Two NCHS wrestler return as champions
Read Illinoismatmen article by Gary Larson
Naperville Central finished 4th at the 12 team Hoffman Estates Tournament on Saturday, December 11. It was the first tournament of the year for the Redhawks. Central had 10 place-winners out of 14 entries and won 27 matches to 18 losses at the event
Senior Josh Tardy dominated the 135 pound weight class scoring 50 points in the matches in route to his championship performance. His scores were 18-2, 16-3, and 16-1. He did not give up a technical point.
Senior James Mitchell scored three victories to win the championship at heavyweight. James won the first two matches in double overtime by identical scores of 2-1, the second of those against the number one seed. In the finals, James nailed down a takedown to break a 1-1 tie late in the second period and topped it off with a fall in the final second of his championship match. For the second day in a row James was named the I'm Somebody Award Winner
The Redhawks sent 5 wrestlers to the finals. Senior John won two matches o qualify for the finals, one by fall and one by a 6-4 decision. John took 2nd losing 0-9 in the finals. Senior Jon Williamson also finished 2-1 on the day. He won 4-3 and 6-0 to get into the finals before losing 3-12 and taking 2nd. Sophomore Luke Roth battled to a second place as well winning 5-1 and knocking off the number one seed in the semifinals 12-11. He lost 3-7 finishing 2nd.
Mitch Lee stepped into the line-up at 112 and finished 4th with a quarter final win of 9-4
Central had four wrestlers battle back to the 5th place match, winning three of them. At 103 Ryan Porter fought to a 8-7 decision to take 5th. At 119, Steven Splan fought and held on to win 6-5 for fifth and Will Damron secured a close 3-0 victory for fifth at 215 pounds. Kirk Cherep finished 2-2 on the day taking sixth. All four wrestlers who didn't place won a match and contributed to the team effort. John Mixen ended 2-2 at 160 pounds. Trace Murray stepped into the 152 spot and won two matches, one by fall and one by technical fall. His fall was his first varsity win of his career. Kyle Miller and Colin Guttosch also won a match at 140 and 171 respectively.
Niles Notre Dame won the tournament with Lincoln Way Central taking 2nd and Libertyville taking 3rd
On this Saturday both the JV1 and freshman ended their days 2-1 in duals. The JV1 team finished 2nd to DeKalb in the Streamwood Dual Tournament.
Next up for the Redhawks is Lincoln Way East at home on Thursday (varsity, JV1, and Freshman levels) followed by the 24 team Hinsdale Central Whitlatch Tournament on Friday and Saturday.