The powerful one-two punch of Matt Wroblewski and Alex Koczwara continued Friday and Saturday at the Class 3A Conant Sectional, as the two Prospect seniors claimed sectional titles.
More Top Picks Hemiplegic Migraine Warning Signs To Know
Wroblewski (31-0), ranked by IllinoisMatmen.com as the No. 2 220-pounder in the state, blew away the field by recording a major decision, technical fall and pin en route to winning his second sectional championship and earn his third trip to Champaign.
Koczwara (182 pounds, 34-4) also won his second sectional title, as he and Wroblewski have each won Mid-Suburban League, regional and sectional championships in the last month.
“I am very fortunate to have a partner in the (wrestling) room like Matt,” said Koczwara, who will be making his second appearance downstate. “He’s the reason I’ve been able to progress to the level that I’m at, and I’d like to think I’ve had a hand in helping his game get better.”
Senior Vince Lobono (145, 33-11) and sophomore Jose Ramos (285, 17-7) are joining their teammates downstate, both for the first time in their careers.
Lobono wasn’t considered a frontrunner in the 145-pound field but won his first two matches in narrow decisions before falling to Glenbard North standout Abe Assad in the final.
Ramos was perhaps the best story of the day for Prospect fans. Ramos was not part of the starting lineup until the Mid-Suburban League tournament, yet became a state qualifier in his first attempt.
“It was important that I take advantage of my opportunities, and that’s what I did on Friday when I was able to get into the semifinals,” Ramos said.
Mustangs send 3 to state
Rolling Meadows coach John Bassler praised his team all season long, and the Mustangs’ hard work was rewarded with three berths in the state finals.
Senior Jackson Kohlberg (126), senior Liam Collins (138) and junior Michael Womeldorf (152) navigated through their respective weight classes to qualify for the state tournament.
Womeldorf (24-3) will be guaranteed a top-four seed in Champaign after winning his sectional bracket.
“Michael really stepped it up at sectionals, wrestling composed and smart,” Bassler said. “Before his final, he gave us that look that let us know that said he wasn’t going to let anything stop him, and it didn’t.”
Kohlberg, the state’s fourth-ranked 126-pounder, according to IllinoisMatmen.com, ran his record to 37-4 and placed third at Conant. His only loss in Hoffman Estates came against top-ranked Anthony Madrigal of Oak Park-River Forest in the semifinals.
Collins (30-8), who fell one match short of going downstate last season, made sure he wouldn’t repeat history when he put in a strong six-minute performance to win his state-qualifying bout.
Bison’s Pontarelli caps senior surge
With his coaches, teammates, family and friends in attendance, Buffalo Grove senior Jack Pontarelli wrapped up his wrestling career Saturday in an especially deep 170-pound weight class at the Barrington Sectional.
The two-year starter fell in his wrestleback opener, thus ending a quality year for the three-sport athlete who also plays football and runs track.
“Jack has been a terrific leader in a room filled with so many brand new kids to the sport, and all of us have appreciated what he’s done for the team this season,” head coach Kurt Kutska said.
“When you consider that Jack won just two (matches) for us two years ago, it’s obvious he’s come a long way,” said assistant coach Jeff Vlk, who also coaches the football team.
Pontarelli (22-17) will play football next fall at Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Hersey season comes to a close
Hersey’s four sectional qualifiers ended their season Saturday at the Barrington Sectional.
More Top Picks Best Ankle Weights For Seniors
Junior Matt Joyce (113, 17-10), junior Sean Paton (120, 22-15), senior Jordan Davis (145, 27-15) and senior Luke Schmiederer (182, 16-11) ran out of steam on day two at Barrington. All four Huskies were eliminated in the first round of wrestlebacks.
“I had a talk with coach (Al) Zinke after my last match, and I’m feeling really good about getting to work for my last season,” said Paton, who along with Joyce will return next season.
“He told me I have to hit the weights during the offseason and continue to work on the little things in my game, and when you hear positive advice from a person like him, it really means a lot.”
Michael Garofola is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press