Chicago Sun-Times high school news and notes

Updated: January 19, 2012 6:26PM

Coming and going

As the calendar turns from 2011 to 2012, more schools have filled their vacant football coaching positions. Among the latest hires are former Hinsdale Central and Lake Zurich coach Mike DiMatteo taking over at Buffalo Grove, ex-T.F. North coach Tim Zasada getting the job at Reavis and George Kaider, promoted from assistant to head coach at Mundelein. Kaider previously served as a head coach at Pekin in 2008 and Richmond-Burton in 2000. DiMatteo spent last season as an assistant at Glenbard West after five seasons at Hinsdale Central, including a berth in the 2008 Class 8A final, and Lake Zurich. Zasada has been an assistant at T.F. North since 2009 after previously guiding the Meteors to four playoff berths in six seasons as the team’s head coach from 2001 to ‘06.

Passing the torch

Bowen wrestler Ronzel Darling has gained an interesting fan in his quest to become a four-time Public League champion. Bowen coach Ron Wilson recently reached out to Doy Harrison, who was the last Public League wrestler to win four titles, accomplishing the feat in 1975 (98 pounds), ‘76 (105), ‘77 (119) and ‘78 (126) for Tilden. According to Wilson, Harrison has attended Boilermakers’ practices and told Darling he’ll be following the younger wrestler’s quest for a historic fourth championship. The city finals will be Sunday, Jan. 29 at Chicago State, with Lane the heavy favorite to win the team championship.

Smith picks Sooners

Bremen running back David Smith committed to Oklahoma on Tuesday, picking the Sooners over West Virginia after visiting the Norman, Okla., campus last weekend. Smith, who had an impressive summer at various combines, gained 595 yards on 111 carries and ran for seven touchdowns for the Braves last season. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” Smith said. “I’m excited about this. I don’t even know what to say. I’m glad it’s over with, but it is a dream come true.’’

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