The nice thing about West Aurora’s annual wrestling mega dual is that it affords the team an opportunity to face great competition.
Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, they were left looking up at their opposition on two occasions as they finished 1-2 on Saturday, falling to Lockport (41-21) and St. Charles East (31-24), but defeating Oswego (42-26).
“There was some good things and some frustrating things,” West Aurora coach Mike DiNovo said. “I thought we really wrestled tough at times and in the style we try to coach, but it was frustrating to see a lot of small mistakes — which we coach against — come out as well as the return to bad habits.”
Carlos Jacquez was the lone Blackhawk to enjoy a perfect 3-0 afternoon, although heavweights Aaron Soloff and Sam Deisher combined to sweep their three bouts. Jim Young also won both of his bouts at 182 pounds.
“Individually, I thought everything went smooth and came out naturally,” Jacquez said. “I know we have more potential to do better as a team, but we were too sloppy today.”
The Blackhawks (5-5) are hopeful they can take the results on the mat and use them to improve during practice next week.
“We have a younger team, and while they’re young, they wrestled tough, but they’re going through growing pains,” DiNovo said. “We need more mature finishes and techniques from these guys compared to what they’re used to, and on the flipside, our juniors and seniors need to clean up their mistakes.”
Rockton-Hononegah was the only team to go undefeated. The Indians concluded the day’s competition with a 28-23 victory over Lockport.
Neuqua Valley finished 2-1, beating Naperville Central and Wheaton Warrenville South, but coming up short against Lockport.
“Lockport is a very good team,” Wildcats coach Mick Ruettiger said. “We were in our matches better today then we were last time. I was happy to see the guys pull out some close matches.”
Heavyweight Andrew Geers and 170-pounder Brent Lindeman each swept their three bouts for the Wildcats.
St. Charles East also finished 2-1. The Saints were shellacked by Rockton-Hononegah, 51-18, but thumped Naperville Central, 60-9, and snuck past West Aurora, 31-24.
Naperville Central and Oswego were unable to register victories in any of their three matches.
