By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Jeremy Johnsohn, 4th year.

Coaching Staff: Austin Reese, Mike Ryba, Robbie Sagaris, Mike Traveligante, Scott Meyer.

2024-25: 10-2 dual record, 2nd in Suburban League American Division.

Returning Lettermen (8): Drake Brasiel, sr.; NIck Turba, sr.; Michael Kennedy, sr.; Hunter Sabatino, sr.; Grant Eaton, jr.; Dan Collation, jr.; Nate Blaser, jr.; Caden Peterson, soph.

Lettermen Lost (6): Johnny Green, Luke Green, Cole Walton, Cole Munn, Gio Kaplan, Matthew Copley.

League: Suburban League American Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Aurora’s lineup features some experienced and talented wrestlers who head coach Jeremy Johnson believes can place at the district tournament and state championships, but he also offered that there is also a blend of newer wrestlers who still need to be molded.

“With our good leadership, I think we can make improvements week by week,” said Johnson, who is in his 11th year coaching wrestling and fourth with Aurora.

WE CAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“If we can continue to improve week by week.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS

(106-132 POUNDS)

Senior Nick Turba spotlights the group after earning a state-alternate distinction last season in what was a breakout year for him.

This season, Turba will wrestle at 120 and 126 this season.

Brothers Caden and Chase Peterson will fill out at 106 and 120, respectively.

“They put a lot of time in during the off-season, wrestling in freestyle and other extra tournaments. We are excited to see them get going this year.”

Also in the mix are Hunter Sabatino at 126 and Dan Culliton at 132.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

(138-165 POUNDS)

Drake Brasiel recently signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his career at Newberry College in South Carolina.

Johnson describes Brasiel as the team’s “leader in the locker room.”

Brasiel is a two-time state qualifier and placed eighth overall last year at 157.

At 150, Grant Eaton returns after being a state alternate last year.

Eaton is a hard worker in the room, which has allowed him to continue to improve season to season.

Michael Kennedy will wrestle at 157 after placing third at the district tournament a year ago.

Nate Blaser will be in the lineup at 138 and Gavin Acomb at 144.

“We are excited for Nate and Gavin to have an opportunity to make the varsity lineup. They will have a chance to take advantage of it, to step in and make an impact.”

UPPERWEIGHTS

(175 POUNDS-HEAVYWEIGHT)

Three freshmen and a junior round out the lineup entering the season.

Rocco Santin (175), Adin Bernat (190) and Max Meyers (215) all enter as freshmen with an opportunity to make an impact.

“Being an underclassmen in the upperweights can be challenging at times, but as long as they are learning, that early exposure is going to be important and can be a positive experience. Instead of being frustrated, we can focus on seeing improvement and growth.”

Junior Luca Fontant, who is one of the football program’s top lineman, returns to the sport and will wrestle at heavyweight.

“We are excited to have Luca back in the program.”

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL?

“We have a mixed group of experienced and younger wrestlers. We will be looking for improvement week by week and leadership from our seniors is key.”

TEAM CAPTAINS

Drake Brasiel, sr.; Nick Turba, sr.; Michael Kennedy, sr.; Hunter Sabatino, sr.; Steven Voytilla, sr.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Highland is the team to beat for the conference title this year.”