Two-time defending state champion Mt. Carmel showed its muscle Saturday at the Andrew wrestling sectional.
The Caravan qualified seven wrestlers, including five sectional champions.
Milton Blakely (31-4) started the Caravan roll with a 5-4 victory over defending state titlist Tommy Lee (39-3) of Sandburg for the 112-pound crown. Jason Pero (16-1) followed by pinning Oak Forest’s Greg Cora (35-3) for the 119 title, and Tony Davis (13-0) stepped to the mat for a convincing technical-fall victory over Marist’s Terry O’Brien (35-5) at 125.
Defending state champion T.J. Williams improved to 34-1 with a 24-11 defeat of Marist’s Joe Brauer (37-6) for the 140-pound title, while Ron Stonitsch (30-5) wrapped up Mt. Carmel’s five first-place showings with 5-0 victory over Eisenhower’s Kevin Blovin (32-5) at 152.
“Last year we had 10 wrestlers who went to state after winning this tournament,” Mt. Carmel coach Bill Weick said. “But I feel this tournament is stronger than it was last year. All of the kids here are a step above where they were a year ago.
“I wouldn’t trade this team for any other team. They’re good, hard-working kids, and I’m really pleased with them.”
Mt. Carmel’s other qualifiers were Ryan Stonitsch (29-6), who placed second at 160, and Pat Sheahan (28-7), who took third at 145.
St. Laurence advanced three wrestlers. Jason Eierman (31-1) and Mark Bybee (37-4) claimed sectional titles at 135 and 145, respectively, while Tom Ciezki placed third at 160.
Thornton also claimed two titles, Darnell Lollis (29-3) at 103 and Eric Sanders (31-0) at 189, along with a third qualifier, Shaun Carter (27-4), who took third at 171.
Lyons sectional: In a battle of unbeatens, Oak Park’s Mike Powell (37-0) defeated Wheaton North’s Steve Havard 11-5 in the 171-pound class. Havard fell to 35-1.
“(Havard)’s a big-throw guy, so I was basically trying to stay in position,” Powell said. “From here on out, it’s just fundamentals and basics, and I feel good about it.”
Glenbard West, Gordon Tech and Proviso East each had two sectional champions. Ian Penzato (103) and Corey Schoo (135) prevailed for Glenbard West. For Gordon Tech, Jose Medina (38-2) won at 189 and Bob Koziel (35-2) was the heavyweight champion. Reggie Wright, undefeated at 34-0 after claiming the 125 crown, and Jermaine White, who took the 130 title, were victorious for Proviso East.
“I felt I needed another takedown to win the match,” said White, who improved to 37-1 with a 7-3 championship victory over Wheaton-Warrenville South’s Randy Divelbliss. “I lost earlier this year to (Notre Dame’s) Mike Rosengrant but I’m gonna be more aggressive on my feet this time.”
Lincoln sectional: Providence gained three firsts and two runners-up in advancing five individuals to the state meet. Karl Roesler (37-0) won at 189, while John Ivers (119) and Drew Bechler (140) also won.
The second-place finishers were John Murphy (103) and Steve Murray (125).
Joining Roesler as undefeated champions were Morton’s Blake Hoerr (37-0) at 125, Bollingbrook’s Luis Silva (32-0) at 135, Normal’s Pat Marsaglia (38-0) at 152 and Bradley-Bourbannais’ Mike Russow (37-0) at 275.
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