Take a glance around Oak Lawn’s wrestling room and it’s easy to spot the hand-written placards chronicling the program’s conference champions and state qualifiers.
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Joe Robinson knows the decor well. The two-year captain prompted the coaching staff to add another board after securing his second straight South Suburban title a few weeks ago. It’s not the only addition Robinson hopes to make.
“We’re going to have to get a new board for state qualifiers because we ran out of room,” Robinson said.
Or so he hopes.
If Robinson (31-1) advances from the loaded Class 3A Downers Grove North Sectional on Saturday, he’d become the Spartans’ first state qualifier since 2006.
The 170-pounder likes his chances. Robinson earned a first-round bye with his championship at last Saturday’s Mount Carmel Regional.
“I think I’m underestimated because we don’t go to the bigger tournaments,” said Robinson, who was one match shy of advancing to state last season. “We’ll find out on Friday and Saturday. I’m looking forward to proving that.”
It’s a tough field with Sandburg’s Brian Krasowski and Marmion’s Riley DeMoss in the hunt, but Robinson is as hot as any. He’s won 31 straight since a season-opening defeat to Oak Forest state medalist Patrick Kristin, a match he later avenged in the South Suburban finals.
“I’ve been thinking about it every night,” Robinson said of advancing, noting a recent move to two-a-day practices and late-night film sessions.
“No one on the team works as hard as he does,” Oak Lawn coach Steve Long said. “There are few guys that dedicate themselves to the cause of making themselves better, and in the long run, the cause of making the team better. He’s a born leader.”
Robinson warranted that reputation on the football field, too. He earned all-South Suburban honors as a two-way starter. In a game against Evergreen Park, Robinson caught a touchdown, rushed for a TD and passed for another.
“I’d never played quarterback in my life,” he said with a laugh.
Wherever Robinson finishes at sectionals, the two-sport athlete won’t call it quits. He recently committed to Lindenwood University-Bellville for wrestling.
At sectionals, Robinson will be joined by teammates Mike Pajor (152) and Omar Hasan (182). Pajor sectional-qualified three classes up at 182 last season.
Bracket watch
The 132-pound bracket is another to follow at the Downers North Sectional. St. Rita’s Austin O’Connor (38-1) is the frontrunner, but the three remaining state-qualifying spots should be up for grabs.
Reavis’ Jimmy McAuliffe (33-4) is a returning state-placer and should be in contention. Sandburg’s Colin Glascott (17-9) and Brother Rice’s Juan Blanco (23-7) are also having strong seasons, though the two could clash as early as the second round.
However, the main attraction will likely be the 126-pound finals, where Sandburg’s Rudy Yates and Thornwood’s Kris Williams should meet for the second week in a row. Yates topped the three-time state champion 3-1 at the Stagg Regional last weekend.
“It was a good match, but it’s just one match,” Sandburg coach Eric Siebert said. “The amazing thing about Kris Williams, as good as he is, is that he’s won one regional, yet he has three state titles and is shooting for No. 4. That tells you a little about what his priorities are, and we know that.”
Wrestling Top 10
Records through Wednesday; last week’s ranking in parentheses.
1. Sandburg 22-3 (1)
2. Marist 19-9 (2)
3. Oak Forest 20-1 (3)
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4. Mount Carmel 16-2 (5)
5. Lockport 21-6 (4)
6. Lincoln-Way Central 14-7 (6)
7. Lincoln-Way West 21-5 (7)
8. St. Rita 12-12 (8)
9. Lincoln-Way East 18-8 (9)
10. Brother Rice 16-4 (10)