DGS Competes at Northwestern Team Camp

Nine current and future members of the Downers Grove South Wrestling program competed at the Northwestern University Team Camp this past week in Evanston, IL.  Northwestern is a Division I team on the rise and have had recent finishes in the top five and top ten in the nation, along with 2012 Olympian Jake Herbert recently winning two NCAA titles for them.  The Mustangs saw top level technique and competed in several duals throughout the day against some of the best programs in the state of IL. 

Junior Alex Anaya went undfeated and dominated in duals pinning or majoring everyone he wrestled, including a two-time state Champion and Northwestern recruit from Massachusetts.  Anaya also won the individual tournament aat his weight and dominated some top competition.  Anaya has big things in store for him for the 2012-2013 season. 

Mustang Wrestlers Competing at Northwestern: 

Future Mustang Jake Chisholm and current Downers Grove Cougar Jake Chisholm competed for DGS at 99 lbs.  Jake did a great job of filling a hole for the the Mustangs and fought his way to several wins on the week.  Jake will be entering the 8th grade this season and will look to place at the IKWF State Championships for the Cougars. 

Freshman Matt Harms competed at 106 for the Mustangs and found his groove after a tough start on the week.  Matt showed some resilance as he turned two opponents in the third period when trailing.  This "go out and get it menality" will help Matt as he moves through the program. 

Junior Anthony DiCristofano competed in arguably the toughest weight at the camp and was one of the top competitors there.  DiCristofano powered his way to several pins and will no doubt score many team points for the Mustangs next season. 

Freshman Joe Nugent put his wrestling shoes back on after a successful FR Baseball season and continues to show why he was an IESA State Champion.  Joe took care of business in Nugent like fashion throuhgout the week and showed a fierce competitive spirit than few wrestlers exhibit.  Joe even managed to crack a few smiles along the way.  Among Joe's wins was a tough battle vs. a nationaly ranked wrestler who will be attending Lyons Township. 

Sophomore Dan Holakovsky and Freshman Perry Tonoff competed at the next two weights for the Mustangs.  Holakovsky has improved leaps and bounds from last season due to his constant training over the past year.  Dan is a prime example of how a wrestler can improve with off-season experience.  Tonoff "collar stole" his way to several wins in another loaded weight class.  Perry has been the most dedicated FR wrestler this off-season and once he realizes that he can go with anyone, he will.  Big things are in store for Perry for the Mustangs. 

Junior RJ Hickock continues to develop as a wrestler in remarkable fashion.  RJ has become a student of the sport and has become a great example for our younger wrestlers in the program.  RJ only lost two matches on the week, one being a tough battle vs State Runner-up and DGN Wrestler (and Suburban Sprawl teammate) Cullen Cummings. 

Finally, the wrestler who probably wrestled more minutes than any other wrestler (in the gym) was incoming Freshman Patrick Wilson.  Wilson battled predominantly upperclassman on the week and not only represented himself and the program well, but often dominated with his strong physical brand of wrestling.  In what became the highlight match of the competition, Wilson battled in what seemed to be a 25 minute match against his LT opponent.  Wilson went for the throw with double overs and almost got it, but then scambled for the takedown as every wrestler in the gym was watching the match.  Mats were pounding and chants were echoing throughout the gym for Wilson. 

Coach LeBlanc and Coach Lovelace agreed that this was a great experience for this young Mustang squad.  Big things are in store for this group.