It what many people call the toughest non elite event in Illinois, this year was no exception. We had 35 wrestlers compete in Lemont yesterday at the Bears Bash, 15 of our wrestlers made the finals and 11 came home with a title. Champions included Cortlen Armstrong, Javen Estrada, Donovan Ford, Nick Gantt, Jean -Luc Guerra, Ryan Krestel, Tyler Krestel, Micheal Major, Juwan Robinson, Sebastian Shered, and Ronald Tucker. Next week we are scheduled to attend the Joe Tholl Elite and the little guys will compete at there state event in Joliet. Go Raiders!

The weekend of March 15-17 is midget state. We have a block of rooms at the country inn and suites in Champaign. Please book this ASAP… The room rates are $99 a night with an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast. Country inn and suites 602 Marketview dr. Champaign, il (217). 355-6666. Mention jr. Raiders to get the discounted rate. There are a lot of events in that area that weekend so most hotels are already booked.

For the second year in a row the Junior Raiders won the team title at the Hawk Challenge. 21 out of the 34 wrestlers registered came come with 1st or 2nd place honors. 15 champions included Cortlen Armstrong, Javen Estrada, Dangelo Fernandez, Ryan Krestel, Tyler Krestel, Micheal Major, Robert Major, David Ochoa, Frankie Oliveria, Jimmy Pierandozzi, Juwan Robinson, Ronald Tucker, Josh Vasquez, Nain Vasquez, and Alex Villar. Great job boys !

We had a group of 11 wrestlers compete at the Notre Dame Open in Niles yesterday. We brought home the team title winning the event by 35 points. 8 of the 11 wrestlers took 1st place and the 3 other wrestlers took home 2nd place honors. Champions included Asthon Breen, Rylan Breen, Dylan Burnoski, Josh Dennison, Jimmy Pierandozzi,Baylor Fernandes, Brandon Ramos, and Matt Ramos. Great job boys!

I would like to congratulate our 10 and under team that competed in the Midget Duals yesterday. The Bolingbrook Junior Raiders placed 5th place going 3-2. We lost 2 duals in the pool, 39-39 (criteria) to the South Side Stallions, and to Tinley Park. The team bounced back winning 3 in a row by beating the Astros, Lockport, and Vittum in the 5th place match. Although we had 4 forfeits and had 4 tots, and 3 bantams in our lineup these boys came to compete. I am very excited about the Bantam group of this years team and will make for a great group in years to come. Hats off to all the wrestlers, coaches and parents…..I had a great time! Go Raiders!