Lake Zurich wrestlers look to tie a school record

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Ty Kapitzky, seen here putting an opponent on his back during earlier action this season, and the Bears wrestling team will be taking on Mundelein on Friday. With a win, they will tie a school record for most wins in a season. | Michelle LaVigne~Sun-Times

Updated: February 20, 2012 8:17AM

Lake Zurich High School senior wrestler Scott Hoff doesn’t stop in the middle of his matches to receive instructions from the Bears’ coaching staff.

It only seems that way.

“One opposing coach (joked) that it appeared as if I was wrestling via remote control for him,” said Lake Zurich coach Dan Strickler. “He’s better than anyone else I can think of in recent years of listening to coach’s suggestions.”

Hoff, who wrestles at 160 pounds, said it’s in his best interest to quickly process instruction and implement what the coaches implore.

“I know that if I listen it will improve my chances of winning,” he said. “When they tell me to look for a move, it’s usually there, and I go for it.”

Hoff was solid as a junior (19-10 overall), and he’s putting together a remarkable senior season. He placed second at the Geneva Invitational on Jan. 7, helping the Bears finish a strong second in the overall standings. Hoff’s record stands at 28-4.

“I knew that he would do well this season, but he’s been better than I anticipated,” Strickler said. “He deserves the credit for all the work year-round work that he put in.”

Added Hoff: “My junior year was a great learning experience. I worked a lot in the offseason on takedowns because I knew that was the best way I could score points. I’m a lot more comfortable this season and know what to expect from opponents.”

Hoff was not the only Lake Zurich wrestler to appear in the finals. Emilio Nava (120), Gresh Henderson (120) and Sean Lynch (138) also secured second-place showings. All in all, it was the best finish the Bears have enjoyed in the Geneva Invitational.

“Emilio is winning by consistently scoring points,” Strickler said. “He constantly goes after it.”

Henderson ran his record to 18-4. Lynch, despite missing the first part of the season because of Lake Zurich’s success in football, ran his record to 13-3.

“For him, the combination of football and wrestling goes hand in hand,” Strickler said.

Senior Zeke Honegger (152) and sophomore Brandon Arteaga (132) each placed third.

“Ten of our kids placed, which really impressed me,” Strickler said.

Heading for 18: The Bears scored three more victories Saturday at the Palatine Quad.

Lake Zurich dominated Palatine 64-4, topped Glenbrook North 46-21 and beat Plainfield North 36-23.

“Plainfield North is a very good team, and we thought that would be the hardest match,” Strickler said. “We talked to the kids about staying focused on winning that last point.”

If Lake Zurich (17-3 overall) defeats Mundelein in the final dual meet of the regular season on Friday, the Bears can tie a single-season school record for victories, with at 18.

“At the beginning of the season, I talked to our team about the dual (meet) record for wins,” Strickler said. “They’ve been focused on that all season.”

Strickler raves about the team’s work ethic and willingness to pay the price in practice.

“We like it when matches (are extended) or go into overtime,” he said. “We pride ourselves on our physical conditioning.”

On Friday, Lake Zurich was credited with an 84-0 win over visiting Lake Forest. The Scouts forfeited all 13 matches.