Freshman duo leads way for Central wrestlers

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WOODSTOCK – Although Crystal Lake Central’s wrestling team boasts plenty of experience, freshmen Kyle Fugiel and Michael Zelasco set the tone for the Tigers on Saturday at the IHSA Class 2A Woodstock Regional.

Fugiel (103 pounds) and Zelasco (112) attacked from the start of their regional final matches and remained in command, earning wins by fall.

“That was my first [regional title match], so it’s pretty nice to win it,” Zelasco said. “But I’m looking forward to sectionals because it’s tougher competition.”

The duo were among nine Tigers who won titles in their respective weight classes, including Clayton Lutzow (130), Joey Kielbasa (152) and Austin Marsden (215).

Central (242 points) placed first out of eight teams. Marengo (106.5) finished third and Marian Central (88), Woodstock (57.5) and Woodstock North (38) took places sixth through eight.

Despite battling prematch butterflies, Zelasco (27-9) had two near pins against Belvidere’s Greg Adkins before earning the fall at 2:51. Central’s Trevor Jauch (140), Jason Fugiel (145) and Frank Abitua (160) also won their title matches by fall.

“Our finals matches were great,” Tigers coach Justin Lehr said. “I thought we beat some pretty good kids in the finals. Obviously, this weekend is over, and if we see any of these kids again, the previous results don’t mean anything.”

Marengo’s Jake Keefer (29-2) suffered his second loss of the season, 4-2 in overtime, to Rockford East’s Sergio DeLaRosa in the 125-pound title match. The Indians’ Damon Cloe (135) and Mark Hendricks (171) each won regional titles.

“Overall as a team, I’m real happy,” Marengo coach Mike Crane said. “Just get to sectionals, that was our goal.”

In the loaded 189-pound bracket, Central’s Gage Harrah and Marian Central’s Jared Koch survived to battle for the regional title. With the longtime friends well aware of each other’s wrestling styles, the match remained scoreless entering the third period.

Harrah (35-0) earned a quick point on an escape in the opening seconds of the third to lead, 1-0, before a takedown with 45 seconds left gave the junior a 3-0 edge. A reverse as time expired sealed Harrah’s 5-0 win.

“I thought he was actually going to try and hold me down a little bit [at the start of the third] but Coach wanted me to get that quick one,” Harrah said. “Getting that one point in definitely a big deal.”

Marian Central's Scott Taylor won his championship match at 285 pounds to advance to the Rochelle Sectional.

Also finishing second or third in their weight class to advance were: Central’s Chris Maier (119) and Brandon Solarte (135); Marengo’s Sam Klenske (152), Angel Botzoc (215) and Manny Macias (285); Woodstock’s Joe Hunt (130), Zach Bomkamp (140) and Kenny Robson (171); Marian Central’s Zach Sell (125); and Woodstock North’s Chris Wallace (160) and Nick Conliss (285).