2011-2012 NCHS Wrestling Preview

The Redhawks are looking forward to another successful wrestling season this year.  NCHS will host many DVC duals at home this year as well as welcoming Portland, Michigan coached by Scott Sandborn - father of NCHS wrestling coach Jake Sandborn.  The varsity will have 21 duals and four tournaments (Hoffman Estates, Whitlatch, Mahomet-Seymour, and DVC Conference.  The 'hawks are coached by Rob Porter, Noah Fitzenreider, Jake Sandborn, and Josh Falk.  Dr. Falk just finished his PH. D. in Education this fall and we welcome him back on the coaching staff.  Volunteer coaches include Luke Cherep, Ryan Burns, Jim Caudill, and Dr. Quoc Gaing

New weight classes approved by the IHSA are included in this preview:

• 106: Several freshman wrestlers look to step into the 106 pound weight class making this assignment up for grabs in the 2011-2012 season.  Newcomer Greg Perez might take over this spot.
• 113:  Mitch Lee will find his way to varsity action after wrestling at 112 pounds last year.  Don't count out Yuki Mizoguchi.
• 120: Senior Stephen Splan returns after wrestling varsity all year last year.  Dillon Grooss will probably land around 120 as well.
• 126: Freshman Ben Williamson might see some varsity action.
• 132: Kirk Cherep will return for his third year at the varsity level, perhaps at 138.  Kirk has improved every year and hope to make his senior year a memorable one.
• 138: Senior Andrew Meder will be in the 138 pound range this year and will hope to see the varsity mat.  Hunter Stephens will be competing for this spot
• 145: John Needham will compete for the varsity position at 145 this year.
• 152: Trace Murray looks to break into the varsity line-up at 152 this year. 
• 160: Tom Mitrenga spent half the year last year at the varsity level and will likely return at 160 for another season.  Senior Dan Henkel saw the varsity mat a bit last year and will push Tom for a chance as well.  Don't count out Justin Tardy.  Justin saw a lot of mat-time in the spring and summer.
• 170: Kyle Klass finished his year strong last year and hopes to make an impact on the varsity this year.  Seniors Philip Padovani will also fight for a spot.
• 182: Returning state qualifier Luke Roth returns for his senior year at this weight class.  Luke will have Louie Giovannetti backing him up.
• 195: Ryan Berg had a banner spring season competing at the freshman-sophomore state and national tournaments.  Ryan took 2nd at state, the highest finish ever  by a wrestler from Naperville Central.  Ryan followed that effort up by taking 2nd in AAU Freshman-Sophomore Nationals
• 220: This weight class is up in the air.  Cody Caputo and Vince Piazza have a chance to compete as well as Nate Teske.
• 285: We will probably see one of the 220 pounds take matches at heavyweight.