Web Extra!
Three OPRF wrestlers earned the right to stand proudly atop the winner’s podium at the Class 3A State Individual Wrestling Tournament at Assembly Hall in Champaign on Saturday.
Senior twin brothers Nick and Chris Dardanes won their respective title bouts as did sophomore Sam Brooks, whose older brother, Ben, finished third at 189 pounds.
Nick Dardanes, who won the state title at 130 pounds last season for OPRF, took first at 140, beating Plainfield Central’s Eric Oyster with a 3-2 decision. Chris Dardanes defeated Luke Smith of Wheeling in the closing seconds of the 135-pound title bout with a 4-3 decision.
Sam Brooks defeated Hinsdale Central’s Joe Strocchia 5-3 to win at 160 pounds, while Ben Brooks scored a major decision over Lockport’s Brad Johnson to finish third at 189.
The Huskies now turn their attention to defending last season’s Class 3A Dual Team State title when they host Lyons Township in the Oak Park Sectional on Tuesday (6 p.m.).
For more coverage of the Class 3A Individual State Wrestling Tournament see the Feb. 24 Wednesday Journal print edition.