The Evanston wrestling team is experiencing one of its best seasons in Rudy Salinas’ 12 seasons as coach.
David Rivera-Kohr is a big reason for the success.
The junior was the Wildkits’ lone conference champion on Saturday at the Central Suburban tournament. Rivera-Kohr finished first at 120 pounds at Glenbrook South, beating Maine East’s Noel Huicochea by technical fall in the third period.
“It was a dominant showing,” Salinas said. “We expected him to be the champ, and he had that goal for himself. That was something he could check off his list.”
As a team, Evanston totaled 206 points to place second behind Deerfield (243). The Wildkits tied the Warriors with eight wrestlers in the top three. Salinas said it was one of his team’s best overall performances at the conference meet.
On the strength of his first league title, Rivera-Kohr enters the state series 39-1. The Wildkits play host to a Class 3A regional on Friday and Saturday. Rivera-Kohr is looking to qualify for his first state tournament, but he said he’s careful to stay in the present.
“It’s something I’ve preached to myself all year,” he said. “I don’t want to be too anxious, and I don’t want to think about that too much. There have been moments this season when I thought about state coming up, but I’ve stopped myself.”
Salinas said Rivera-Kohr has a handle on the mental side of wrestling. He’s more worried about Rivera-Kohr overextending himself in the practice room.
“We know he will do the work,” Salinas said. “But sometimes he gets too gung-ho, and we have to pull in the reins.”
Rivera-Kohr said he’s aware he can get too aggressive in his training, and he admitted he’s been guilty of it in the past.
“I know what [Salinas] means now,” Rivera-Kohr said. “I know I have to pull back, get more rest and practice smarter. I don’t want to be hurt or tired going into these next few weeks.
“I am really prepared for this.”
[email protected] More Top Picks Best Portable Magnifiers For Reading