Wrestling: Minooka set for dual team finals

By CURT HERRON Email Follow

From 2004 to 2013, Minooka’s wrestling program was a staple at the IHSA dual team finals, advancing eight times in 10 years, highlighted by two second-place finishes and a state title in 2010.

After a few down seasons by their standards, the Indians are back in the mix after rallying for a 33-30 victory over defending champion Lockport in Tuesday’s Class 3A Downers Grove South Sectional.

Coach Bernie Ruettiger’s Indians bring a 25-2 record into the 9 a.m. Saturday quarterfinal meet at Bloomington’s Grossinger Motors Arena against Oak Park-River Forest (23-2). The winner will advance to a 2 p.m. semifinal against either Huntley (23-3) or Glenbard North (24-4).

Minooka has won 19 straight dual meets since falling to Lincoln-Way West, 28-22, on Dec. 1. Its only other dual meet defeat was a 30-29 decision against Mount Carmel.

The Indians only had two state qualifiers, junior Noah Boles and sophomore Drew Gutknecht. Minooka wrestlers with 30 or more wins include Jack McClimon, Austin Markee and Connor Briley.

“It took this senior group a while to believe in us, but once they started believing in us, then everything started going our way,” Ruettiger said. “These guys have battled all year long and have never quit. We want to get back to where going to state is expected from us, and hopefully we’ll keep it going.”