Morton wrestling team led by sizable class of seniors

CICERO – A year ago, Edgar Grimaldo was in his first year on Morton’s varsity wrestling team.

Now, a senior in his second year on varsity, he’s showing great improvement. He’s not alone in a Morton lineup that features 10 seniors.

“It’s a lot different,” said Grimaldo, who wrestles at 126 pounds. “Last year, I was basically new in the lineup and I was a lot more nervous. This year [I’m] more calm, more relaxed and more ready.”

Grimaldo has hopes of making all-state this year, which would be a big jump for a wrestler that didn’t make it to sectionals a year ago. However, he’s not lacking in confidence.

“So far I’ve been doing pretty well,” Grimaldo said. “A few losses to top ranked guys, but I’m pretty sure that when the time comes I’ll make it [to state].”

The Mustangs suffered their first loss in the West Suburban Gold on Friday in a dual against Downers Grove South. The 27-24 loss muddled up the conference race, with a number of teams now in the mix. Morton has wins against Hinsdale South, Willowbrook and Proviso East and has upcoming matches against Leyden and Addison Trail.

“It’s been a pretty successful season for us so far,” coach Steve Eckert said. “We’re quietly right there.”

Seniors Noel Ibarra (182 pounds), Javier Orozco (138), Cesar Garcia (170) and Eric Garcia (220) along with junior Donny DiNardo (132) and sophomore Joewan Smith (113) have been keys to the team’s balanced lineup. Smith entered Thursday’s match against Naperville North with just one loss on the season, but suffered an injury in that match and missed the weekend’s matches.

Morton has a 15-4 dual record and is coming off the Oak Park-River Forest Invite on Saturday, in which Morton tied for eighth out of 14 teams in a strong field. Junior Oscar Meraz had the best showing for Morton by making the final at 285 pounds. Sophomore Bryan Bucio was fifth at 106.