariola (5th - Cadet 171), Marq Brumant
(5th - Cadet 285).
If I you know OPRF names that should be
added or subtracted
from the above lists, please
email me.
The ultimate pride: May 14 fundraiser
for Steven Shupe ('87)
Show your support for former OPRF wrestler
in this critical time · 05/06/2010
May 14
(Fri) |
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm |
Skrine Chops (Forest Park, IL) |
All-you-can-drink |
$60 donation
Former wrestler Steven Shupe (OPRF CLASS OF 87) had an
unfortunate turn of events recently when he found out he had brain
cancer. The cancer was on the Front Lobe of his Brain so the
doctor was able to remove the cancer tumor with minimal disturbance.
As everyone can imagine the daily medical cost are extremely
expensive. He is currently undergoing Chemo and Radiation on a
daily basis. A fund raiser has been put together to help pay
some of these bills. You can help by drinking a few beers on May
14th at 7230 Madison Street (SKRINES) in Forest Park from 7:30 pm to
10:30 (All you can drink). A 60 dollar donation will be
collected at the door. A lot of people we graduated with will be
there as well as friends and family.
If you are unable to attend the fundraiser, or if you would like to
make a contribution in your own chosen amount, you may send a check.
Checks payable to:
Stephen Shupe Trust
Mailing address:
TCF National Bank
c/o Kathy Bertany
Attn: Stephen Shupe Trust
One West Devon Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Little Huskies families, please
return your singlets
04/30/2010
Please return your Little Huskies wrestling
singlets to Coach Matt. Here is his message:
Little Huskies and Parents,
Thanks to everyone who has returned their singlets so far.
There are still 49 Little Huskie singlets out there. The replacement
cost of the singlets is $60 each. If we have to replace the 49
singlets, it will cost the club $2940.00.
If you haven't returned your singlet yet,
please bring it to 412 South Grove. There is a marked
box and a sign in sheet. Don't forget to leave your name so I
can update the records.
We have a list of everyone who has been loaned a singlet, but I work
and don't have time to go to each house and pick up the singlets.
Please take the time to drop it off.
Thanks,
Coach Matt
IWCOA banquet honors two Huskies
04/26/2010
Two Huskies were recognized at the Illinois Wrestling
Coaches and Officials Association All-State Banquet. The banquet
was held on Sunday, April 26, 2010.
Bronze Recognition: Nick Dardanes (2 time state
champion) Ken Gerdes III Memorial Foundation Leadership Recipient:
Charlie Johnson
Congratulations, gentlemen!
FILA Fever: ASICS FILA Jr. Nationals
with Huskie flavor
Ellis Coleman and Nick Dardanes take 1st,
other Huskies participate · 04/22/2010
Ellis Coleman has been working to take the Greco world by storm.
It isn't difficult due to his abilities. Ellis recently won the
ASICS FILA Jr. Nationals Greco championship at 66 kg / 145.5 lb.
Congratulations, Ellis!
Also in the Greco tournament, former Huskie "Greedy" Lillashawn
Coleman placed 3rd in the 55 kg / 121.25 lb bracket. He fell in
his first match, but Greedy came back to dominate the rest.
Ethan Moes, another OPRF graduate, did not place but put up a very
respectable 1-2 record against tough competition.
In the Freestyle tournament, Chris Dardanes and Nick Dardanes competed
at 60 kg / 132.25 lb. Nick Dardanes came out unscathed as the
champion! Congratulations, Nick! Chris defeated a monster
of an opponent in Tony Ramos in the championship bracket but was
eliminated after losing to two outstanding wrestlers on his side of
the bracket.
ASICS Fila Junior Nationals results
Greco
Freestyle
Lillashawn Coleman (3rd at 55 kg /
121.25 lb)
Ethan Moes (DNP at 60 kg / 132.25 lb)
Ellis Coleman (1st at 66 kg / 145.5 lb)
Lillashawn Coleman (DNP at 55 kg /
121.25 lb)
Nick Dardanes (1st at 60 kg / 132.25 lb)
Chris Dardanes (DNP at 60 kg / 132.25 lb)
Ethan Moes (DNP at 63 kg / 138.75 lb)
ASICS U.S. Open results
Greco
Freestyle
Ellis Coleman (4th at 66 kg / 145.5
lb)
[none]
Huskie highlights: wrestlers past,
present, future in the news
04/19/2010
Past
OPRF alumnus John Guira (state champion, 1981) is featured in two
archived videos found online.
Video 1 | John is competing in a Freestyle match in a USA vs. USSR
dual (date unknown)
Video 2 | John is competing in the 1988 Freestyle Final Olympic
Qualifier
OPRF alumnus Ellis Coleman is featured in USA Wrestling Video.
2009 graduate Ellis Coleman, OPRF's all-time winningest wrestler, is
featured in a video posted on USA Wrestling's website. Ellis
continues to train in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the U.S. Olympic
Training Center.
OPRF alumnus Brad Bolen wins Judo Pan American gold.
Recent graduate Brad Bolen steamrolls competition to win Judo Pan
American gold in the 66 kg division on April 10. The Pan Am
games took place in El Salvador. This 21-year-old continues
to achieve against the best competitors.
Several Huskies were named to the 2009-2010 The Doings/Pioneer
Press All-area Team:
First Team | Chris Dardanes (135), Nick Dardanes (140), Sam Brooks
(160), Ben Brooks (189) Second Team | Charlie Johnson (152) Wrestler of the Year | Nick Dardanes (140)
Sam Brooks competes in national all-star dual tournament.
OPRF sophomore Sam Brooks, 2010 IHSA state champion at 160 pounds,
helped the premier Illinois team to a national title in Folkstyle
duals. On April 16-17, Sam helped Illinois Navy to the NWCA/BRUTE
Scholastic Duals championship.
Sam also had a chance to visit his old elementary school in District
97 (Oak Park). Sam celebrated spelling with a great group of
youngsters.
OPRF High School is offering a youth summer camp
from July 12-17 from 1 to 3 pm.
The cost is $60.00. In the summer camp book
handed out by the school, they list the price as $100; that's a
misprint. The actual retail price is $60. You can register
on-line until June 11. Just go to
www.oprfhs.org.
Under QUICK LINKS look for Online Payments. Walk in registration
will occur from May 31 until June 11. There is no mail in
registration.
Little Huskie Drew Matticks represents Illinois in
national tournament.
Drew Matticks has been selected to represent Illinois
at 95lbs. at the AAU National Elementary School Team Duals in
Kingsport, TN on April 16-18, 2010. He will join other top youth
wrestlers from the state who have been assembled as "Team Illinois
United." Good luck to Drew and the team!
Next four Wednesdays (4/21-5/12) are
"Open Room" at OPRF HS
April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12 will host
"Open Room" Wednesdays · 04/14/2010
Here is el jefe's announcement, hot off the presses:
Coaches, parents, and wrestlers,
OPRF will be hosting an “open room” on
Wednesday nights for the following dates: April 21st, April 28th, May
5th and May 12th. This is the same thing we did last year and it
was hugely successful, a great way to prepare for freestyle and Greco
state. We will be reffing matches on 4 mats. Wrestlers
will be able to find partners of all varieties and abilities levels.
Greco and/or freestyle will be wrestled, chosen by the wrestlers.
Guys were wrestling between 3 and 8 matches last year.
Time: 6 – 8 PM Location: OPRF wrestling room(s) Cost: $5 per wrestler at the door
Singlets are not required, but
preferred. ALL WRESTLERS MUST HAVE A VALID USA WRESTLING CARD!
Big Ten tandem: Chris and Nick
Dardanes shine in Dream Dual
OPRF seniors hand defeats to senior national all-stars
· 04/10/2010
Nick (left) and Chris (right) in late December 2009.
At the 14th annual Cliff Keen Dream Team Classic (held in Elmhurst,
Illinois), both Chris and Nick Dardanes came to play. They let
their actions speak, and their actions shouted out in convincing
victory. Chris Dardanes wrestled first, defeating Ryan Nieman
(Bullock Creek, MI) by a 6-4 overtime score.
Nick Dardanes followed by outpointing Frankie Porras (Hobart, IN) in a
7-3 tally. Team Illinois, however, fell in the team battle.
Team USA won 8 of 13 bouts to win by a final score of 31-15.
112: Miko Villanueva (Dundee Crown, IL) dec. No. 5
Blake Thomas (Brentwood, TN), 9-4
285: No. 1 Michael McMullen (Wyoming Seminary, PA) pinned Andrew
Ellington (Edwardsville, IL)
119: No. 1 Ryak Finch (Safford, AZ) dec. Logan Arlis (Batavia, IL),
8-4
215: No. 3 Trevor Rupp (Pocatello, ID) dec. Matt Dwyer (Hononegah,
IL), 3-1 OT
125: No. 3 (at 130) Devin Carter (Christiansburg, VA) dec. Matt Bystol
(Libertyville, IL), 13-7
189: No. 1 Mike Evans (Blair Academy, NJ) pinned Dan Santoro
(Barrington, IL)
130: No. 10 Keith Surber (O'Fallon, IL) dec. No. 1 Frank Cagnina
(Queen of Peach, NJ), 6-2
171: Andy Spangler (Neuqua Valley, IL) dec. Michael Duckworth (Union
County, IN), 8-6 135: No. 8 Chris Dardanes (Oak Park River
Forest, IL) dec. No. 2 Ryan Nieman (Bullock Creek, MI), 6-4 OT
160: No. 1 Marshall Peppelman (Central Dauphin, PA) dec. Joe Strocchia
(Hinsdale Central, IL), 8-2 140: No. 4 Nick Dardanes (Oak Park River
Forest, IL) dec. Frankie Porras (Hobart, IN), 7-3
152: No. 1 Dylan Alton (Central Mountain, PA) dec. Joey Moorhouse
(Marengo, IL), 10-6
145: No. 1 Andrew Alton (Central Mountain, PA) maj. dec. Demetrios
Mitchell (Hersey, IL), 22-13
Here was the event preview:
OPRF seniors Chris Dardanes and Nick Dardanes will wrestle with other
Illinois senior standouts against Team USA: an all-star lineup of some
of the nation's best senior wrestlers. Team USA travels around
the country each year, and this year it is traveling to Elmhurst
College for a dual against Illinois this Saturday night. Chris
will wrestle at 135 against Ryan Nieman (Bullock Creek, MI).
Nick will wrestle at 140 against Chris Villalonga (Blair Academy, NJ).
All weight classes except 103 pounds will be wrestled this Saturday
night.
Where |
Elmhurst College (R.A. Fanagel Hall - 221 Walter St., Elmhurst, IL)
Google Map
Time |
Saturday, April 10, at 7:00 PM
Admission |
$10.00 general admission Flyer |
Flyer
Also this weekend: OPRF alum Ellis
Coleman is competing in the ASICS University Nationals - Men's
Freestyle tournament. He is wrestling in the 70 kg / 154.25 lb
bracket. Follow his action here:
Tournament on Trackwrestling. Ellis finished the Freestyle
tournament in 8th place. Not bad for a freshman.
Earlier in the week, Ellis Coleman took 3rd in the Greco tournament at
66 kg / 145.5 lb bracket.
Bubbles and flo: Ellis Coleman wins
bronze, Chris Dardanes silver
Ellis Coleman medals in Junior International;
Chris Dardanes earns 2nd place in Flonationals tourney · 03/28/2010
Ellis Coleman (left) and Chris Dardanes
(right) are in their orange and blue.
(Archived photos)
To the top: OPRF alumnus Ellis "Bubbles" Coleman earned a
bronze medal in the Junior International Greco competition this past
weekend in Bulgaria. He wrestled in the 66 kg/145.5 lb division.
Ellis joined the USOEC after graduating from OPRF.
Congratulations, Ellis!
View the USA Wrestling article.
Ready, set, Flo!: OPRF senior Chris Dardanes took 2nd in the
first annual Flonationals tournament held in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
Chris wrestled at 135 pounds. I know it's not the ending he
would have wanted, but he deserves a lot of kudos for wrestling so
well in this national tournament. Congratulations, Chris!
Here is the tournament lead in:
Chris Dardanes and Nick Dardanes will wrestle
in the inaugural Flonationals wrestling tournament in Cuyahoga Falls,
Ohio. Chris will wrestle at 135 pounds, and Nick will wrestle at
140 pounds. Day 1 begins Friday, March 26; seeded wrestlers
begin on Day 2. The tournament concludes on Sunday, March 28
(Day 3). The Illinois entrants in Chris's bracket are Mikey
Avelar of Brother Rice and Luke Smith of Wheeling. Stephen
Robertson of Montini will also wrestle in Nick's bracket.
Follow the
tournament!
Updated (03/26/10): Seeds have
been released, and Chris Dardanes (135 pounds) is seeded #2.
View
the Flowrestling seeds. Previous
registrants Nick Dardanes (OPRF), Stephen Robertson (Montini), and
Luke Smith (Wheeling) will not wrestle at the Flowrestling tournament.
Spring fever: OPRF High School hosts
Greco & Freestyle club
Club boasted 19 state qualifiers, including 8
state place-winners, during the 2010 IHSA series · 03/18/2010
OPRF HS once again touts its spring Freestyle and Greco-Roman
wrestling club. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 6-8 PM in the wrestling room (Field House balcony). The
wrestler's fee is $60. In addition, a
USA
Wrestling card needs to be purchased. The first workout was
Tuesday, March 16.
Here's the message from the OPRF Wrestling Coaching Staff:
Coaches wrestlers and parents,
We would like to invite you to join our Freestyle and
Greco-Roman club @ OPRF high school. We practice each Tuesday
and Thursday from 6-8 PM in the wrestling room at OP (located in the
balcony of the fieldhouse). Our first workout will be March
16th. Club fee for the entire spring, thru the 2nd chance
qualifier, will be $60 -- which includes a t-shirt. Further,
each wrestler will need to purchase a card from USA wrestling.
You can download the form for the card at
www.ilusaw.com. Look to the
left under "forms."
Our history:
We started this club as a very inexpensive alternative
for local kids to find a variety workout partners, learn technique,
and have fun. What started small has grown, and last year's
results speak for themselves. Illinois had four junior national
champions last year, all of whom were from our club. Further, a
total of 11 national dual team members, 9 Fargo All-Americans, and 21
Fargo qualifiers worked out with us last year. 19 members of our
club qualified for the IHSA state tournaments. At the state
tourney, we had 3 champs, 2 thirds, and 3 other place winners.
And we did this all while having a blast, never forgetting our
mission.
Each year we rename our club. In the past we have been called --
regulation, un club muy especial de lucha libre, club sensitivity, and
Count Dante's black dragon fighting society. Last year was so
successful that this year's name is a dove tail, Count Dante's
Inferno.
In Relentless Pursuit,
The Staff of Count Dante's Inferno
Tourneys, duals, and more, oh my!:
Huskies still competing
Darius Henry, Mike Woulfe wrestle in frosh-soph
state; Ben Brooks earns win; Dardanes wait · 03/16/2010
Ben Brooks wrestles in the IL/IN Duel. (Photo by Jeff Pape -
WrestlingGear.com)
OPRFers Darius Henry and Mike Woulfe took part in the frosh-soph
(freshman-sophomore) state championships that were held over the
weekend in Springfield, IL. In order to be eligible, wrestlers
needed to be a freshman or sophomore this past season who did not make
the IHSA individual state tournament. Furthermore, wrestlers
needed to advance through a regional and sectional prior to state.
Neither wrestler placed, but both wrestled Huskie Style.
Senior Ben Brooks was a part of the 17th Annual 2010
Illinois vs. Indiana All-Star Duel. It took place at Hinsdale
South H.S. (Darien, IL) on Sunday, March 14. Ben scored a
thrilling 9-7 overtime victory over his Indiana opponent to help his
team to a 35-18 Illinois dual victory. Indiana defeated Illinois
in the other dual.
For
more information on the IL/IN duals, click:
results | pictures
Twin state champions Nick and Chris Dardanes will
wrestle in the upcoming Dream Team Classic to be held in Elmhurst, IL.
A national team of All-Star high schoolers will compete with a lineup
of Illinois' best. The dual will take place on Saturday, April
10, at Elmhurst College in Elmhurst. The event will begin at
7:00 pm.
One for the money, two on the show:
Dardanes duo in the media
Mike Powell also featured on CBS morning show as
Chris and Nick discuss state titles, wrestling · 03/07/2010
OPRF wrestlers Chris and Nick Dardanes, along with
head coach Mike Powell, were featured on the CBS morning program
"Monsters and Money in the Morning" this past Friday, March 5.
The segment lasted greater than six minutes, and you
can view the interview on the internet.
Click on the Search Box to the top right and type in
the word "twins."
Select the video that is titled "Twin brothers win
wrestling championship."
Early success: Frosh/Soph state in
full swing
Local sectional at Proviso East on Sunday; state
is in Springfield · 03/04/2010
Team Illinois
The IHSA wrestling season has concluded, but there are several
wrestling opportunities available for high schoolers in the coming
weeks and months. One such event is Frosh/Soph state.
This individual tournament is sponsored by Team Illinois High School
Wrestling Coaches Alliance. To qualify for the local regional,
wrestlers must be a high school freshman or sophomore during the
2009-2010 school year. Furthermore, only freshman or sophomores
who did not qualify for IHSA individual state are eligible.
Wrestlers who advanced to individual regionals or sectionals (but not
to state) are eligible.
Due to OPRF's dual team state tournament advancement, OPRF frosh/soph
entrants did not need to participate in this past weekend's regional
tournament. They advance to the individual sectional this
Sunday. The top three wrestlers in each weight class advance to
state (Springfield, IL). Unlike the IHSA, there are eight
individual sectionals across the state.
To learn more about this tournament, visit
Team Illinois.
Here are the details for Sunday's sectional
tournament:
Where
| Proviso East High School - 807
First Ave., Maywood, IL, 60153 When |
Sunday at 9:00 am Advancement |
Top 3 in each weight class
