Wrestling: Allen Tunes Up For State With Sectional Title

DOWNERS GROVE—For most high school wrestlers, the sectional meet is the ultimate proving ground, the chance for lifelong dreams of qualifying for the state meet to come true.

Hinsdale Central senior heavyweight Jack Allen is not most high school wrestlers, however.

His dominance all season was on display yet again, as the top-ranked 285-pounder in Class 3A destroyed the competition at Saturday’s Downers Grove North Sectional. Two pins and a technical fall have Allen rolling to next weekend's state meet at Assembly Hall in Champaign with a stunning 42-0.

Instead of sweating his advancement to state, Allen was getting some work in for next week.

“You never overlook anybody,” Central coach Jason Hayes said. “Now, it’s just fine-tuning and making sure he’s ready for next week. That’s the ultimate goal, being a state champion. He’s on a mission. He’s focused. He’s prepared. He’s got a goal to be the state champ, and he’s doing all the right things.”

Allen admitted that it wasn’t his most taxing day, but is ready to get back to work in the room this week before hitting the big stage next weekend.

“I’ll come back this week and push myself in practice to get ready for the big matches next week,” Allen said. “Regular practice schedule, I’m not going to change anything up. I have mixed emotions. It’s going to be fun. I’m ready to go win the big matches. That’s what it all comes down to.”

Allen’s freshman brother, Brian, made quite an impression at 215 pounds, as well. Brian Allen (35-7) placed second after falling, 13-6, in the finals to unbeaten Josh Marchok of Schaumburg (34-0). But it was notable in that Allen opened a 2-0 lead in the match with an early takedown. Those were the first offensive points Marchok has allowed all season long.

“It’s quite an accomplishment, especially at 215 as a freshman,” Hayes said. “They’re used to wrestling in these environments, so these matches are not overwhelming for them. That’s the stuff that you have to do to get to this level.”

Senior Terry Ward (39-3) will join them at state after placing third at 145.

Hinsdale South sophomore wrestler Sebastian Pique had quite the eventful day. First, the 112-pounder knocked off Glenbard North standout Johnny Gosinski in the semifinals. Then he was able to avenge, for the second time this season, his only loss of the year in the finals.

After losing to Glenbard East junior Angelo San Juan (36-7) in the first tournament of the year, he turned around and beat him for the title at Palatine. Then Saturday, he continued his redemption tour with a 13-8 decision in the finals.

“I don’t really like to hold grudges, but I’m really happy,” Pique said. “I wrestled a little sloppy, but it’s not a big deal. I still did well enough.”

Now, Pique heads to state for the second straight year, but this time, with a new mindset.

“Hopefully I can win state now,” Pique said. “Last year, I just went there with the expectation of trying to win a couple of matches and place. But now, I think I can win. I’m a little more confident.”

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