Five Redhawks Place at the 27 Team Invitational
Friday and Saturday, December 16-17, 2011
Naperville Central took 7th place in the 27 team Whitlatch Invitational held at Hinsdale Central High School. The Redhawks outscored both West Aurora and Downers Grove South, two teams whom they have lost to earlier in the season. The Redhawks won 33 matches and lost 25.
Central had five placers in the tournament including two thirds, a fourth, fifth, and eighth place.
Taking a bronze for the Redhawks were Tom Mitrenga and Ryan Berg. Mitrenga advanced to the semifinals in the 160 weight class after scoring 11-1 and 7-4 wins in the championship bracket. Mitrenga lost to Washington from Proviso West but came back with two wins. Tom defeated Papoutsis of New Trier 6-2 and Kirkman of Lemont 4-3. Mitrenga finished with a record of 4-1.
Ryan Berg, 195, lost his opening match with Ferraro of Montini, but then rattled off five wins in a row in the wrestle-backs. In the consolation semifinals, Berg faced off once again with Ferraro of Montini, but this time scored a takedown in the final seconds of overtime to avenge his lost with a 3-1 victory. Berg defeated Newton of Geneso by a score of 7-4 for third place and was the team’s “I’m Somebody” winner.
Luke Roth at 182 won two of his opening matches to advance to the semifinals in the tournament, defeating Diedrick of Montini 9-1 and Brantley of Homewood Flossmoor 13-5. After a loss to Giatras of Lemont, Luke defeated Westfall of Downers Grove South to advance to the bronze medal match. Luke dropped that match to Thurman of Proviso West 1-3 to take fourth.
Steven Splan had a very successful tournament and finished 4-2 at 120 pounds to take fifth place. Steven scored two falls in the tournament including pinning Wenmouth of DGS in his final match.
Captain Kirk Cherep made the podium with an eighth place finish. Kirk finished 3-3 over the two days including a 11-3 major decision over McKenna of New Trier to get into the place rounds.
Eleven of the 13 Redhawks finished with at least two wins. Derek Wilke turned in a successful tournament with three wins, two by fall and one by technical fall. The freshman wrestled at 106 pounds. Trace Murray, 152 pounds, also ended 3-2 on the day scoring a pin and a major decision. Mitch Lee, 112, Ben Williamson, 125, Andrew Meder, 138, and Kyle Klass, 170 all completed the tournament 2-2 and all four had a win by fall. Hunter Stephens and Vince Piazza finished 0-2.
The Redhawks will host Portland Michigan on Thursday, December 22 at home. Portland is coached by Scott Sandborn, father of NCHS Assistant coach Jake Sandborn. Hope to see you there for some wrestling fun.
GO REDHAWKS!