Reversal of fortune for PR’s Zegers

Prairie Ridge sophomore Luke Zegers (right) squares off with Marengo's Brandon Dierkes in their 182-pound match Wednesday at Prairie Ridge in Crystal Lake. Zegers won by a pin. (Daniel J. Murphy – dmurphy@shawmedia.com)

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CRYSTAL LAKE – Twenty seconds into the second period, it didn’t look like Prairie Ridge wrestler Luke Zegers had any chance of coming out on top in his 182-pound match.

Zegers was down, 6-1, to Marengo’s Brandon Dierkes after giving up two takedowns and getting put on his back. But Zegers got a reverse and a quick pin as the Wolves downed the shorthanded Indians, 60-24, in a non-conference dual meet Wednesday.

With Dierkes in control, Zegers said his only thought was to go for the escape. That changed, when he got the upper hand, to not letting Dierkes regain the advantage.

“Just get up and get out,” Zegers said was his goal, which quickly changed to “Just try and hold him down. Don’t screw it up.”

Prairie Ridge coach Mark Jayne said he wasn’t happy with Zegers’ technique, but he was pleased with the win.

“It surprised me because things weren’t going great at that point,” Jayne said. “In the end, he came out on top.”

Marengo coach Tim Keefer said Dierkes will gain experience from being caught in that situation.

“You’ve just got to wrestle smart,” Keefer said. “[Dierkes] will learn from it.”

Zegers was one of six Wolves wrestlers to win by pin, including Aaron Senholtz at 113, Zach Synon (138), Chase Rea (145), John Ferbrache (160) and Mike Gengler (220).

Synon is 13-0 this season and has not given up a takedown. Because he is highly ranked, Synon said a lot of opponents this season have been wrestling him defensively and keeping their distance. That strategy can be irritating to Synon and prevents him from working on some moves or techniques.

“I feel like I still have some stuff to work on,” Synon said. “I just try not to get frustrated.”

Jayne said Synon is wrestling well and is looking for him to peak in February heading into the state tournament.

“Zach’s right where he needs to be. He’s got the whole package,” Jayne said. “He’s got a good chance to be our first state champion [in Class] 3A.”

Marengo has a number of wrestlers injured and gave up four forfeits against the Wolves. The Indians won three matches, all by pin, and also received a forfeit.
Damon Cloe at 152, Jon Goerke (170) and Abe LaMontagne (195) had second-period pins for the Indians.

After being out with an injury, Cloe is getting back in form.

“[Cloe] was banged up, but now he’s back in the lineup,” Keefer said. “He’s one of those guys that should do well.”

Keefer is looking forward to being able to field a complete lineup.

“In the middle of the season we should have all the guys back in full force,” Keefer said.