Albert White’s 2007 date with destiny is not circled on his calendar. First, the St. Rita junior has more immediate business, and he has adopted an aggressive mat attack to meet the upcoming tests.
“I think I’ve got to keep picking it up to keep achieving what I want to do,” he said. “This year I plan on winning state again, having a good season.”
White is 31-0 heading into the Catholic League meet Saturday at De La Salle. After that it’s full speed ahead toward a targeted third straight state individual championship. That would put the Mustang three-quarters of the way toward his ultimate high school zenith: The two-time state titlist wants four Illinois championships.
Only eight wrestlers, three in Class AA, have accomplished the feat since the state tournament began in 1937.
White says it’s been too long for the big schools to go without a four-timer, and he aims to do something about it. He started fast at St. Rita and has never looked back.
“Albert’s a unique kid,” St. Rita coach Dan Carroll said. “He took instruction right away, and his work ethic is unmatched. The first thing we try to teach freshmen is consistency. They usually have trouble on a day-to-day basis, to consistently work hard to get better. He was a leader by example even as a freshman. “
That season ended with White finishing 50-0 with the 135-pound championship in hand, while the Mustangs took a repeat team title. In 2005 “Bert” went 47-3 and won at 140 pounds. St. Rita finished third in the state duals.
This campaign began with a spotless record and some clean-up work. White took the 145-pound crown at the Dvorak Memorial at Dundee-Crown in December to avenge his only high school tournament loss.
He zoomed through the draw with three falls (two technical) and a seven-point win.
As he continues to physically mature, the teen builds upon a overpowering mix of strength and dazzling speed.
“He’s turned himself into a very complete wrestler,” Carroll said. “He can do it any way he wants–grind through a bout or open up and score a lot of points. That’s what we’re seeing now. He’s dominating opponents.”
St. Rita again ranks as one of Illinois’ top teams, which yields a benefit to White. He gets a top-level workout partner in Steve Zimmerman, who placed sixth in state at 125 as a freshman last season. The current top-ranked 135-pounder gets a daily dose of his teammate’s wrestling acumen.
“He works very hard, like non-stop moving, non-stop action,” said Zimmerman of the practice experience. “We see who can score the most points. I can take him down maybe a quarter of the time, but I can never beat him.”
The Mustangs know what’s in their midst.
“The other kids on the team we don’t really talk about it. We know he can be [a four-time champ],” Zimmerman said. “I guarantee next year when he’s a senior it’ll be a big deal. I have no doubt. He’s definitely going to make it four times.”
Wrestling won’t stop there for White, who is ranked as the top 145-pounder in the country by W.I.N. magazine. The dream stretches beyond college. He longs to face the best in the world wearing the red, white and blue.
“It (the Olympics) looks like a real fun, more exciting tournament,” said White, breaking into a beaming smile. “It’s special. All the good people in the world going to that tournament, the best people in the world.
“I was looking at the reaction of the wrestlers after they won and how excited they were. Just that look upon their face of achievement …”
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dsurico@tribune.com
