Mehrholz, Deerfield cruise to Central Suburban title

It’s hard to imagine any freshman having a better season than Andrew Mehrholz.

The Deerfield lightweight continued his assault on area competition this weekend at Niles West by capturing the Central Suburban League championship at 106 pounds and earning the CSL North’s outstanding wrestler honor.

Mehrholz beat Niles North sophomore Hermez Abraham by fall in the finals. His other two wins were by fall and technical fall.

“My main focus all year has been getting pins, getting our team those six points,” said Mehrholz, who improved to 31-1 on the season and is ranked No. 6 in his weight class by Illinois Matmen.

With four winners and four runners-up, the Warriors easily won the team title with 271 points. Niles West was a distant second with 198 points.

“It’s all about the team,” Mehrholz said. “That’s why those bonus points are a huge thing.”

Jacob Suter also left Niles West satisfied, but the Glenbrook South senior isn’t content. Suter beat New Trier senior John Benson 5-3 at 220 pounds to win his first conference championship. The CSL South’s outstanding wrestler gained control of the match on a reverse in the second period and held on for the win.

“I was definitely expecting a good battle,” said Suter, who had to forfeit the pair’s earlier match because of an injury. “I made sure to not let him get that leg ride going.”

Deerfield’s other winners included senior Jordan Lieberman (113), junior Colton Emmerich (170) and senior JJ Nawrot (285). The Warriors will compete at the Lake Zurich Regional on Feb. 2.

Niles West and Maine South, which took third with 163 points, each had three champions.

WINNERS 106 — Andrew Mehrholz, Deerfield, freshman 113 — Jordan Lieberman, Deerfield, senior 120 — MJ Pritchard, New Trier, senior 126 — Terry Calkins, Maine South, senior 132 — Isaac Reinemann, Niles West, junior 138 — Thomas Williams, Niles West, senior 145 — Dom Ciancio, Highland Park, junior 152 — Tom Brewster, Maine South, junior 160 — Mike Garvey, Maine South, senior 170 — Colton Emmerich, Deerfield, junior 182 — Vaughn Monreal-Berner, senior 195 — Danny Fricano, Niles North, senior 220 — Jacob Suter, Glenbrook South, senior 285 — JJ Nawrot, Deerfield, senior