Naperville Central High School (NCHS), located in Naperville, Illinois, boasts a rich history in interscholastic athletics. Among its competitive programs, the wrestling team stands out for its achievements and the dedication of its athletes and coaches. This article delves into the history of the Naperville Central wrestling team, highlighting key moments, coaching legacies, and individual successes.
Naperville Central High School main entrance
Naperville Central High School
Naperville Central High School (Naperville Central or NCHS) is a four-year public high school located in Naperville, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. The present NCHS structure is on Aurora Avenue just outside the downtown business district in Naperville. The building is within walking distance of the Naperville Riverwalk park/trail network, and is just north of Knoch Park and the Edward Hospital campus.
Facilities and Renovations
The current Naperville Central building has received building additions in 1955, 1963, 1968, 1987, 1992 and 2009. After a 59% voter passage of a $43 million referendum, the school underwent a massive renovation to completely renovate approximately 75% of the school's footprint. In 2009 ground was broken on the renovation. The renovation had the three-story wing undergo a mix of new construction and remodeling in order to house all major subject areas.
It also moved and updated the learning resource center, it added physical education and music spaces, it reduced building entrances and put synthetic turf on the football field.
Read also: Martial Arts Training in Naperville
Recent Achievements and Team Dynamics
The Naperville Central Redhawks made a significant mark by reaching the IHSA Team wrestling sectional for the second consecutive year, securing their spot after winning the East Aurora regional. A solid outing by the Redhawks earned them a 40-21 wrestling sectional victory over Downers Grove South, punching their ticket to the state series for the first time since 2012.
In a recent season, the boys wrestling team ended with a season record of 24-3. Season highlights included them winning the Hoffman Estates and Mahomet Seymour tournament, and lastly, as well as the DuPage Valley Conference at all three levels. The team placed second at regionals and did not move on. However, eight individuals qualified for sectionals: Freshman Tommy Porter, juniors Leo Keating and Tyler Driessens, and seniors Colin Baumgartner, Kyle Guttosh, Jackson Punzel, Cameron Palmer, and Ben Cianchetti.
Driessens, Baumgartner, Punzel and Cianchetti went onto the state championships at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a three-day tournament starting on Feb. 14. Four boys tied for the most state qualifiers in school history. According to Noah Fitzenreider, head boys wrestling coach, the seniors have taken the direction of the program exactly where it needs to be for the next 10 years, making it the most successful year in this school’s history.
Wrestling Neuqua Valley vs Naperville Central 12.08.22
According to Jackson Punzel, there’s a lot less goofing around, which is really nice, and everyone’s really focused.
Key Matches and Moments
- 190 Pound Match: Jacob Smetters started strong, securing two points against Matt Lapacek.
- Nico Besteiro: He executed a single-leg takedown on Mack Piehl.
- Heavyweight Match: State qualifier Will Erbeck pinned Jacobi Spraggins from Downers South.
- 120 Pounds: Ty Martin of Central quickly went to work against Harris Kelliher.
- 144 Pounds: Hagan Taylor held on against Nick Spirek.
- Late Efforts: The Mustangs showed a late surge with TJ Johnson pinning Yusuf Sikander at 150 pounds, and Connor Kelly from DGS pinning Nic Olvera in the 165 pound bout.
Coaching Legacy: Rob Porter
A significant figure in Naperville Central's wrestling history is Rob Porter, who became head coach in 2007. Porter's extensive wrestling background and coaching experience have greatly influenced the program.
Read also: Central Oahu Jiu-Jitsu Training
Background and Early Career
A 1984 graduate of Mahomet-Seymour High School, Rob Porter wrestled for IWCOA Hall of Fame coach Marty Williams. As a four-year starter, he placed 3rd in the IHSA state tournament as a junior and won the 105 lb. State Championship as a senior with a record of 41-1. He was also a member of Mahomet-Seymour’s team that won the final individual scoring state tournament in 1983 and the inaugural Dual Team State Championship in 1984 and was team captain. Rob was an Illinois Freestyle Champion in 1983 and runner-up in 1984. He was a two time Junior National qualifier. Scholastic Coach Magazine selected Rob as a High School All-American in 1984.
Collegiate and Early Coaching Years
Rob went on to Edinboro University in Edinboro, PA, where he was a four-year letter winner and was ranked nationally by Amateur Wrestling News at 126 lbs. during the 1987 season. In 1990, Rob joined the staff of Mahomet-Seymour at mid-season and guided the Bulldogs through the remainder of the season. He coached at Mahomet through the 2001 season, compiling a record of 254-44-3. His teams placed 3rd in the IHSA Dual Team State Tournament. His team won the individual scoring during the 1995 and 1997 season. He coached 32 state place winners and 8 State Champions. Two of his wrestlers went on to win National Championships (John Lockhart, NCAA; Ryan Berger, Junior National Freestyle). Another of his wrestlers (Mary Kelly) became a World Cadet Women’s Freestyle Champion.
Coaching at Crook County and Naperville Central
Rob then moved to Crook County High School in Prineville, Oregon. His teams placed 4th in the state all three years and had a record of 36-13. In 2007, Rob became head coach at Naperville (Central) High School. He has had a record of 46-33 while at Naperville (Central) and has coached 6 state qualifiers and 1 state place winner.
Accolades and Personal Achievements
Rob continued to compete during his coaching tenure, winning National Veterans Championships in Folkstyle, Freestyle and Greco-Roman. He was USA Veterans Triple Crown Winner in 2010 and Veteran’s World Bronze Medalist in 2001 and Gold Medalist in 2010. In 2006 Rob served as Grand Marshal at the IESA State Tournament. USA Wrestling honored Rob with its Distinguished Coach Award in 2001. He was selected as Intermountain Conference Coach of the Year in 2004. Rob is the son of former University of Illinois and IWCOA Hall of Fame coach Tom Porter.
Here is a summary of Rob Porter's coaching career:
Read also: A Look at Mike Tyson's Legacy
| School | Years | Record | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahomet-Seymour High School | 1990-2001 | 254-44-3 | 3rd in IHSA Dual Team State Tournament, Individual Scoring Championships (1995, 1997), 32 State Place Winners, 8 State Champions |
| Crook County High School | ? | 36-13 | 4th in state all three years |
| Naperville Central High School | 2007-Present | 46-33 | 6 State Qualifiers, 1 State Place Winner |
The Naperville Central High School wrestling team
Conclusion
The Naperville Central High School wrestling team has a storied past filled with remarkable achievements and dedicated individuals. From securing regional titles to individual state qualifications, the team consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence. The leadership of coaches like Rob Porter, combined with the hard work and discipline of the athletes, ensures that the Redhawks continue to be a formidable force in Illinois high school wrestling.
tags: #naperville #central #wrestling