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Wrestling: Joliet West sparkles in Mac Cup
While repeating as the best wrestling team in Joliet is all well and good, Joliet West clearly has bigger things in mind this season.
And after a slow start caused by some injuries and a tough early schedule, the Tigers are starting to perform like they hoped to.
On Wednesday, West repeated as champion of the four-team Mac Cup, which honors longtime Joliet Central and Township coach Eural “Mac” McLaughlin.
The Tigers were 3-0 in the competition, Plainfield South was second with a 2-1 mark, Joliet Central finished 1-2 and Joliet Catholic went winless.
Coach Joey Benefiel’s Tigers improved to 10-5 after defeating Central 45-21, South 54-15 and Catholic 66-3 in the meet, which took place at West.
“We had a rough time getting started after running into some good teams while we had some guys injured,” Benefiel said. “The most important thing was keeping guys positive while we went through that.
“I think we’ve gotten over that hump and we’re starting to pick it up. The guys are excellent in the room and push each other throughout practice. We just have to keep everyone healthy and focused.”
West got 3-0 efforts from Kevin Oneill (152 pounds) and Jarah Burgin (170), while Jayvin Bandy (132), Jim Spangler (138), Javie Hopson (145) and Matt Koran (195) had 2-0 days.
“Everybody is wrestling great now and starting to reach their full potential,” Spangler said. “No one on the team ever gives up; everyone always wants to do better. We all like being on the mat.”
After returning many key individuals from last season’s successful return to varsity competition, the Tigers have big expectations this season.
“Everyone is starting to come back, and we’re progressing and looking good now,” Koran said. “Our expectations are high, but I feel like we’re meeting them. I love this team, since we’re one big family.”
The Tigers closed last season on a high note and hope to build off their recent successes.
“We’re trying to get everyone back and healthy,” said West’s Nick Winchell, who was 2-1 at 126. “I like the personality of this team and how close we all are and how hard all of us work in practice.”
The Cougars closed with a 45-23 victory over Central after opening with a 61-12 win over the Hilltoppers, improving to 8-6.
South got 3-0 days from Miguel Silva (106/113), Andy Gastelum (160) and Angelo Cervantes (220) while David Dominy (120), Kyle Friar-Allen (132), Danny Nguyen (145) and Ryan Karas (195) went 2-1.
“I wish we would have gone after West a bit more,” South coach Jason Acevedo said. “I asked the kids how they wanted to respond against Central and they battled back and won a lot of close matches.”
The Steelmen, who got 3-0 efforts from Trayvon Zabala (113) and Sharod Wilson (182) and 2-0 marks from Drake DeBenedetti (126) and Johnny Moore (285), beat Catholic 46-21 for their lone win.
“We battled against West and it felt like it was back in the old days,” Central coach Pat O’Connell said. “The kids got up for that match. I think they understand what the rivalry is all about.”
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Elgin Tournament
Larkin 55, Romeoville 49: Nate Washington scored 22 points for Romeoville (2-8) in the consolation bracket.
Girls Basketball
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No. 1 Bolingbrook 58, Norcross (Ga.) Wesleyan 43: Bolingbrook (7-1) prevailed in the second round of the consolation bracket in Chandler, Ariz.
Oak Lawn Tournament
No. 3 Romeoville 48, Richards 40: Kiera Currie netted a game-high 18 points for Romeoville (10-2) in the third-place contest.
Contributing: Josh Krockey
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