Solid start no surprise for Morton wrestling

CICERO – There aren’t any stars for Morton wrestling this year, but the Mustangs have the kind of depth that could lead to a successful season.

They’ve already had a couple of high points so far.

The Mustangs opened the season by beating neighbor Riverside Brookfield in a dual and followed up with a tournament title at Guerin. That marked the sixth straight season Morton has won the tournament. On Dec. 13, the Mustangs placed second to Mount Carmel at the Pontiac Invitational.

The strong start to the season is not a surprise to coach Steve Eckert.

“I’m pretty happy with our start,” Eckert said. “We’ve got eight seniors in the lineup. Of the 14 guys, we’ve got nine returning starters, so we’ve got some experience. We just have to keep getting better every week.”

Morton defeated Hinsdale South in the first West Suburban Gold dual meet Dec. 5. The Mustangs also knocked off Willowbrook on Thursday.

Eckert emphasized the depth of the team as its key, although a few wrestlers have stood out.

“We don’t have any stars, but we have probably the most solid team we’ve had in a while,” Eckert said. “It’s a really good team to coach. It’s probably one of the more amicable teams I’ve had in a while. They listen, they work hard in the practice room.

“The guy who is probably wrestling the best for us right now is Edgar Grimaldo.”

Grimaldo, a senior in his second year starting on varsity, entered the Pontiac tournament with an undefeated record. He had been wrestling at 120 pounds but moved up to 126 for the tournament and finished fourth.

Donny Dinardo is a junior in his third year on varsity. He won two matches at sectionals last year at 120 pounds but moved up to 132 this year and entered Thursday’s match against Willowbrook with just one loss.

“I think he’s ready to move up and take the next step,” Eckert said of Dinardo.

Senior Noel Ibarra is a third-year starter wrestling at 182 pounds. Sophomore Joewan Smith at 113 and senior Javier Orozco at 138 also are returning starters.

Senior Cesar Garcia has filled in for standout Adrian Cardenas at 170 pounds. Eric Garcia is another returning starter but has moved down from heavyweight to 220 pounds.

With all the experienced wrestlers, Eckert is hoping to have some of them step up for postseason success when the road to the state finals rolls around in February.

“Especially with all these seniors that have been starters already, they’re ready to take the next step, it’s just a matter of the competition and where we wrestle,” Eckert said.

Eckert is in his final year before retirement. The
longtime wrestling coach is viewing things with a different perspective this season as a result.

“It’s been nice so far and I’m looking forward to every match when you know it’s the end,” Eckert said.