On Saturday, February 3rd, the 2A IHSA Boys Wrestling Regionals unfolded at Antioch Community High School, featuring teams such as Carmel Catholic, Grayslake Central, Grayslake North, North Chicago, Cary Grove, Wauconda, Antioch, and, of course, Lakes. Despite the Eagles’ rigorous preparation and hard work throughout the regular season, regionals culminated in a disappointing outcome for Lakes, with no qualifiers for the upcoming Sectionals.
Several key wrestlers were unable to participate in the regional round of playoffs. Senior Drew Schmidt, senior Jonathan Kamanda, junior Cayden Webber, and junior Jon Coleman were sidelined with injuries, significantly impacting the team’s performance.
“I think I would have for sure made it to sectionals,” said Kamanda. “I made it to sectionals last year, so making it this year was definitely within reach.”
Kamanda unfortunately hyperextended his arm, tearing his UCL in his elbow during practice two months prior to the season. He was able to wrestle at the beginning of the season, achieving a record of 7-4 in the 175 pound weight class, before re-injuring his UCL.
Even though Kamanda was unable to wrestle, he still supported the team to the best of his ability. “He was great though through his injury,” said Head Wrestling Coach Devin Tortorice. “He came and supported us during practice and competition which is mentally difficult to do. I’m grateful and proud of him for doing this.”
Although it was Drew Schmidt’s first year of high school wrestling, he managed to compile a record of 13-5 throughout the regular season, wrestling in the 215-pound weight class. Unfortunately, Schmidt suffered a stress fracture in his arm just a couple of weeks before the Regional round of pl ayoffs.
“I think I would’ve qualified for sectionals,” said Schmidt. “Having previously wrestled the majority of people in my bracket and beating them during the regular season, I was confident in my ability to make it to sectionals.”
Cayden Webber achieved a record of 6-2 in the 120-pound weight class before breaking his hand during practice. John Coleman compiled a record of 15-9 in the 157-pound weight class before catching Mononucleosis, commonly referred to as “Mono.”
The absence of these key wrestlers undoubtedly affected the team’s performance at regionals. Despite the setback, the Lakes Eagles remain resilient, as they look toward the future and the next opportunity to showcase their talents on the mat. “I would say the biggest things are consistent hard work, trusting the coaching and staying healthy,” said Coach Tortorice. “If we can put all of that together I think we will have a large improvement for this coming year.”
