Federighi ready for state run

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Cary-Grove tennis player Chris Federighi was rewarded for a solid regular season and dominating performances in the Fox Valley Conference and sectional tournaments with a top-32 seed at state.

The IHSA State Tournament begins today across the northwest suburbs. Federighi, among the players seeded 17-32, will face Fenwick’s Ted Bruce in the first round at Rolling Meadows.

Federighi (20-1) was unbeaten this season but was forced to default a match at the Harlem Tournament in April when he became sick. The Trojans’ junior cruised through conference and sectionals, losing eight games in his nine matches.

C-G coach Bud Lachel was happy the IHSA recognized Federighi’s strong showing this season.

“Based on the meetings it sounded like he was a high 17 (seed),” Lachel said. “That was good, because it showed the respect of the seeding committee.”

Although Federighi is happy with his performance so far, the most important part of the season begins today.

“It’s a warm-up,” Federighi said of the regular season. “[State] is what it is.”

Federighi qualified for state last year and defeated a 17-32 seed in the first round before losing his next two matches. This year, Lachel said, Federighi has improved dramatically.

“I will not be surprised if he finishes nine to 16 or even better,” Lachel said. “He’s a much smarter player than he was in the past.”

Also at Rolling Meadows, Crystal Lake Central’s Tyler George plays Bloomington’s Patrick Fitzgerald.

At Wheeling, Central’s Tommy Nelson will face 9-16 seed Julian Childers of Marian Catholic.

Marian Central’s Riley Waters will take on 17-32 seed Max McLean of Belleville West.

In doubles, Buffalo Grove will host three local teams. Crystal Lake South’s  Scott Subak and Andy DeBoer will play Evan Levin and Bill Stueben of Chicago University. Johnsburg’s Brayton Regner and Colin Goulet will face 17-32 seed Royce Plowman and Patrick Carpio of Neuqua Valley. Subak/DeBoer and Regner/Goulet could face each other in the second round if both win.

Also at Buffalo Grove, McHenry’s Jake Romme and David Robinson play Bo Sparks and Gianni Africano of Normal University.

At Palatine, Prairie Ridge’s Quinn Revak and Brandon Curtis face Taylor Mighell and Shawn DePauw of Geneseo.

In the toughest draw for area players, the Gators’ Brad Wiegand and Dan Arnold start with Hinsdale Central’s Sam Bloom and Krishna Ravella, the No. 2 seed, at Elk Grove.