Lemont, Montini advance to state

Updated: March 23, 2011 9:18AM

The "Wrestle Like A Champion Today'' T-shirts worn by Lemont will be on display again Saturday after the Indians advanced to the Class 2A state quarterfinals with a 59-12 victory Tuesday night over Bowen at the Sandwich Sectional.

Lemont won seven of the first eight matches, including two forfeits and finished with 11 victories overall.

"We came out and wrestled pretty well. We were aggressive,'' Lemont coach John St. Clair said.

Lemont winners were Adam Strube (103), Jake Latanski (112), Andrew Mason (forfeit at 119), Bobby Bromberek (130), Gio Schmitt (135), Jake Kaminsky (145), Mark Kirkman (152), Derek Nagel (forfeit at 160), Erik Kirkman (171), Chris Giatras (189) and Arnas Laurinaitis (285).

"Mark Kirkman wrestled really well tonight,'' St. Clair said. "In the individual sectional, he didn't wrestle up to his capabilities. I was glad to see him come back and do well.''

St. Clair also praised Strube, a freshman who won 103 with a 20-10 major decision.

"We asked him to step up and he got his first win on the varsity. That was good to see,'' St. Clair said.

Lemont's quarterfinal opponent will be Chatham Glenwood, which started its sectional match against Mattoon with seven straight pins and claimed a 55-22 victory.

"We had no chance of seeing them during the year,'' St. Clair said. "They're both good, solid programs. Get past them and you're going home with a trophy. And it's gravy after that.''

Lemont took third place in Class 2A last year, losing to Crystal Lake Central in the semifinals then rebounding with a 37-26 decision over Champaign Central.

Montini 49, Lincoln-Way West 18: Three-time defending state champ Montini moved on by knocking out Lincoln-Way West, which won conference and regional titles in just its second varsity season.

The Broncos won five of the first six matches to take a commanding lead.

Montini meets Fenton, a 68-4 winner over King, in Saturday's state quarterfinals.

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