Freshmen are supposed to be the future of a varsity wrestling program, but Barrington freshman Markus Hartman is showing that there’s no time like the present.
Hartman won an individual title at 106 pounds at Barrington’s Moore/Prettyman Invitational on Nov. 29, knocking off defending tournament champion Darvell Flagg of Joliet West in the process.
Hartman won a pair of kids’ club state titles prior to entering high school, but wrestling a fellow eighth grader is a far cry from being a freshman and squaring off with an experienced junior like Flagg.
“I was surprised [Flagg] was even in the bracket at 106. He’s so big,” Hartman said. “He was strong, too, but I think I just out-techniqued him.”
Third-seeded Hartman posted two pins before winning 10-5 over Libertyville’s Alex Mitchell to reach the title mat. Flagg earned an early takedown against Hartman, but the freshman kept his cool, forcing the action and earning a stalling call against Flagg before eventually winning 5-4 in overtime.
“I knew [Flagg] was cutting a lot of weight to get down to 106 and he was starting to get a little tired,” Hartman said. “I pushed the pace a little and was able to get him a little more tired. As the match went on I kind of gained the advantage.”
Barrington coach Dave Udchik has been pleasantly surprised by Hartman.
“He’s had a lot of success at the kids’ club level but you never know how a freshman is going to react to the big leagues,” Udchik said. “But his work ethic is amazing and he’s committed to being a student of the sport. He studies, learns, watches — he’s the whole package.”
Barrington placed sixth at the Moore/Prettyman, led by Hartman and four other place-winners. Third-seeded senior Connor Boundy reached the title mat at 145, beating second-seeded Brody Sharp of Yorkville before losing to Crystal Lake South’s Eric Barone on the title mat.
“Connor is committed to wrestling, he’s been training year-round, and now he just has to see himself in the conversation with the other top guys in the state,” Udchik said. “This year I think he’s finally started to believe he belongs there.”
Senior Julius Smith also reached the title mat at 170, losing 7-5 to Prospect’s Matt Wroblewski.
“Julius is really quick and really good at counter-shooting, and pushing the pace in neutral,” Udchik said. “He’s strong on his feet and unlike last year, now he’s able to ride guys.”
Two more seniors placed at Barrington as Peter Minwegen (152) and Alex Zenter (285) each finished fifth.
“Both Peter and Alex have worked a lot harder and really turned it on this year,” Udchik said. “I think they want to make the most of their senior seasons and they’re leading by example for us.”
Another key Bronco will be junior Mitch Stathakis, who will wrestle at 120 after winning a sectional title and finishing sixth in state at 106 last season. Senior and returning sectional qualifier Travis Cysewski (160) will also figure prominently, along with senior Colin Thomson (182).