Fast start propels Montini

MOLINE, Ill. — Montini left no doubt.

The Broncos captured their first Class AA dual-team state title with a 37-25 victory over Providence on Saturday in the Wharton Field House.

Always strong in the upper weights, the 160-pound start was right for the Broncos. After Providence’s Brian Reynolds won a decision, Montini took over. Carl Foreside (171) had a technical fall, Dan Grimes (189) a first-period pin and Grant Goebel (215) got behind Providence’s Dave Togher with three seconds left for a 3-2 decision. State champion Garrett Goebel (285) added a pin and it was 20-3 Broncos.

‘‘It’s been a good draw for us all day to start where we did,’’ Montini coach Mike Bukovsky said. ‘‘The key for us [this year] was our depth. We were able to move guys around. We have an outstanding group of young men who dedicated themselves from the start of the season. We don’t have a lot of superstars, just a team that gets down and dirty and works hard. We knew this was our last chance to win the AA title.’’

Bad memories of last year’s loss to Sandburg motivated the Broncos all season.

‘‘Every practice when we broke we said, ‘State champs!’ ” Grimes said. ‘‘Our seniors last year passed it on to us and we made sure the rest of our guys were aware. We had to finish the season as champs.’’

The Broncos stifled any attempt Providence had to come back. The Celtics got a tech from Edwin Cooper (103), but Colton Rasche (112) nipped Tom Ambrose 3-2. Benny Marti (119) added a decision and Jake Gregerson (125) a tech for a 26-8 lead.

Providence’s Mark Augle (130) had a major, Jake Wojcik (135) a pin and Brian Walsh a decision to close the gap to 31-21. But Alex Saunders (145) ended any hope with a first-period pin.

Providence coach Keith Healy knew it was a tall order to pull off an upset.

“Our guys wrestled hard,” Healy said. “At 215 our guys relaxed for a second and gave up two. We knew they were strong up top. We were hoping to get back in the lower weights, but they just wrestled better.”

Two great coaches and class acts were able to enjoy the consolation match Saturday night. Mark Ruettiger has been at Lincoln-Way Central for 17 years, and Libertyville’s Dale Eggert has been in charge for 21 years.

Lincoln-Way Central rallied from a 22-8 deficit to take third place with a 31-25 win. It was the first time in school history the Knights have placed and their first appearance at state. It was Libertyville’s first time placing in four tries.