Considering the high quality of wrestling teams in the West Suburban (Silver) Conference, Lyons Township coach Griff Powell is happy to have nine returning starters back this season.
Preseason conference favorite Oak Park is generally regarded as a top five team in the Chicago area, while Hinsdale Central, Downers Grove North and York also welcome back the majority of their starters to tangle with the Lions.
“By far, this will be the most competitive I have seen our conference,” said Powell, who is in his fourth year coaching at LT. “On paper, Oak Park is the favorite, but we have a lot of our guys back so we’re pretty excited about the season.”
The Lions, who claim 28 conference championships and 10 individual state champions, sported a 15-6 dual match mark last season en route to third place in conference. Lyons lost critical dual matches against Oak Park and Hinsdale Central.
Returning starters Matt Nora (125-pound weight class), Drew Bates (130), Brian Zotti (135), R.J. Dilcher (145-150), Mike Ryan (152-160) and Jake Konovsky (215) all registered 20-plus wins last season. At 103, junior Bob Gavrick returns fresh off a 15-win campaign, Lucas Polka (10-2) is penciled in at 140, and senior Bill Congelosi will compete at 171.
Powell believes the key to LT’s success has been the positive attitude and work ethic displayed by the Lions.
“This group has bought into our program,” he said. “Outside of the wrestling room, they have put in the work whether it’s running or weightlifting. We have a physical team in great shape that really developed during the off-season.”
The Lions open their season with a triangular against Glenbard East and Willowbrook today (Nov. 26, 6 p.m.) at Vaughan Gym North Campus. Other notable matches on the Lions’ schedule include the annual LT invite on Saturday, Dec. 20 (9:30 a.m.) and a home date against Oak Park on Friday, Jan. 23 (6:45 p.m.).