By Bobby Narang
Montini Catholic High School senior Kam Luif is not taking anything for granted anymore.
A State champion last season in wrestling, Luif wondered if his knee injury would affect his chances for a repeat State title.
After sitting out most of the season due to a knee injury, Luif kicked off the postseason by winning the 144-pound class at Saturday’s Class 3A Naperville North Regional.
Overall, the Montini Broncos dominated the eight-team regional, finishing in first place with 235.5 points to outlast Naperville Central (199 points), Naperville North (144.5), and Lyons (107.5).
Luif (15-2) showed off his skills with an impressive display at the regional, capping off the weekend by winning his class. Luif said he missed two months of the season because of his knee injury, but he’s ready to attack the postseason in search of his second straight State title after winning at 138 pounds in Class 2A last season.
“My season has gone pretty consistent, just been in the room training,” Luif said. “This is my first time out competing again, so happy to do well. I had an injury that kept me out pretty much until last week. It was really hard to sit out. I love wrestling and missed the sport.”
At 120 points, Montini junior Allen Woo (35-8) had an easy weekend in his quest for a third straight State title, this time attempting to win his first 3A State title. Wood easily won his regional bracket to build momentum for next weekend.
“I thought I did pretty well, but I had a short day,” Woo said. “It was pretty nice. It’s a long process to State, so I was focused on my mindset. I’m excited for State.”
Montini junior Bobby Ruscitti (40-0) stayed perfect on the season by earning a hard-fought 11-8 overtime decision against Glenbard East’s Ismael Chaidez (33-5). Ruscitti defeated Chaidez for the second time this season.
“I faced (Ismael) before about a month ago and it was a tough match too,” Ruscitti said. “It was a good test again. I just took it one point at a time and that I can score on anyone, so matter of how many points I could score.”
Montini junior Mikey Malizzio made a big statement on Saturday after suffering some tough losses against a difficult schedule in the regular season. Malizzio (32-10) had no issues winning the 132 title, cruising to a 17-1 tech fall victory over Naperville North’s Michael Arredondo.
“I just got my offensive attacks going,” Malizzio said. “I had to keep moving on my feet. My season has been going up and down, a lot of tough tournaments and had some tough losses. I have to have more offense and shots.”
Lyons senior Griff Powell showed why he’s one of the top wrestlers in the State, overpowering the competition in the 138-pound class to claim a regional title. Powell, an Illinois recruit, knocked off Naperville Central’s Jacob Cochran via a tech fall (23-7) in the final.
“My objective today was to have fun,” Powell said. “The whole season led up to this point. I just tried to score as many points as possible and just have fun.”
The 150-pound class broke up Montini’s run of titles, as Naperville Central senior Vince Bern (37-10) earned a 19-4 win over Lyons sophomore Jesse Nunez-Garcia.
“I changed my mentality from the prior weeks and that helped me today,” Bern said. “I felt I was pretty solid after fixing some stuff in practice, like getting to my attacks and shots. I’ve had some ups and downs this season but right now, it’s on a up and I’m getting ready for sectionals.”
Montini senior Santino Tenuta, a three-sport standout, kept his quest for the State title at 165 pounds on track by winning his weight class via an injury default from Lyons senior Cornell Fennessee. Tenuta (21-6) said he’s driven for a State title after placing second last season.
“It’s good to advance to sectionals after a late start because of football,” Tenuta said. “I feel way better now than I did last year, just wrestling and learning from everyone. We have a great (wrestling) room and I’m pushed every day and feel way better shape. Getting second place at State last year still hurts. I’ve been training hard for State.”
Montini senior AJ Tack (28-10) defeated Naperville Central junior Nicolas Olvera (38-9) 19-3 at 175 pounds.
“I felt good today getting on my attacks and overcoming a first match that was shaky,” Tack said. “It was a solid match and finished strong. I had a rough start after getting injured in the first couple weeks of the season. I just want to win a State champion.”