Wrestling: Short-handed Kaneland wins own tourney

Updated: January 14, 2012 8:50PM

Since their days as youth wrestlers, the core of Kaneland’s wrestling squad has been aiming to take the program to new heights.

Led by a pair of seniors and five juniors — who all captured first place in their respective weight classes — the Knights registered a third consecutive title at their own Margaret Flott Memorial Tournament. Kaneland compiled 163 points to capture the trophy for the 10-school meet over runner-up Burlington Central (159). Addison Trail was third with 143.50.

“Some of us have been wrestling together for 10-plus years and we’re really pushing each other and we knew how important that was for a team win since we had to overcome all the points we were forfeiting,” said 113-pound champion Connor Williams who upped his record to 23-7. Kaneland lacked entrants in five of the 14 weight classes.

“Unfortunately we are low on numbers this year and a few injuries have made things harder, but the key today was not only that all our kids wrestled well, but not one gave up at any time on the mat,” fourth-year Kaneland coach Monty Jahns noted.

The Knights’ success was capped by capturing the last three division titles: Steve Hlatko at 195, Ben Kovalick at 220, and Zach Theis at heavyweight.

Theis really brought the hometown fans to their feet with a 1:10 fall over Addison Trail’s Danny Robles. The Kaneland junior said, “Pins are always the best kind of win, but it’s especially nice when you know it’s going to help the team total. Keeping our tourney title is just one of our goals as a team and also for me. Now our focus is on conference and beyond.”

That notion was echoed by Kovalick, who claimed his tourney title with a 4-2 decision thanks to a takedown with just 11 seconds left in regulation. “This was just part of the list of things we want to accomplish; we’re on track, but we have to keep it up. It’s important to stay focused because if you get frustrated, something else bad can happen. It’s always a matter of getting an opportunity and then finishing it.”

Hlatko is an example of someone capitalizing on his opportunity as a first-year varsity performer as the senior got his season record back to .500 (15-15) with a 7-2 title bout decision.

“I know I did better than some folks expected, but my only approach is to keep improving and continue to contribute any way I can,” Hlatko added.

Victories and point contributions are always expected from Esai Ponce, the 126-pound champion who leads the Knights in individual victories with his 29-2 ledger after a trio of decisions.

“I always do my best to stay in control of my emotions and the match by being focused and staying aggressive,” Ponce said. “Being confident and comfortable on the mat is the example I try to set.”

Fellow junior Sonny Horn looked to be following that philosophy in a 16-4 first-place match that earned him his initial tournament title.

“This was my first varsity tournament win and considering it came against some tough competition, I’m very excited. I believe I’m making good progress and the more experience I have the more comfortable I am in knowing I can help our team.”

Dan Goress had every type of success in his run to the 138-pound title going from a pinfall win to a tech fall to a 3-0 shutout decision in order to improve to 25-3.

“It’s all part of the preparation for conference, regionals and beyond,” Goress said. “You can never be satisfied with any one win until you’re atop the podium at the biggest and last meet of the year.”

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