By Bobby Narang
Marmion Academy head wrestling coach Nathan Fitzenreider is not bothered by a shortened season. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) moved wrestling into the new Summer season.
At a time when most wrestlers would be resting their bodies, or playing a Spring sports, the shift in the sports calendar season has led to many wrestlers electing not to compete this season.
For many years, Marmion in Aurora has been one of the top programs in the State. In the 2019-2020 season, the Cadets produced three wrestlers, Jacob Tinajero, Antonio Torres and Dzhabrail Khurschidov, who won Class 3A sectional individual championships. The Cadets have won eight regional team championships going back to the 2010 season, and eight sectional championships. Fitzenreider said his wrestlers are aiming to continue the program’s reputation with a memorable season.
“So far our season has gone well,” Fitzenreider said. “I am very happy that the boys are able to compete again. I was very pleased with the way we competed on Thursday in our first meet. I have high expectations for this group of kids and this team and I am excited to see them compete the rest of the season. Jameson Garcia is at 106 (pound class), and he has really progressed from last year.
“I don’t think there is anyone in the State that can compete with him. He is also an A student. He embodies what we preach in our program: Take care of business in the classroom first and then out on the mat.”
Wrestling was not approved by the Illinois High School Association Board of Directors to be among the sports to have a State tournament this season. The Board approved baseball, softball, track and girls lacrosse to each have a State tournament, with Class 1A girls state track the first to compete in a State tournament June 10. The final day of the 2020-21 sports calendar season will be June 19, when the Class 3A boys State track and field meet will be held.