By Bobby Narang
The Illinois High School Association boys State wrestling tournament was full of storylines last weekend.
St. Charles East High School senior Dom Munaretto, an Ohio State recruit, was one of the stars of the weekend. He capped a sterling career by capturing his third straight State title with a 4-3 victory over Montini’s Allen Woo in the Class 3A 120-pound championship match at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
Munaretto closed out his career with 98 victories in a row, and became just the third wrestler in program history – Ben Davino and Jayden Colon – to win State titles.
“It feels amazing to have that accolade to my name,” Munaretto said. “It feels great to bring that into my college career, along with my 206 career wins, and now I’m just climbing.”
Also, Marmion senior Nicholas Garcia joined the three-time State title club, but like Munaretto, he endured a tough struggle. Garcia won the 132-pound title by defeating Joliet Catholic’s Jason Hampton 8-5 in overtime. Garcia, an Illinois recruit, is the second wrestler in program history to notch three State titles after Johnny Jiminez accomplished the feat.
“I just knew that my preparation was incomparable and I just had so much confidence in myself,” Garcia said.
Marmion teammates Zach Stewart and Demetrios Carrera had easier routs to the State title. Stewart, a senior, won the 138 title with a 7-1 win over Lyons senior Griff Powell for his second state title after winning as a sophomore.
“I just wanted to get a take down a period, wrestle smart and take control of the match,” Stewart said. “I kind of just climbed the mountain once again. I did it as a sophomore, did it last year but fell just shorts and now it’s just right back to the top. So I’m feeling extremely good.”
Carrera recorded a 3-1 win over Grant senior Vince Jasinski at 144 pounds for his first state championship.
“I just kept pressing him forward, and when he forced a shot, I got a nice reattack and took him down,” Carrera said.
Batavia sophomore Kai Enos won the 120-pound state title with a 4-2 decision over Morris’ Paxton Valentine.
“I took my opportunity and went for is, and it came to help me out,” Enos said.