Entering the 2012 campaign, most people around the RB wrestling program believed if the Bulldogs wanted to be successful, returning stars Vinny Zaccagnini and Louis Grigoletti would need to perform well and carry the team. As the team passed the halfway point in the season, it appears as if the Bulldogs have several rising stars who are also ready to contribute.
The team has received contributions from many different wrestlers this year, including many underclassmen that show great promise for the future. Sophomores Nick Guirini and Matt Potts have had great success in meets this season, propelling the Bulldogs to excellent performances in and out of conference.
At the Glenbard South frosh/soph invite on December 15th, Potts took second place in the 145lb weight class. At the Buffalo Grove tournament, featuring mostly 3A competition, Guirini won the championship in the 113lb pound weight class; the first Bulldog to win a varsity tournament in two years. The Bulldog’s future looks bright with these two young studs.
RB’s performance in their multi-team meets is what has been most impressive halfway through the season. In the Jacob’s Meet, the Bulldogs finished with a 3-2 record, including tough victories over Dixon, Hampshire, and Larkin, with their losses coming to Jacobs and perennial wrestling powerhouse Huntley.
On December 7th, the Bulldogs had perhaps their best performance of the year in the Triangular Meet against De La Salle and St. Joes. Sophomore heavyweight Lou Grigoletti came up with a big victory to tie up the match as the varsity team trailed late to De La Salle. Guirini clinched the victory and the meet championship with a pin.
Although the young guns for RB have performed well early, it is Grigoletti, Zaccagnini, and senior Danny Russell who continue to carry the Dogs. With only six meets left in the regular season, it is important for the Bulldogs to gain a little momentum heading into the Conference and Regional meets. Zaccagnini, who is 21-2 on the season, has an excellent chance to advance far into the postseason.
“If I want to advance further, I really need to get my team up so that I have support and people to push me further while I’m trying to head to state,” said Zaccagnini.
The Bulldogs have upcoming conference meets against Glenbard South, Fenton, and Elmwood Park, along with 2 larger meets, including the Randy Bowman Invite on January 18th and 19th.
