The girls wrestling team delivered impressive performances over winter break, solidifying itself as one of the top programs in the state and building momentum heading into the conference tournament this weekend.
The break began with a victory at the 40-team Morris Tournament, where the team captured first place overall. Leading the way was Nadia Razzak, who claimed the championship title, while Isabella Rivas, Sharon Olorunfemi, and Audrey Campos each finished as runners-up, helping secure the tournament win.
That success carried into the IHSA State Duals, where the team placed second overall, winning five dual meets before falling in the final to Lincoln-Way Cooperative, a program made up of athletes from Lincoln-Way Central, East, and West. Notably, this season marks the final year such co-op teams will be allowed to compete under IHSA rules. Head coach Mr. Manning, who played a key role in helping pass the new regulation, emphasized that the change will create a more level playing field moving forward.
The team closed out winter break by winning the 38-team Dundee Crown Tournament. Tournament champions included Nadia Razzak and Sharon Olorunfemi, along with Isabella Rivas and Olivia Furlan. Ava Hartman and Justice Girod added strong performances with second-place finishes, contributing to another decisive team victory.
Overall, the team finished the dual meet season with an outstanding 18–1 record, a testament to consistency across weight classes.
With the conference tournament approaching this weekend, the team will face Wheeling and Conant. Wheeling, a familiar opponent, was narrowly defeated earlier this season in the state semifinal dual meet by just six points. All three teams enter the conference tournament with a legitimate chance to win.
“Embrace the grind of the sport, and duels are definitely the most bonding experience on the team—watching each girl wrestle and being mat side to support,” said Anna Villarreal, a senior at Schaumburg High School.
Mr. Gruszka, the coach, noted that the greatest factor behind the team’s consistency across tournaments and duel meets were the practices.
“A tournament is like a bunch of little dual meets happening on different mats. The girls understand that every point matters, especially team points in each round. It was close with Wheeling and it will be close at the tournament, the difference will be how each girl contributes within their weight class and how many bonus points they can score,” said Mr. Gruszka.
When asked about what he wanted this team to be remembered for at the end of the season, Mr. Gruszka said it is overcoming the loss of some very talented seniors from last year (Hope Zerafa, Madyson Meyer and Alya Razzak) and still continuing to dominate during the season.
“I have seen tremendous growth in the girls and there is still more to come,” commented Mr. Gruszka.