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Sycamore Spartans
Coach: Alex Nelson (third season)
Returning qualifiers: Alex Crawford, sr., 113/120; Colton Berg, jr., 160
Key wrestlers: Zak Kozumplik, sr., 170; Nicholas Lockhart, sr.; Zechariah Hollingsworth, sr., 285; Syler Larson, jr.,145; Sam Carlson, so., 138
Coach Nelson’s comments: “It’s going to be a kind of a different start for the year because we’ve been trying to fight to make sure everybody is back in wrestling mode ... It’s been kind of a whirlwind. Some of those guys are just starting to come back.”
The lowdown: Nelson said eight to 10 wrestlers are coming back late from the football team after a long playoff run, but he’s not trying to rush the players coming back. The Spartans are looking forward to seeing Interstate 8 opponents Plano and Sandwich in the regular season, teams they often see in the postseason.
Kaneland Knights
Coach: Ken Paoli (second season)
Returning state qualifiers: none
Key wrestlers: Miles Ripper, jr., 285/220; Sam Pryor, sr., 220/285; Jack Yore, jr., 145/152
Coach Paoli’s comments: “(The freshman) work hard. Some of them are pretty talented. I’m excited to see where they’re at.”
The lowdown: Paoli expects nearly 50 athletes to be out for wrestling this year in the team’s first year in the Interstate 8, with an influx of new athletes, including new freshmen. He said nearly 60 athletes are in the middle school program. Paoli made getting the community involved this offseason and keeping his athletes in shape a priority for the Knights.
Genoa-Kingston
Coach: Chad Wilmarth (fifth season)
Returning state qualifiers: none
Key wrestlers: Luke Bennett, sr., 132/138; Tristan Mangum, sr., 182; Jose Garcia, sr., 285; Erik Garcia, jr., 220; Josue Torres jr., 126;
Coach Wilmarth’s comments: “He’s (Bennett) definitely a kid we’re looking at making a return for us in the starting lineup, whether it’s 132 or 138.”
The lowdown: The Cogs have high ambitions of program first conference and regional championships this year, with Rock Falls and Dixon as big competition for the Big Northern Conference crown. Torres and Bennett lead the way.
DeKalb Barbs
Coach: Sam Hiatt (fourth season)
Returning state qualifiers: Fabian Lopez, sr., 132; Ben Aranda, jr.; Blake McGee, jr., 126 Danny Curran, so., 120; Damien Lopez, so, 138; Bradley Gillum, so., 145; Tommy Curran, so., 113
Key wrestlers: George Colbert, sr., 285; Bryan Mora, sr., 220; Tucker Ikens, sr., 170; Michael Clayton, jr., 152.
Coach Hiatt’s comments: “Even the kids that transitioned right from football, they’re competing. It looks like we’re starting where we left off, or above that. There’s a lot of excitement. People’s goals are higher and the numbers are higher and in the kids club, there are 80 kids, last year we had around 60 kids.”
The lowdown: The Barbs return seven state placers, and will face more steady competition in the DuPage Valley Conference, where larger rosters will allow more freshmen and sophomore wrestlers to stay engaged. Hiatt is hopeful the more competition will help build depth that will translate to varsity spots.