With boatload of returnees, Marmion appears to be primed to defend its dual-team state title.
Top 10 Teams
1. Marmion (19-2)
The Cadets return nine individual state qualifiers from last season’s Class 3A dual-team state champions. Senior Nicholas Garcia (126 pounds), a two-time defending state champion, anchors a lineup that also features senior standout Zach Stewart (144), a two-time state finalist. Three other third-place finishers power the attack in seniors Demetrios Carrera (138) and Ashton Hobson (150) and junior Preston Morrison (113).
2. St. Charles East (17-5)
The Saints return five state qualifiers and are led by senior Dom Munaretto (120), who pursues his third state title. He’s joined by juniors Kaden Potter (126), Declan Sons (132) and Gavin Woodmancy (144) and seniors Liam Aye (138) and Cooper Murray (215).
3. Yorkville (22-4)
Junior Donovan Rosauer, fourth at 150 pounds last season, leads a deep and talented roster. Also look out for seniors Liam Fenoglio (120), Nathan Craft (132), Caleb Viscogliosi (175).
4. West Aurora (17-3)
The Blackhawks feature superb high-end talent with four returning state qualifiers. Senior Dayne Serio went 46-5 and was sixth at 165. Others who can make an impact are seniors Alfonso Aguilar (285) and Evan Matkovich (150) and junior Marcus Quintana (165).
5. Yorkville Christian (24-2)
The Mustangs return to Class 1A and should contend for a state trophy. Junior Ryan Festerling (120) and senior Jackson Allen (215) are returning state qualifiers. Senior twins Adrian Wadas-Luis (144) and Austin Wadas-Luis (150) each won more than 30 matches last season. Also keep an eye on junior Ryan Alaimo (132).
6. Oswego (14-10)
The Panthers have two foundational pieces and gifted returnees with two sectional qualifiers in seniors Aiden Ortiz (132) and Dillon Griffin (150).
7. Dundee-Crown (12-10)
The Chargers feature a strong core of returnees and an influx of promising youngsters. Seniors Aiden Healey (106) and Teigen Moreno (215) anchor the lineup. Seniors Jadon Wheatley (150) and Zach Anderson (215) also will be keys. Freshmen Brendan Hayes (113), Juan Lopez (157) and Royce Stinson (126) are poised to contribute immediately.
8. Sandwich (26-9)
The Indians, who are led by two-time state finalist Cooper Corder (144), should contend for a regional title in Class 2A. Corder placed fifth last season. Senior Kai Kern (190) and sophomores Jaxon Blanchard (150) and Joshua Kotalik (175) provide quality depth.
9. Hampshire (10-6)
Junior Carter Hintz (215) leads a versatile roster that’s well represented in the middle and upper weights. Senior Mikey Brannigan (157), junior Uriah Beamon (190) and sophomore Knox Homola (285) are the other top returnees.
10. South Elgin (10-14)
Sophomore Nick Dilallo (126) went 35-3 and qualified for state as a freshman last season. Other wrestlers to watch are seniors Evan Hamilton (120), Dane Henson (157) and Alejandro Facio (285). Senior Logan Dilallo (150) is the top newcomer.
The 25 Wrestlers to Watch
- Alfonso Aguilar, West Aurora, senior, 285 pounds.
- Jackson Allen, Yorkville Christian, senior, 215.
- Demetrios Carrera, Marmion, senior, 138.
- Cooper Corder, Sandwich, junior, 144.
- Nathan Craft, Yorkville, senior, 132.
- Nick Dilallo, South Elgin, sophomore, 126.
- Kai Enos, Batavia, sophomore, 120.
- Joey Favia, Marmion, senior, 215.
- Liam Fenoglio, Yorkville, senior, 120.
- Nicholas Garcia, Marmion, senior, 132.
- Dillon Griffin, Oswego, senior, 150.
- Carter Hintz, Hampshire, junior, 215.
- Ashton Hobson, Marmion, senior, 150.
- Evan Matkovich, West Aurora, senior, 150.
- Matthew Medina, St. Charles East, senior, 285.
- Teigen Moreno, Dundee-Crown, senior, 215.
- Dom Munaretto, St. Charles East, senior, 120.
- Cooper Murray, St. Charles East, senior, 215.
- Aiden Ortiz, Oswego, senior, 132.
- Marcus Quintana, West Aurora, junior, 165.
- Donovan Rosauer, Yorkville, junior, 150.
- Dayne Serio, West Aurora, senior, 175.
- Zach Stewart, Marmion, senior, 144.
- Eduardo Vences, Burlington Central, junior, 120.
- Caleb Viscogliosi, Yorkville, senior, 175.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
