Last year, the Lyons Township wrestling team edged rival Oak Park by one pin to win their hotly contested dual match against the Huskies en route a West Suburban (Silver) Conference title. This year, the Lions appear well stocked again for their highly anticipated re-match with Oak Park in hopes of attaining a third consecutive conference championship. A strong postseason showing is also a major goal for the Lions.
“The expectations for the guys, as well as the entire [wrestling] program, are to continue to be one of the best teams in the state,” said LT coach Griff Powell. “In fact, we would like to step it up a level. We have actually been in a bit of a drought considering it’s been three years since we had a place winner at state. We have some wrestlers that we feel can get on the podium [at the state tournament] this time around.”
The high expectations are hardly false bravado, but rather a logical aspiration factoring in the Lions’ 20-1 dual-match record and third-place finish at regionals last year. LT also took first place at the Buffalo Grove Tournament as well as at its own tournament, while also capturing second place at Oak Park and third place at Palatine.
Returning starters and captains Eddie Edens, Ryan Lukanich and Kevin Barker headline a loaded, versatile roster of LT grapplers. Last year, Edens (125-pound weight class) racked up 25 wins and has a legitimate shot at making the state tournament this season. Luckanich (125-130) enters his fourth year as a varsity starter and placed fourth at sectionals last season, while Barker is a returning sectional qualifier and All-conference wrestler.
Other wrestlers slated to see plenty of action on the mat include sophomore R.J. Dilsher (130), Matt Nora (112), Drew Bates (119), Kevin Reimer (119), Broderick Forcier (145), Matt Boudreau (145-152) Mike Ryan (152-160), John Telfer (160), Mike Marik (160-171), Billy Congelosi (171-184) and Jim Wydra (215).
Ryan, an All-conference returner, enjoyed a stellar sophomore campaign with 22 falls, which is among the top 10 all-time for a single season at LT. Congelosi posted a 12-4 match record, filling in admirably for injured star Casey McMurray. Dilsher worked his way to a perfect conference record last season, while Boudreau brings plenty of athleticism and toughness, courtesy of his time at wide receiver on the LT football squad.
At 215, Tom Rodriguez and Nick Tomaso are battling for that spot. On the other end of the weight spectrum, 103-pound Bob Gavrick will look to build off his dominant campaign at the freshman level. Shane Murphy (140-145), who broke his hand last year, returns with plenty of wrestling experience gained over the spring and summer. Geno Smith, who has a ton of potential according to Powell, is another option at 145.
Lyons opens its season today (Wednesday, 6 p.m.) at home against Willowbrook and Glenbard East. On Saturday, the Lions travel to Argo for a quad meet.