Interested in
playing football
or already
playing?
Wrestling will get
you in better
shape than you
can imagine!
Start wrestling early!
DG Cougar Wrestling
Club is a great experience
for younger kids! Get them in shape early in their lives with great, experienced coaches.
Trojan Wrestling Program
The only way to build self esteem, in adolescence and adults alike, is to be challenged, find failures, work hard at overcoming the failures, and come back to battle again. Wrestling is an enormously challenging sport, probably the most physically challenging of all sports most people will take part in, and we believe that through those challenges wrestlers will build real self-esteem. All wrestlers, regardless of age, will be tested both physically and mentally in practice and in competitions throughout the season; some will be tested to the very limit of a breakdown. The mission of DGN wrestling is to help each athlete set goals, be disciplined in the pursuit of these goals, and meet and overcome the obstacles they will face as a result of working toward those goals. Our emphasis is on getting each student-athlete to compete at his highest level, whatever that may be, and not focus on wins and losses entirely but emphasize his performance. Most of the time we will not know what each athlete can accomplish until the season is over and the awards are handed out. Student athletes will be held accountable to themselves and each other as we pursue team and individual goals. Legendary wrestler and University of Iowa coach Dan Gable once said that no one can walk away from wrestling without being touched somehow. The coaching staff hopes to leave every young adult that chooses to be a part of our program with something they can draw from as they face the challenges that will encounter after high school. Gable also said, “After wrestling everything is easy." We hope all Trojan wrestlers find this to be true.
"Once a Trojan Wrestler, always a Trojan Wrestler!"
The DGN Wrestling team was a dominant team in the 1970s under Hall of Fame head coach Bill Walker. They were consistently one of the top programs in the conference and in the state of Illinois. Since his retirement in 1984, the team has struggled, and we hope to bring the program back to its glory days. In 2008-2009 we recorded the best record since 1979, and we hope to build on that this season. We also hope to capture the first conference championship since 1979.
"You cant ever work too much because theres no such thing as being in too good condition. You can never lift too many weights because you can't ever get too strong. You can never wrestle too much because you can always do better."
-Dan Gable
DGN wrestling coaches:
2004-present: Chris McGrath
1996-2004: Ted Glazier
1984-1996: Jerry Pisani
1970s-1984: Bill Walker
Team Records since 2000:
2010 - 19-3
2009 - 15-6
2008 - 13-8
2007 - 11-10
2006 - 11-10
2005 - 9-10
2004 - 6-12
2003 - 4-14
2002 - 3- 16
2001 - 2-15
2000 - 1-16
The basic level
1. To be successful in anything that you do you have to find something that you are passionate about. Wrestling is an extremely tough sport. To endure all of the pain and sacrifice it takes to be successful, you must be passionate about what you are doing. Most wrestlers have a passion for the sport and a passion to compete.
2. It goes without saying that it takes had work to be successful in life. This holds true in wrestling where hard work and sacrifice trumps talent. Most wrestlers work hard in practice and in the weight room. All successful wrestlers work hard in the off-season.
This is what separates the good from the great.
3. To be great at something you must be persistent, and you have to persevere when the inevitable road block to success emerges. Everyone will get knocked down in life; it is the true warrior that refuses to stay down. The truly successful in life know that eventually they will be successful if they continue to do the right things.
4. When confronted with potential obstacles, a successful person looks to find create ways to solve these problems. Sometimes the answer is not obvious, and you have to think outside the box to solve these problems. If you hurt your leg, then you may have to lift upper body and shadow wrestle until your leg heals.
This is the most difficult trait of truly successful people.
5. Successful people are honest with themselves and their assessment of their abilities and efforts. When a match or practice is completed, you must be open to coaching points to improvement, and you must be honest about ways that you can improve. It is easy to think you do not have to improve when you win and to blame talent alone when you lose, but if you are honest with yourself, you will most likely find some area to improve. Then it takes a deliberate effort to work on the things that you are not good at to become a better wrestler.
"Ohio State football: Work on mat can be edge on line"
Buckeyes past, present excelled as wrestlers, too
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
By Ken Gordon
The Columbus Dispatch
Size doesn't impress Luke Fickell.
Each year, Ohio State's co-defensive coordinator evaluates dozens, maybe hundreds of high school football players while recruiting.
They're all big, all fast, all strong.
But tell Fickell a kid is a standout wrestler, and he'll get a gleam in his eye. Now he's interested.
"We talk about competitiveness, and I don't think there's a better sport to look at someone's competitiveness than wrestling," Fickell said. "You can tell (with wrestlers), it's something that's one-on-one competitive, and that's what we're trying to look for.
"You can't define it. You don't know what someone has got inside their chest and their heart, but if you know they've been one on one and they've got that competitive nature "
Fickell knows. He was a three-time state champion wrestler at DeSales, and as a defensive lineman at Ohio State he set a school record for consecutive starts (50).
Since then, several Buckeyes have gone from being high school wrestling stars to successful football careers, including offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich and defensive tackle Tim Anderson, each now in the NFL.
This season, defensive tackle Dexter Larimore appears ready to uphold that tradition.
He was the nation's top-ranked heavyweight wrestler two years ago at Merrillville (Ind.) High School. Just a redshirt freshman, Larimore had a stellar spring and will see extensive playing time this fall.
Technique has a lot to do with what makes wrestlers successful linemen. They are accustomed to being tied up, pretzel-like, with an opponent.
"I know a little bit more about leverage than some defensive linemen do," Larimore said, "so it helps that I can just keep a little bit lower center of gravity. I just try and work guys into kind of backwards positions for them, but it's kind of natural for me."
Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Jim Bollman said he notices wrestlers tend to be adept at getting their hands in proper position, which is a key to blocking or defeating a block.
"The quickness and strength of their hands inside is becoming a much bigger part of the football game nowadays," Bollman said. "And I think that (wrestlers) have a little bit of a head start."
But as Fickell said, it's the intangible desire that translates well to football. Wrestlers famously have a warrior mentality. Injuries and fatigue are no excuse.
"When you're a wrestler, you have to put a lot on yourself if you want to be good," Stepanovich said. "It teaches you that every day in wrestling you're not going to feel good. You're going to have bumps and bruises. You've got to be able to grind it out. I think that helps in football."
Larimore said he thinks wrestling makes him better equipped to handle adversity, such as the heat and humidity the Buckeyes practiced in last week.
"Wrestling is so hard and just so physically taxing on your body, that I get out there (for football practice) and a lot of guys will mentally break: 'It's hot,' and I just keep working and trying to get better," he said.
"I just can basically push myself to a point where I physically can't go anymore. I think wrestling instills that mentality."
Another wrestler is in the Ohio State pipeline. Defensive tackle Garrett Goebel of Lombard, Ill., recently orally committed to the 2008 recruiting class. He won his state's heavyweight title in the spring.
"My nasty attitude comes from wrestling," Goebel told the Chicago Sun Times. "You can't be a nice guy and be an accomplished wrestler. You have to want to stick a guy's nose into the mat.
"In football, I want to hurt the other guy. I want to knock him down all the time."
He sounds like Fickell's type.
Dispatch reporter Bill Rabinowitz contributed to this story.
The following Trojan Football players have also been on the wrestling team:
* Means Varsity football starter
** Means sophomore football starter
*Ryan Mussatto DL
*Cj Barbato OL
*Conner Cummings MLB
*Leo Ellis LB/K
*Steve Banda DB
*Jay Smith DL
*Taylor Augustine DL
Cody Pooler QB/ DB
*Jermal Jones RB
*Dave Hendon DL
Joe Mosinski OL
Frank Rizzo OL
Casey Johnson OL
Baker Heflin DB
Pat McCormick DB
**Vlad Orlov OL/DL
Mike Foreman OL
**Alex Kritikos OL
**Brendan Koegel RB/DL/K
**Jimmy Nehls WR
Zack Lommatzch LB/TE
Anthony Scalia DB/RB
Brendan Johnson DL/TE
**Max Wasserman OL
Kevin Cudzic DB
Brandon Woods DB
Erck Munoz DB
Christian Morales DB
**Dave Tessitore LB/RB
**Zach Augustine DB/RB
Alden McNeil DB
Nick Capua DB/WR
**Kyle Dorner OL
** Colin LudlowOL
** Tyler Jacklin TE
Dave Goldberg OL
Other Articles
ESPN: Toughest high school sports; winter season
Pitt's Caragein wrestling with expectations
Chris McGrath | Varsity Head Coach
After graduating from Southern Illinois University as a 4 year member, 3x starter and captain of the wrestling team, Coach McGrath received his Master's degree from National-Louis University. He is in his sixth year as head coach of the program and served as assistant head coach at DGN previously. In his years as head coach, the program has had great success and is growing at a rapid pace with state qualifiers and 30-match winners developing more every season.
Josh Ruprecht | Assistant Head Coach
Josh was a four year wrestler at Elmhurst College where he received his Bachelor's degree. He is an NCAA Division III qualifier, and during his time at Elmhurst, he was ranked as high as third in NCAA Division II Wrestling by Amateur Wrestling News. Josh is an integral part of the Downers Grove North Wrestling program.
Kenny Thomas | Freshman Head Coach
Coach Thomas was an all-state wrestler in Michigan before wrestling at Elmhurst College where he was an NCAA qualifier and was ranked in the top ten in the nation.
Pat Castillo | Assistant Coach
Pat Castillo has a Bachelor's degree from Norther Illinois University and during his college career wrestled all four years. He is a 3x NCAA Division I qualifier, was ranked top 12 nationally, and was an IHSA state champion during his high school career.
Matt (Otto) Zeman | Assistant Coach
Matt was an NCJAA All-American wrestler at Triton College before earning his Bachelor's degree from the Chicago State University as a member of their wrestling team as well. During his high school career he placed at the IHSA State Finals twice as a wrestler at Lyons Township.
Dan Urbanski | Volunteer Assistant
Dan is in his second year as a volunteer assistant coach at Downers Grove North.
When: November 14th - 28th
Details: + All revenue collected goes to equipment and
other expeditures for DGN wrestling
+ Value cards will be sold, giving discounts at local
businesses
When: Monday, November 2nd
Where: Connie's Pizza in 19 W Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL.
Who: All fans of Downers Grove North Wrestling
Details: $15 all you can eat pizza, salad, and pop
Cost: $15 per person
Why: Half of all money collected goes to DGN
We will use proceeds to pay for equipment and other goods
Please contact coach McGrath with any questions
at 630-795-8281.
Thanks for all the support!
Downers North Wrestling appreciates any kind of donation to help the Trojan Wrestling program continue. Any help is much appreciated!
Thanks again,
Downers Grove North Coaching Staff
Please make checks payable to:
DGN wrestling
4436 Main Street
Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515
The DGN Newsletter comes out about once a week and gives parents, wrestlers, and fan important updates and information about the wrestling program.
Submit your name and e-mail address to join!
Submit your name and e-mail address to join the email list!
The DGN Wrestling Alumni Newsletter keeps alumni informed about what is happening in the wrestling program, opportunities to meet with former alumni, and opportunities to give back to the program. Alumni, add your news below and keep us updated!
Erik Efrosinis class of '04 is currently serving with the USMC in Afganastan.
Tom Correl class of '05 recently graduated from West Point Academy.
Joe Sterr class of '08 is currently a freshman at West Point and is a member of the Army Wrestling team. Click here for more information.
Mandela Johnson is a sophomore on McKendree College wrestling team. Click here for more information
Joe Hogan class of 1990 wrestled at West Point.
Dave Suthard class of 1990 wrestled at Eastern Illinois University.
Luke Leary class of 1992 wrestled at University of Missouri.
Eddie Valdez class of 1993 wrestled at Northern Illinois University.
John Bentch class of '06 was a NJCAA All-American at Harper College in 2007.
Austin Sahr class of '07 wrestled at North Central College.
Dave Boston class of '08 wrestled at Lincoln College.
Joe Foreman class of '09 is currently in USMC basic training.
Joe Foreman and Ryan Mussatto will be wrestling for the Marines World Class Athletic Program
Will Seitz is competing on the Rugby Team at Iowa University
Joe Wesolek competed for four year on the Rugby Team at Iowa University
Christian Lopez competed on the Rugby team at the University of Illinois.
Parent Information / Registration meeting:
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
DG South Wrestling Balcony
Downers Grove Cougars Wrestling is an organization dedicated to the teaching and promoting of youth wrestling. We are affiliated with the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation and compete in meets and tournaments geared to both the young, inexperienced wrestlers and the most seasoned competitors. Alumni include wrestlers at DG South & North Varsity wrestlers; University of Michigan, Ohio University and US Marines Corps.
Registration fees include: IKWF registration, T-shirt, year-end inter-squad meet and participation trophy.
Practices held at Downers Grove South High School Wrestling Rooms. There are two fee structures one for the casual/beginner another for varsity club.
Cougars Wrestling is split into two groups:
Instructional Program
The Instructional Program ($115 Registration fee) teaches the basics of wrestling. Emphasis is on the youths 10 & under as well as older rookies.
A Rookie Tournament is Sunday Dec13 - Inter-squad meet in February 3, 2010.
Practices are Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8:00 p.m. November 9 to February 3
Varsity Club
The Varsity Club Program wrestles competitively in sanctioned IKWF. Tournaments are held on Sundays (7a.m. 2 p.m.).
First Tournament will likely be Dec. 6.
Registration fee of $215 includes all IKWF tournament fees
Wrestling singlet, shoes and headgear are extra required.
Practices are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8:00 p.m.
November 9 to March 6 (IKWF Sectional Meet)
For latest sign up information visit our Web page
http://eteamz.active.com/DGCougars/
For further information:
Jeff Eckdhal 630-968-2325
Rick LeBlanc 630-337-1884
Chris McGrath 773-339-3054
Instructional Program Coaches:
Rick LeBlanc, DG South
Jeff Eckdhal
Dan Kelliher
Roger Lommatzsch
Joe Roth
Jim Nehls
Rob Johnson
Al Garringer
Varsity Club Program Coaches:
Alex Villareal
Joe DiMaria
Joe Spivak
Michael Johnson Sr.
Tim Harms
Chris McGrath, DG North
Sean Lovelace, DG South
Get updates on the program, match results, and more via twitter, RSS, or facebook.
Let us know whether you're an alumni, parent, or fan!
2009-2010 Season
2009 Downers Grove North Wrestling
"I never go into a wrestling match thinking I could get beat. The thought of losing never crossed my mind. There is no reason for me to get beat. When I lose it means that I didnt wrestle to my full potential. The solution to everything is work harder. "
-Olympic Gold Medalist John Smith
Record: 18 wins, 3 losses
*Best record since 1978
WSC Record: N/A
State Qualifiers: 2
Sectional Qualifiers: 6
30-match Winners: 5
All-Conference Wrestlers: 5
Name Years Wins
Joe Foreman 2006-2009 120
Erik Efrosinis 2001-2004 104
Joe Kavanagh 1999-2002 92
Tony Alcala 1995-1997 88
Eddie Valdez 1991-1993 83
Eric Zace 2002-2004 82
Dan Rongaus 2005-2008 78
Dave Suthard 1988-1990 77
Nick Munch 1999-2001 77
Benny Townsend 2003-2005 76
Name Year Wins
Jon Bentch 2006 41
Nick Munch 2001 37
Joe Foreman 2009 35
Erik Efrosinis 2004 35
Joe Foreman 2006 34
Joe Kavanaugh 2002 34
Tony Alcala 1997 33
Dave Suthard 1990 33
Jimmy Nehls 2009 33
Danny Balderas 2009 33
Josh Longmire 2009 32
Eric Zace 2004 32
Eddie Valdez 1993 32
Joe Hogan 1990 32
Luke Leary 1992 31
Ben Townsend 2005 31
Name Years Takedowns
Danny Rongaus 2008 120
Ryan Mussatto 2009 114
Joe Foreman 2006 112
Danny Balderas 2009 110
Joe Foreman 2007 105
Joe Foreman 2009 104
Mandela Johnson 2008 99
Joe Kavanagh 2002 98
Tony Alcala 1997 97
Eddie Valdez 1993 95
Name Years Pins
Jon Bentch 2006 26
Joe Foreman 2009 21
Joe Hogan 1990 20
Jon Bentch 2005 17
Josh Longmire 2009 16
Erik Efrsinis 2004 14
Joe Foreman 2006 12
1977-1978
Noel Carter
Larry Clinton
Matt Hajmej
Mark Maloney
Darrel McNair
Pat Norton
Randy Richey
Wayne Smith
Bob Steroti
1978-1979
Mark Arbazzani
Tom Conklin
Pat Carney
Steve Powlowicz
Tony Fulco
Ed Griese
1979-1980
Mark Arbizzani
Joe Honn
Ed Rice
1980-1981
1981-1982
Mark Zuehl
Jim Milosten
Dan Murphy
Dave Baker
1982-1983
1983-1984
Ken Whipple
Tim Murphy
Gary Hodonicky
1984-1985
Andre Daniels
Andre Radcliffe
Matt Kramer
1985-1986
Chuck Parise
John David
1986-1987
Gene Marino
Jon Bailey
Keven Laskowski
Darrin Hane
1987-1988
Frank Geraci
Scott Dietz
Kevin Laskowski
1988-1989
David Suthard
Dan Marino
1989-1990
John Scott
Peter Walkoe
Mark Collins
Dave Suthard
Joe Hogan
Jason Quinn
Rick Schretter
1990-1991
Luke Leary
1991-1992
Brian Harrison
Vince Nuccio
1992-1993
Tony Alcala
Brent Pitt
Matt Hrobowski
Eddie Valdez
1993-1994
1994-1995
Ryan Kavanaugh
1995-1996
Brian Norris
1996-1997
Darren Fletcher
John Mallet
1997-1998
Paul Hanczaruk
John Roder
1998-1999
Kevin Rohman
1999-2000
2000-2001
Joe Kavanaugh
Nick Munch
Anthony Testa
2001-2002
Erik Efrosinis
Nick Makey
Adam Munch
2002-2003
Eric Zace
2003-2004
Christian Lopez
Brad Procek
Jinx Hall
Ben Townsend
2004-2005
Joe Wesolek
Joel Grachan
John Bentch
2005-2006
Joe Foreman
Jon Bentch
2006-2007
Joe Sterr
Dan Rongaus
Joe Bonomo
Will Seitz
2007-2008
John Sterr
Jimmy Nehls
Mandela Johnson
2008-2009
Josh Longmire
Danny Conrad
Ryan Mussatto
2009-2010
Cory Signa
Maxx Lozano
Joe Moscinski
Danny Balderas
Jerry Scott
Jon Bencth
Danny Rongaus
Cullen Cummings
Dave Tessiatore
Casey Johnson
Connor Cummings
1961
Dan Jacobozzi
Al Mejdrich 4th Place
1962
Al Mejdrich State Champion
Will Radell
1963
1964
Jim Gustafson State Champion
Bill Mittlefenldt
Don Moravec
Pete Pohlman
1965
Rick Gustafson
1967
Don May
1970
Matt Kenden 4th Place
1971
Kim Strauss
1973
John Woodward 4th Place
1974
Jim Bartasis 3rd Place
Jeff Nochleutner
Joe Woodard 4th Place
1975
Don Johnston 2nd Place
1977
1978
Mark Maloney 2nd Place
1979
Pat Carney 5th Place
1984
1987
1988
1990
1991
Peter Walkoe 6th Place
1992
1993
1998
2002
2006
Jon Bentch 2nd Place
2008
2009
2010
2001
Nick Munch 37-5
Joe Kavanaugh 34-8
2003
Erik Efrosinis 33-7
2004
Erik Efrosinis 31-8
Eric Zace 33-4
2005
Ben Townsend 30-5
Joe Foreman 34-7
Jon Bentch 41-3
2007
Danny Balderas 33-9
Josh Longmire 32-9
Jimmy Nehls 33-10
Joe Foreman 34-5
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Contact Us
Send us a message directly and a member of our coaching staff will contact you asap. Please let us know the best way and time to reach you!
Downers Grove North High School
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 795-8400
Fax: (630) 795-8499
Athletic Office: (630) 795-8417
Coach McGrath: (630) 795-8281
Jefferson Jr. High School
Cougar Wrestling Club
West Suburban Silver Conference
DGN Boosters
Illinois High School Association -Wrestling
Illinois Mat Men
USA Wrestling
Copyright 2009 Downers Grove North High School. All Rights Reserved. 4436 Main Street Downers Grove, IL 60515 Website by: Lookout Creations
