As a freshman in 2011-12, Vernon Hills wrestler Joe Blitstein saw up close the habits of a state champion.
That year, Cougars senior Jeremy Brazil won the Class 2A state title at 285 pounds.
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“Jeremy took Joe under his wing. They’d work out on Sundays. [Brazil said], ‘This is what you have to do, do this at the end of the season.’ It was kind of nice to be around and see a state champ,” Vernon Hills coach Jerry Miceli said. “That was key for [Blitstein].”
Three seasons later, 2014-15, Blitstein is the 285-pound senior wrestler. A 38-10 regular season saw Blitstein rise to a No. 6 ranking at illinoismatmen.com. His year included runner-up finishes at the North Suburban Conference and regional meets and a fourth-place sectional finish, earning a berth at the state meet in Champaign.
As a junior in 2013-14, Blitstein did not win a match at the state tournament.
“Being a senior, the expectation wasn’t just go down there, it was to be on the medal stand,” Miceli said.
Stronger and better conditioned than he was as a junior, Blitstein’s technique improved through daily workouts led by Cougars assistant coach Thomas Ingram. By the time of his state meet preliminary round match Thursday, Blitstein was in top form.
Blitstein’s first match concluded with a second round pin of Belvidere North senior Jake Rodgers. In the second round, Blitstein found himself on the receiving end of a take down, pinned in the first period by Springfield senior Alex Gelber. The result threw him into the wrestlebacks. He responded with a 3-1 decision over Oak Park-River Forest senior Rob James.
Up next, in the wrestleback semifinals, was De La Salle sophomore Solomon Smith.
“If he wins, he’s guaranteed all-state,” Miceli said.
The top six wrestlers earn an all-state medal. On Saturday morning against Smith, Blitstein came out firing, looking to score early.
“[Blitstein] was pushing the pace, pushing hard, going after it,” Miceli said.
The offensive-minded approach backfired, as Blitstein was taken down by Smith and pinned with 14 seconds left in the first period. The result ended the tournament for Blitstein, one victory shy of qualifying for a medal.
“I was disappointed for him that he didn’t get on that medal stand but I was proud of him,” Miceli said. “I think Joe can beat anybody.”
A season after 120-pounder Jordan Reich finished third at the state meet, the Cougars ended 2014-15 with two state qualifiers but no medal winners. Vernon Hills’ other state participant, senior Peter Vanderbloomer, failed to win a match at 138 pounds.
Vanderbloomer had a tough draw, facing eventual state finalist Anthony Butler of Rockford Boylan in Thursday’s preliminary round.
“Peter left it all on the mat. If you are going to lose, lose to a state [finalist],” Miceli said.
Jon Kerr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.