Mustangs Place 2nd at IHSA Regional

For the second consecutive year, the Downers Grove South Mustang team finished 2nd in the IHSA Regional tournament.  This marks the best back to back regional finishes for the Mustangs since the 1970's.  The Mustangs finished a distant 2nd only behind state power Marmion Academy, which has emerged as a state and national power over the past several years.  The Mustangs also finished nearly 20 points in front of the next team in the very solid Regional which included solid wrestling programs such as West Aurora, Naperville Central, Naperville  North, and Batavia.

The Mustangs sent five wrestlers through to the Sectional Tournament which will be held at Shepard High School in Palos Hills next Friday and Saturday (2/8 and & 2/9).  Three other Mustangs narrowly missed qualifying for the tournament with fourth place finishes.  Only the top three at each weight move on to the Sectional Tournament.

Here is a breakdown of the top four finishers from the IHSA Regional held at Naperville Central High School:

106- JR- Jake Oskvarek-  Jake went 2-2 on the day but fell to his Naperville Central opponent in the 3rd place match.  Jake finishes his junior season with a 9-10 record on Varsity.

120-  SR- Anthony DiCristofano-  Anthony also went 2-2 on the day in what was one of the toughest weights at the tournament, which included a defending state champion and two other state qualifiers.  Anthony also lost in the 3rd place match to qualify for the sectional tournament.  Anthony finished 13-5 on the season.

126-  SO- Joe Nugent-  Joe went 3-1 on the day in route to qualifying for his 2nd consecutive Sectional tournament.  Joe lost an exciting match to undefeated Joel Shump from Batavia in the semis, but bounced back with two more wins, including a win over a very tough Metea Valley opponent.  Joe takes a 36-11 record into the sectional tournament.

145- SR- RJ Hickock-  RJ went 2-1 on the day, and lost in OT in the championship match.  The Mustang captain will look to qualify for the state tournament this weekend, bringing a 28-15 record into sectionals.

152-  SR- Thomas (Junior) Nimakoh-  Junior went 2-2 on the day in a tough weight class losing a very tight 6-5 decision in the 3rd place match, narrowly missing on qualifying for the sectional tournament.  While Junior was very disappointed he did not qualify for sectionals, he had a remarkable season for someone who just started the sport only 15 months ago.  Junior finishes his senior season with a 28-15 record.

160-  SR- Alex Anaya-  Alex won his second consecutive Regional championship with a 7-4 win over Jon Wagner from Batavia.  Alex is currently ranked in the top 10 in IL at 160 lbs and will look to qualify for his first state tournament this next weekend.  Alex brings a 36-4 record into the sectional tournament and also looks to break the all time wins record at Downers Grove South.

220-  SR- Sal Oceguerra-  Sal battled his way to a 3rd place finish going 3-1 on the day and qualifying for his first sectional tournament.  Sal lost a very close semi-final match in OT, but came back with two wins to qualify for sectionals.  Sal brings a 14-4 record in to sectionals.

285- JR- Mike Hobbs-  Mike Hobbs lost a very close match in the finals to 4th ranked Alex Fritz from Marmion Academy.  Mike went 2-1 on the day and will look to qualify for his first state tournament this next weekend.  Mike will bring a 35-4 record to the table when he goes toe to toe with some of the best big men in IL.

Good luck to all the Mustangs who will compete at the Sectional tournament next weekend and congrats to all the Mustangs wrestlers who completed another stellar season on the varsity level!