Marmion sophomore Jack Lesher saw his chance.
In a marquee showdown against Naperville Central senior David Pirozhnik, Lesher’s bold action turned the momentum.
“I knew he was going after that blast double,” Lesher said. “I was waiting for that. He almost got the takedown, but I got my legs back.
“On top is my best position. I knew I was going to do my thing, and it worked out.”
Lesher stunned Pirozhnik with a pin in the first period of the 182-pound championship match Saturday in Class 3A Naperville Central Regional.
The 6-foot-2 Lesher was one of 10 individual champions for the Cadets, who won the regional title with finalists in each weight class. Marmion qualified 14 wrestlers for Saturday’s Hinsdale Central Sectional.
Lesher (34-4), who’s ranked No. 3 by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association, showed a dynamic blend of speed, power and athleticism to beat Pirozhnik (29-3).
“I’ve always been quicker,” he said. “I use my speed to my advantage. I get my feet moving and keep guys guessing, and it usually works to my advantage.
“Since I’m younger, a lot of the guys at 182 are stronger than me. I like to use my speed so they can’t get their hands on me to use their strength.”
Still, the sinewy Lesher has demonstrated great instincts and feel for the sport.
He earned all-conference in football as a running back and outside linebacker for the Cadets, who reached the second round of the 5A state playoffs.
Santino Scolaro, a junior who won the 138-pound regional title, said Lesher has made great strides since his freshman year.
“We’ve been friends growing up and we have always worked out together,” Scolaro said. “Jack has really good size. He has always been athletic.
“He really has everything you want as a wrestler.”
All of Lesher’s losses have come against national competition.
“I look at those as learning experiences,” he said. “I don’t think about them very much because they’re in the past. Coming into regionals, my record was 0-0.
“My mentality now is just staying smart. Obviously, I am looking to win that state title. All of my decisions are about how this is going to affect me.”
Epic survival: West Aurora finished second at Naperville Central with 179.50 points and qualified 10 wrestlers for the sectional.
Ashton Massaro, a senior, captured the Blackhawks’ only individual championship at 132 with a 1-0 overtime victory over Marmion’s Connor Thompson.
“It sure means a lot to me,” Massaro said. “All the work I’ve put in the past couple of years, on and off the mat, this is a really great moment.
“I just had to wrestle through every position, stay tough on top and finish the match strong.”
Showing off: St. Charles East finished second at DeKalb to the top-ranked Barbs with 13 sectional qualifiers.
Defending state champion Ben Davino (120) led five individual champions for the Saints. Ethan Penzato (126), Tyler Guerra (132) Brody Murray (160) and Austin Barrett (285) also won.
Batavia totaled 10 qualifiers, led by individual champions Ino Garcia (106), Aidan Huck (113), Kaden Fetterolf (138) and Cael Andrews (145).
Stunner: Yorkville Christian was perfect in finals of the 1A regional at Seneca in dethroning powerhouse Coal City.
By winning all seven of their qualifying championships Saturday, the Mustangs defeated the Coalers 200-175 for the regional title.
Aiden Larsen (106), Isaac Bourge (120), Grason Johnson (126), Noah Dial (132), Tyler Martinez (160), Jackson Gillen (170) and Michael Esquivel (285) won individual championships.
“They carried the past, present and future of our program on their backs,” Yorkville Christian coach Mike Vester said. “I couldn’t be more proud of how they performed.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
