Huntley’s Radic Dvorak continues growth in 64-13 win over Hamsphire

HAMPSHIRE – For much of the past year, Radic Dvorak has tried to feel his way through the first couple seasons of his high school wrestling career.

Dvorak felt little pressure as a freshman at Huntley last year with a strong support system behind him. In Dvorak’s mind, he had little to lose and plenty to gain.

On Wednesday, Dvorak showed how much he’s grown halfway through his sophomore season. He overcame an early obstacle in his match to come back and win in the Red Raiders’ 64-13 Fox Valley Conference dual against Hampshire.

[ Photos: Huntley at Hampshire wrestling ]

“It feels good for the team,” Dvorak said. “Last year, we had a tough battle against Hampshire and I didn’t perform my best. I know I didn’t. So it feels good to get it back this year.”

Learning from past experiences has been key for Dvorak this season. He got a taste of success last year when he qualified for the Class 3A individual state tournament and went 1-2, reaching the 157-pound quarterfinals. He’s had a strong start to his sophomore season, including a runner-up finish in this season’s Dvorak tournament.

Dvorak showed off what he learned in his 157-pound match Wednesday that didn’t start the way he wanted. It took him roughly a minute to get into the position he wanted and took a 5-2 lead after the first period.

Despite some early frustrations, Dvorak overcame some mental obstacles and built a 8-5 lead before he eventually won by fall.

“I think the biggest part of wrestling is in your head,” Dvorak said. “I think if you can fight through that, then the rest is easy, because that’s all training from there, but definitely from last year to this year, the mental part has been an improvement.”

Huntley coach B.J. Bertelsman has also seen Dvorak take a bigger role as a leader for the Red Raiders as a sophomore. When Dvorak isn’t trying to relax the Red Raiders in the wrestling room by dancing, he’s working hard to be ready for whatever type of wrestler he’s set to face in the coming week.

While Bertelsman said Huntley has strong senior leadership, Dvorak has stepped into the role easily.

“It’s nice to see a young kid step up like that, one that has the ability that you don’t have to tell him to mature, mature, mature,” Bertelsman said. “So he’s kind of doing it on his own. So that’s good to see.”

There was plenty of good to see from Huntley (18-3, 5-0). Junior Lucas Bittman (165), senior Dylan Cerny (190), junior Mason Maldonado (215), junior Cameron Abordo (113) and senior Alex Gutierrez (132) each won their matches by fall.

“It feels good for the team,” Dvorak said. “Last year, we had a tough battle against Hampshire and I didn’t perform my best. I know I didn’t. So it feels good to get it back this year.”

—  Radic Dvorak, Huntley sophomore

Junior Colin Abordo (113) took his match by major decision while freshman Cael Saldanada (106), sophomore Julian Gutierrez (126), sophomore Gavin Nischke (138) and junior Matt Keaty (144) each won by forfeit.

Bertelsman liked the way his team fought hard, especially against a crosstown rival.

“I’m sure they don’t ever want to lose to these guys, because they’ll hear about it,” Bertlesman said. “They’ll hear about it from the parents who were their coaches and everything else.”

Hampshire (2-3, 2-3) had Chris Napiorkowski (150) win by fall, Aidan Rowells (175) won by major decision and Max Oleferchik (285) won 10-4. The Whip-Purs have been without various starters for much of the season with various injuries.

Hampshire tried to remain positive despite not getting a chance to reach its full potential

“I tell the kids every day, just continue to fight, continue to battle, improve,” Hampshire coach Matt Todd said. “That’s all we can ever ask of them.”

Both the Whips and Red Raiders will return to conference action Thursday before taking part in different tournaments over the weekend. With a month left in the regular season, Dvorak will continue to pick up lessons wherever he can get after a strong showing Wednesday.

“Just keep working in the room and putting the hard work in,” Dvorak said. “I like to have fun with wrestling and not put too much pressure on myself. So that’s definitely a big part in performing well.”