Trojans Put Two in Finals, Eight on Medal Stand at 24th Annual Kraft Tournament

[Triton College Wrestling]

Trojans Put Two in Finals, Eight on Medal Stand at 24th Annual Kraft Tournament

Turner and Marino make finals

River Grove, IL--The Triton College Trojans wrestling team placed eight wrestlers, including two finalists, at this past Saturday's 24th Annual Art Kraft Memorial Tournament held at Triton.

"We call this tournament our pre-national qualifier," said Harry McGinnis, Triton head coach. "This tournament allows us to gauge where we are individually and as a team. The four other teams in our region are here and just about every one each of our teams projects as starters competed today. Fortunately, this is done mid-season, so we have time to improve upon the areas where we are lacking success right now in order to peak for nationals."

Robert Turner (freshman/Sierra Linda/Phoenix, AZ) at 133 and John Marino (sophomore/York/Elmhurst) at 165 both made the finals at their respective weight classes.

"Robert and John are consistently winning and placing for us this season," said McGinnis. "They work hard in the classroom, the wrestling room, the weight room and both of them are working outside of practice every day to be better. Their results continue to speak volumes for them and they are earnest about achieving their personal goals."

Turner earned his second tournament finals appearance of the season and third time on the medal stand since the season began in November.

"I want to be good, so I work hard," Turner stated. "I trust my coaches explicitly and together we've made [these three place finishes] happen. However, I do have a lot of work to do not only to begin winning these tournaments, but to also qualify for nationals and become an All-American this season."

Jim Pellegrino (freshman/Sandburg/Orland Park) placed fifth at 125; Jameel Carter (sophomore/Uplift/Chicago) placed third at 133; Troy Valdez (sophomore/York/Elmhurst) placed sixth at 141 while wrestling unattached; Ryan Fulton (freshman/Taft/Chicago) placed fifth at 149; Pedro Martinez (freshman/Clemente/Chicago) placed fourth at 157 while wrestling unattached; and Patrick Jackson (sophomore/Walther Lutheran/Bellwood) placed sixth at 165 for the Trojans.

Pellegrino, wrestling in his first tournament since November 2, went 5-2 on the day.

"That's a big boost for Jimmy," McGinnis stated. "He's been injured since our first tournament and had a less than spectacular start to his college career. We're hoping this lights a fire under his rear end as we head into the second half of our season."

Also earning wins on the day, but narrowly missing placing, were Tom Angsten (sophomore/Lane Tech/Chicago) at 125; Demond Dubose (sophomore/Bremen/Midlothian) at 133; Stan Whiting (freshman/Joliet Central/Joliet) at 141; Joe Perez (freshman/Ridgewood/Harwood Heights) at 157; Jamal Carter (sophomore/Uplift/Chicago) at 165 and Chad Kirkhove (sophomore/Sherrard/Milan) at 184.

AJ Pascente (freshman/Lisle) at 125; Angel Ocasio (freshman/Morton/Cicero) at 133; Joe Coyle (freshman/Oak Forest) at 157; Larry Juliano (freshman/St. Patrick/Chicago) at 165, Pat Halpin (freshman/Sandburg/Orland Park) at 197; Richard Runyon (freshman/Elmwood Park) at 197; and Darvell Burgess (freshman/Hope Academy/Chicago) also competed.

The Trojans are off from competition, but will be practicing, through the new year when they travel to Oskaloosa, Iowa for the William Penn Tournament on January 4, 2014.

In the meantime, the 51st Annual Ken Kraft Midlands Tournament will feature one Triton College wrestler who has yet to be named.

Triton College is a two year community college in near west suburban Chicago, Illinois. With 82 All-Americans, 15 National Champions, two Olympians, Four Team National Championships and 21 Top 10 Team finishes to date, we are seeking hard working, dedicated student-wrestlers to become part of our historic program and compete against the best teams in the country at every college level. For more information about Triton College Wrestling and Triton College, please visit us on the web at http://www.triton.edu/ and fill out our online recruitment form by clicking here. You may also find us through various social media outlets such as facebook and twitter. You may also visit us in person on campus by contacting Head Coach Harry McGinnis at (708) 456-0300, extension 3784 or by email at hmcginni@triton.edu.