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Athlete of the Week

JACK DECHOW

Richmond-Burton, sr.

After starting the season late because of football and a collarbone injury, Dechow has made the most of his time. He was won two tournaments since his return, the Sciacca/Holtfreter Tournament on Dec. 16-17 at Harvard and the Berman Holiday Classic on Dec. 27-28 at Palatine.

At Palatine, Dechow, 10-0 and the top-ranked wrestler at 182 pounds in Class 2A by Illinoismatmen.com, defeated two ranked wrestlers to win – Lemont’s Chris Giatras by technical fall in the finals and Antioch’s Zach Freundt by fall in the semis. Giatras is ranked No. 3 and Freundt sixth in 2A.

Noteworthy

Bright spot for D-C: At the DeKalb dual tournament that ended Friday, Dundee-Crown was hampered by injuries and forfeited four weight classes to go 0-5 in its duals. On the positive side, Jimmy Kuczynski went 5-0 in his matches at 182 to improve to 22-4 on the season.

Kuczynski recorded two pins, a technical fall, a major decision and a decision in his wins against Glenbard West, Waubonsie Valley, Stagg, Kaneland and Pewaukee, Wis. Chargers coach Bob Skillman said Kuczynski has been wrestling well all season.

“Jimmy’s had a great year so far,” Skillman said. “He’s wrestled solid.”

The Chargers were without Ray Griggle at 220. He has been out since being injured in the Harvard tournament.

Red Raiders rout: Huntley went 3-0 at the Belvidere Quadrangular on Dec. 29, defeating the host Bucs, Rockford East and Plainfield East. Zach Stenger at 106, Ricky Vigil (113), Brandon Meyer (126), John Walker (138), Brandon Mabry (170) and Josh Symbal (182) each were 3-0 on the day.

Still perfect: Also at Palatine, R-B’s Cameron Kennedy extended his unbeaten streak by winning the 120-pound weight class to improve to 21-0.

This week’s top meet

Sycamore Invitational,

9 a.m. Saturday

Cary-Grove, McHenry, Crystal Lake South, Woodstock North, Marian Central compete at a big invitational that attracts some top programs.

– Rob Smith
rsmith@shawmedia.com