Naperville North freshman Ben Messier survived a brutal whirlwind.
Facing a daunting challenge Saturday at the Class 3A Hinsdale Sectional, Messier made a lasting impression.
In the quarterfinals, Messier drew Mount Carmel freshman Seth Mendoza, the top-rated wrestler in his weight class.
Although Messier (22-9) lost by a pin in the first period, the moment proved deeply beneficial.
“It was a great experience to wrestle Mendoza, even though he handled me pretty well,” Messier said. “It gave me a chance to figure out what they’re doing and try to become more like them.”
Messier responded by posting consecutive pins in the wrestlebacks to put himself one victory away from qualifying for the state meet.
The 5-foot-4 Messier showed toughness and athleticism. He’s a whirling dervish, always moving and looking to create an explosive pace.
“Definitely winning some of those matches built my confidence,” he said. “While you’re in the match, you lose your sense of worry or any doubts you might have.”
Messier’s attempt at a state bid came up just short as he lost to Marist’s George Marinopoulos in the consolation semifinals.
Toughness and tenacity come naturally to Messier, who flashed great promise despite suffering a broken right thumb that interrupted part of his football season.
He also made an impression on his older teammates, according to senior Cameron Clark.
“Ben shocked the team,” Clark said. “No one expected much from because he was a late bloomer who replaced a junior who was injured.
“He just got better and better. He never stopped. He was easily one of the best and most pleasant surprises of the lineup.”
Cruel twist: The drama of the sectional format comes from how it tends to provide a chance at redemption. Clark went through the opposite emotion.
A week after defeating Marmion’s Tegan Chumbley in overtime for the regional title, Clark lost the sectional rematch by an identical 4-2 overtime score in the consolation final.
It was the final competitive match for Clark (27-6).
“I was amazed it was overtime again,” Clark said. “I definitely went out there saying I wanted to wrestle without any regrets.
“I think I did just that. I am still a competitor, no matter what anyone says. I did my best. I did all I could do.”
Two for the show: Naperville Central qualified a pair of familiar names for the state meet that begins Thursday at the University of Illinois.
Junior Ethan Olson (27-7) was the lone sectional finalist for the Redhawks, losing in the championship match against Mount Carmel’s Sergio Lemley, a two-time defending state champion.
Ayden Lutes gave Shepard’s Damari Reed, an undefeated and defending state champion, one of his toughest matches before losing in the semifinals.
Lutes (22-2), a senior, posted sharp victories over two ranked opponents, including a 5-2 victory over West Aurora’s Moses Quintana for third place.
“Against Reed, he was probably more dominant than the score said,” Lutes said. “You always want that tough match before state.
“If I want to win a state championship, that’s the guy on paper I have to beat.”
Comeback kid: Waubonsie Valley’s Antonio Torres responded strongly to adversity.
After suffering his first loss of the season in the 160-pound semifinals against Mount Carmel’s Colin Kelly, Torres regrouped in sensational fashion.
Torres posted consecutive wins by pin to finish third and secure his third straight trip to the state meet.
“When you get in certain situations, you know what you have to do and what not to do,” Torres said. “My focus is getting into the practice room. I take that room very seriously.
“I am making sure I am getting the work in.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
