Just two contests into the season, the OPRF wrestling team has already made its mark as the top contender in the state.
After pummeling St. Patrick 52-12 on Nov. 26 in front of a large home crowd estimated to be more than 500, the Huskies rolled into the highly-competitive, 32-team Feutz Cougar Classic-also known as the Conant Invitational-last weekend and dominated the competition. OPRF, who has never finished first at Conant before, even took then No. 1-ranked Providence to task with a 245-229.5 victory on Saturday.
Four OPRF wrestlers won their divisions-Nick Dardanes (135-pound weight class), Ellis Coleman (140), Danny Martin (152) and Sam Brooks (160). Chris Dardanes finished second in the 130-pound weight class, while both Ben Brooks (189) and Matt Monson (215) took third place in their divisions.
Against St. Patrick, Chris Dardanes, Nick Dardanes, Coleman, Ben Brooks, and Aaron Minnis had pins for the Huskies.
OPRF hosts York on Friday for its West Suburban (Silver) Conference opener (7 p.m.). The team also hosts Addison Trail, Conant and Notre Dame for a quad on Saturday at 10 a.m.