York Dukes Advance Two Grapplers to IHSA State Wrestling Sectional

Posted: Feb 8, 2014  10:05pm

LOMBARD, Illinois. (Pete Alfini) What was without question the most challenging IHSA class 3A wrestling regional in the state, the York Dukes showed their mettle at Glenbard East by advancing two grapplers to the state sectionals next Saturday, at Leyden High School in Franklin Park.

Against competition that included five ranked teams, including #1-ranked Oak Park-River Forest, seniors Noah Fleckenstein and Jordan Santiago placed second and third, respectively.

After cruising to the finals with two victories, the #8-ranked Fleckenstein faced #1-ranked Andre Lee from Oak Park. Despite a gallant effort from Citadel-bound Fleckenstein, the talented Lee was too much to handle. The second place finish insures Fleckenstein a #4 seed in the Leyden sectional.

Gritty and gutsy Jordan Santiago fought his way back from an overtime quarter-final loss, to knock off junior Ernest Ramirez of Addison Trail. Luther College-bound Santiago used his superior riding ability to keep Ramirez down on the mat throughout the 3rd period. #26-ranked Santiago received the 9th seed in the Leyden sectional.

York junior Taylor Hoffman just missed upsetting #12-ranked Glenbard West senior Pernevlon Sheppard in the 3rd place match. Hoffman battled throughout the bout but couldn't overcome Sheppard's takedown abilities.

As expected, #2-nationally ranked Oak Park, dominated the competition advancing all fourteen wrestlers to the sectionals and securing ten first place finishes.

Glenbard East Regional Team scores:

#1 Oak Park-River Forest 283 points
#25 Glenbard East 130 points
#30 Glenbard West 123
#18 Addison Trail 112 points
#15 Wheaton North 103 points
Willowbrook 61 points
York 54 points
Leyden 24 points
Proviso East 13 points