Marian Central tests itself in quest to repeat as state champions: Wrestling notes

Marian Central co-coaches Jordan Blanton and Ryan Prater went into this season with the tough task of trying to find a way to capture last year’s magic.

The Hurricanes went on a historic run last February when they won their first IHSA dual team state championship. Marian also had two individual state champions and state placers to go along with sectional, regional and Chicagoland Christian Conference titles.

In order to try to get that spark back this season, Blanton and Prater decided to test the Hurricanes with one of the toughest schedules in the area.

“It’s not 2024 still,” Blanton said. “We have to climb the mountain again. It was really important for us to look for losses and look to put ourselves in the toughest scenarios that we could find from an individual and from a team perspective. So that when all the chips go into the center of the table, that we were going to be the most-prepared team and we were going to be the team that was best situated to perform at our best.”

Marian has tested its wrestlers both in individual tournaments and in a dual-team setting. The Hurricanes have competed in top tournaments like the Dan Gable Donnybrook, the Dvorak and the Detroit Central Catholic. They also competed in duals against ranked teams like Niles Notre Dame, Marist and others at the Abes Rumble, where they took second.

Blanton credited Marian’s tough schedule for putting the Hurricanes in tough positions to learn. Whether it’s a move that could cost Marian points in a dual or a style of attack against a top-ranked wrestler, Blanton valued the moments he believes will benefit their repeat effort.

“There’s going to be times of struggle, doubt and feeling like, man, this is really tough,” Blanton said. “But through that, you’re going to learn a lot about yourself. You’re going to learn a lot about what you’re capable of. You’re going to improve and get better. So that at the end of the year, when everything’s on the line, we’re going to be at our best.”

Injuries have also added another element. Seniors Brayden Teunissen, a defending state champion, and Vance Williams, who finished runner-up last year, are both back after missing some time because of injuries. Sophomore Nic Astacio is expected to miss some time with an injury until the start of the playoffs at the beginning of February.

“We have to climb the mountain again. It was really important for us to look for losses and look to put ourselves in the toughest scenarios that we could find from an individual and from a team perspective. So that when all the chips go into the center of the table, that we were going to be the most-prepared team and we were going to be the team that was best situated to perform at our best.”

—  Jordan Blanton, Marian Central co-coach

Marian’s schedule doesn’t lighten up before the postseason. The Hurricanes will take on top-ranked teams Mount Carmel, Joliet Catholic, Hononegah and IC Catholic among others. They’ll also compete in the Illini Classic and CCC tournaments.

The tough schedule and injuries have tested Marian’s depth, something Blanton thinks will be beneficial.

“What’s been really encouraging is watching our young guys and our veterans begin to hit their stride and start to win some big matches and beat guys that they’re not supposed to be,” Blanton said.

Gators build foundation

Crystal Lake South coach Trevor Jauch knew it would take some time to build the foundation that he wanted for the Gators when he took over as head coach. Despite dealing with a loss in numbers since the season started, Jauch remained encouraged about South’s trajectory.

“​​It’s not something that happens overnight,” Jauch said. “It takes a long time and I think the guys that continue to show, the guys that continue to put in the work will eventually start seeing success.”

The Gators have been led by mostly underclassmen after some upperclassmen decided to not compete in the sport this winter. Junior Aidan Morello has earned an honorable mention ranking from Illinois Matmen at 144 pounds in Class 2A while sophomore Ethan Phillips and freshman Alex Perez have each provided a boost.

Jauch said the group has focused on the basics and learning winning habits that he believes will help South win down the road. While the wins haven’t come at the rate South wanted, Jauch valued the faith the Gators showed in his vision.

“It is challenging to get these guys to really buy into the process, because it is a longer process,” Jauch said. “We’ll take our little victories when we can. We praise guys when we see the good things happening at practice and the good things happening in competition, even if the results are not there.”

Huntley makes final preparations

The Red Raiders have picked up plenty of big wins this season as they prepare for the final month of the season.

Huntley sat at 18-3 heading into action Thursday, with its three losses coming against Grant, Normal and Lincoln-Way East. LWE was ranked No. 7 in Class 3A in the latest Illinois Matmen ranking, Normal earned No. 16 while Grant was ranked No. 21.

The Red Raiders have beaten No. 8 in Class 2A Crystal Lake Central and No. 16 Morris as well as Fremd and Schaumburg, both ranked honorable mention in 3A.

While Huntley coach B.J. Bertelsman liked where the Red Raiders stood heading into the final month of the regular season, there’s still tough competition left on the schedule. Huntley will compete in four more Fox Valley Conference dual and the Geneseo and Oak Park-River Forest invitationals.

“We’re almost there,” Bertelsman said. “Obviously, fine tuning for the kids that are right on the cusp 500 a little bit above 500 you want to get them going and rolling. Our schedule doesn’t stop.”

Warriors girls reach major milestone

McHenry girls wrestling accomplished a feat that it’s been working to achieve over the past couple of seasons when it hosted the McHenry Quad on Saturday.

The Warriors fielded a full lineup for the first time.

“We’ve been close with 12 to 13 girls,” McHenry coach James Buss said. “But this past Saturday, we had all 14. We had people ready to go, to fill in spots, people ready to move up if they wanted, if they needed us to. And it’s kind of great.”

McHenry swept the quad with impressive wins. The Warriors beat Vernon Hills (66-18), South Elgin (54-30) and Round Lake (54-29).

The group has been led by a strong group of leaders. Multiple-time state qualifier junior Natalie Corona has led the way while senior Addison Hodges, junior Alexa Colin Garcia and freshman Nala Hernandez have each put together strong performances throughout the season.

Buss has been encouraged by the strong play and wants to continue to build more momentum heading into the playoffs.

“We’re all looking like we’re putting one to two to three to four practices a week that are all good, and we’re learning a lot,” Buss said. “We’re also coming together as a team, where our team’s doing more bonding activities outside of the room, and it’s kind of just great to see that happen as well.”