Wrestling: Minooka expects the best — again

Updated: November 22, 2011 6:27PM

A successful program isn’t built overnight.

And, it doesn’t mean a good record for a long period of time.

It’s family. It’s success. It’s consistency.

Minooka’s wrestling program is all those things and more.

It showed its consistency by replacing Bernie Ruettiger, who retired after last season, with assistant coach Paige Schoolman.

Success comes by reaching the dual team state championship match the last three years.

The Indians won the Class 3A state championship in 2010. A relatively young Indians team lost to Glenbard North 26-20 in the 2011 Class 3A final.

That puts the Indians on track to get there a fourth straight year and do one better.

“The kids and coaches have been working hard to set the stage for another stellar year for Minooka,” Schoolman said. “The goal, just like every year, is to get better everyday so that at the end of the season, we have put ourselves in a position to battle for individual and team championships.”

If that’s the case, they will have to do it without defending 160-pound state champion Kalvin Hill, who is not wrestling this year. Hill, a Class 8A all-state running back in football, went 34-1 a year ago.

Minooka returns eight regulars from its Class 3A runner up of a year ago.

Senior Jake Residori (38-8 at 152) and junior Bobby Zabel (30-9, 130) are returning all-staters for the Indians.

“Jake is one of the hardest workers in the room and a nasty competitor in meets,” Schoolman said of Residori, who took fourth at 152 last year. “We look for him to be a leader this season. And, Bob went toe-to-toe with the state’s best all last season. This year looks to be a great year for Bob.”

Zabel placed sixth at 130 in Class 3A.

Junior Corbett Oughton went 32-8 at 112 last year, but will wrestle at 145 this year after a growth spurt.

“Corbett beat two all-staters in the dual team state tournament last year,” Schoolman said. “He is ready to make his mark on the state of Illinois.”

Senior Jake DeKlerk posted a 38-9 mark and advanced to the state meet at 125 last year, paving the way for a breakout season this year.

“Jake is one of the most talented athletes in the program,” Schoolman said. “Look for Jake to be in a battle to get on the podium in Champaign.”

Josh Pullara (24-9 at 171) and Dan Ruettiger (23-14 at 103) were a win away from advancing to the state meet last year. Mike McNulty (119) and Mitch Morris (189) were sectional qualifiers a year ago and K.J. Minor went 17-4 at the lower weights.

Speaking of weights, the IHSA has adopted new weight classes in line with the National Federation of State High School Associations. They are 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285.

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