02/29/08 - TOM ARLIS NAMED AREA COACH OF THE YEAR
The Kane County Chronicle named Batavia's Tom Arlis its 2008 Caoch of the Year. Also earning recognition as 1st Team All-Area wrestlers were Logan Arlis (103), Rocco Wade (130) and Danny Watson (160). Congratulations to Coach Arlis and the entire team on a great season. To learn more click here >>>.
02/17/08 - BULLDOGS WRAP UP THEIR SUCCESSFUL 50TH SEASON AT STATE TOURNAMENT
While falling just short of adding to Batavia's list of state medalists, Danny Watson, Rocco Wade and Logan Arlis represented Batavia well at the Individual State Tournament, putting an exclamation mark on one of the most successful seasons in the 50 year history of the wrestling program. These three, along with Matt McCarter, each won over 30 matches this year, tying the record for the second highest number in a single year. As a team, the Bulldogs won three of the four tournaments they participated in, including only their third championship all-time in the Batavia Invitational. They also avenged the tiebreaker loss to Yorkville that cost them the regular season Western Sun Conference title, by dominating the field at the conference tournament and walking away with first place honors.
While we will miss the contribution and leadership of our graduating seniors: Parker Adamski, Travis Anderson, Billy Ayers, Ethan Huggins, Chris Lash, Matt McCarter, Jake Urban and Rocco Wade, we have an experienced and talented group of varsity wrestlers returning next season, and some up and coming wrestlers from this year's Freshman and JV teams who will get their shot in 2008-09.
Thanks to everyone for all your support of the team this year and we look forward to seeing you in the stands again next season.
02/09/08 - ARLIS, WADE AND WATSON "PUNCH TICKETS" TO CHAMPAIGN
Three Bulldog wrestlers battled their way through the field at the tough Naperville North Sectional to earn a spot at next week's State Championship in Champaign. Logan Arlis (103) earned a Sectional Championship while giving only a single point in his three matches and avenging one of his two losses on the season in the championship match. Rocco Wade (130) won a dramatic sudden death overtime match in his semi-final match to advance, and Danny Watson (160) won a hard fought 2-1 decision. Matt McCarter (215) was on track to join the group in Champaign until a knee-injury in his semi-final match ended his season prematurely. To learn more, click the links to local media coverage below:
Kane County Chronicle - Next Stop Champaign
Daily Herald - Emotional Roller Coaster
Beacon News - Batavia's Arlis Wins Sectional Crown
02/02/08 - SEVEN WRESTLERS EARN SECTIONAL BERTHS
Logan Arlis (103), Charlie Ryan (125), Rocco Wade (130) and Matt McCarter (215) earned Regional championships and will be joined at the Naperville North Sectional by runners-up Tyler Patton (119), Danny Watson (160) and Luis Campos (171). The team ended its run our tournament chmpionships with a 3rd place Regional finish. To learn more, click the links to local media coverage below:
Beacon News - Batavia Advances Seven
Kane County Chronicle - STC East’s Schaeffer Pulls Upset at Regionals
Daily Herald - Schaeffer’s Win Helps Saints Take Second
01/19/08 - BATAVIA WINS WESTERN SUN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
The Batavia Bulldogs led wire to wire in the Western Sun Conference Wrestling Tournament, winning their third tournament championship of the year. Five Bulldogs took home individual championships, but team depth was the key as they outdistanced 2nd place Yorkville, avenging a tiebreaker dual meet loss earlier in the season.
Logan Arlis cruised to the 103lb title, moving his season record to 29-2. Charlie Ryan pinned all three opponents on his way to the 125lb championship, and Rocco Wade avenged two earlier losses to reach the top of the podium at 135lb. Danny Watson dominated the 160lb class with a tech fall and first period pin in his two matches, while Matt McCarter won his title at 189lb the hard way with a takedown in the last 3 seconds of regulation. Tyler Patten and Andrew Rudd also made it to championship matches at 119lb and 152lb respectively, and Billy Ayers (140lb) and Luis Campos (171lb) fought through the wrestle-backs to take 3rd place. All nine wrestlers earned All-Conference honors.
Having earned tournament championships two consecutive weekends the Bulldogs seem to be peaking at the right time. With a couple of weeks to rehab some lingering injuries, they now have their sights set on a Regional title against a tough field including St. Charles East and Dundee Crown. To read more click here >>> or check out the links to local media coverage for more on the tournament below:
Daily Herald - Five Bulldogs Win Titles for Western Sun Conference Champs
Kane County Chronicle - Batavia Avenges Loss On Way To Crown
Beacon News - Batavia Holds Off Yorkville For Title
01/17/08 - BATAVIA DROPS DUAL TO WHEATON NORTH
With the conference tournament on the horizon and several regulars rehabbing injuries a number of promising young wrestlers showed their potential in their first varsity experience against one of the top-ranked teams in the state.
Daily Herald - Batavia Gives New Wrestlers Experience
01/12/08 - BULLDOGS CLAIM CHAMPIONSHIP AT BATAVIA INVITATIONAL
The depth of the team was on display for all to see as the Bulldogs won their home tournament for the 2nd time in the past three years. Six wrestlers made it to championship matches, with Logan Arlis (103), Rocco Wade (135) and Danny Watson (160) making their way to the top of the podium. See what the local media had to say about the tournament
Daily Herald - Great Day to be a Bulldog
Kane County Chronicle - Batavia Wins its Own Invitational
01/11/08 - BATAVIA FINISHES CONFERENCE SEASON WITH 6-1 RECORD
Batavia wrapped up its conference dual meet schedule with victories over Glenbard South and Kaneland on consecutive nights. Except for a loss on criteria (tiebreaker) to Yorkville, the team's record was unblemished, and with the conference tournament coming up next week they have another opportunity to lay claim to the conference crown. Coach Arlis rested a lot of his regulars for the last two dual meets, so the scores were deceptively close. Freshmen Steve Cherry, Max Christianson and Augie Watson all earned wins, with Cherry picking up a pair of pins. Matt Goodin and Nathan Wieske also got their first varsity experience. Check out the press coverage of the Bulldogs win over their rival Kaneland.
Daily Herald - Batavia Knocks Off Kaneland
01/05/09 - BATAVIA 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IS A SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE MAT
Over 100 former wrestlers and coaches, including the original head coach Jerry Linton and five wrestlers from the very first wrestling team, joined together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Batavia Wrestling. They were rewarded with some very exciting wrestling and a very memorable reception. To read local press coverage of the match click here >>>
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12/27/07 - BATAVIA WRESTLERS DEFEAT MARMION AND MORTON
Batavia ended the year on a high note, winning both matches in their tri-angular with Marmion and Morton despite having a couple of regulars out of the line-up with injuries.
In the first dual of the day the Bulldogs faced Morton. After losing the opening match at heavyweight, freshman Steve Cherry gave the team its first lead with a fall at 103. Logan Arlis won a 9-7 decision at 112, and Tyler Patton won by fall at 119 to increase the team score to 15-3. Morton crept back into it with decisions in the next two weight classes, but Rocco Wade got things back on track with a 9-2 decision at 135. Billy Ayers continued his recent success with a 2nd period pin at 140. Jake Urban and Andrew Rudd followed his example, delivering pins at 145 and 152 respectively. Danny Watson finished the scoring for Batavia with a 15-5 major decision at 160. Final score was 40-24.
In the second match Batavia faced off against a talented and hungry Marmion team. The match turned out to be a real nail-biter and one where bonus points would provide the margin of victory. After receiving a forfeit victory at 112 the Bulldogs lost four consecutive matches to dig themselves a 10 point hole. Billy Ayers broke the string of losses with a decisive 13-4 major decision at 140. Marmion won by major decision at 145 to restore their 10 point margin. Things started to turn back the Bulldogs way with Andrew Rudd’s pin at 152. Danny Watson followed suit with a pin at 160, giving the team a lead it would not relinquish. Luis Campos completed the hat-trick with a pin of his own at 171, increasing Batavia’s lead to 28-20. Matt McCarter’s hard fought 1-0 decision at 189 was a critical and hard fought decision, and after a loss at 215, Jake Hilliard sealed the victory with an 8-3 decision at heavyweight. Final score was 34-29.
Winners of both matches of the day were Logan Arlis, Billy Ayers, Andrew Rudd and Danny Watson.
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12/15/07 - WADE AND MCCARTER REPEAT AS CHAMPS AND SPARK BATAVIA'S STRONG SHOWING AT THE RUS ERB WRESTLING INVITATIONAL
Batavia’s wrestling team placed 3rd at the 16-team Rus Erb Wrestling Invitational held at Glenbrook South. The team placed in nine of fourteen weight classes, and was paced by a very strong showing from the seniors on the team.
Leading the way were Rocco Wade (135) and Matt McCarter (189), who both made return trips to the top of the medal podium after claiming championships at the same tournament a year ago. Wade won a 1-0 thriller, riding his opponent for the entire third period to win his final match. McCarter got takedowns in the final seconds of the 1st and 2nd periods and also rode out his opponent in the 3rd period for a 5-0 decision in the championship match. Fellow seniors Ethan Huggins (215) and Bill Ayers (140) placed 2nd and 3rd respectively, with Ayers finishing with a flurry, pinning his last two opponents of the day after trailing in both matches. Logan Arlis (103) cruised to the championship match where he battled the #1 ranked wrestler in the country at this weight class, losing a hard fought 5-2 decision. Danny Watson went 4-1 in the tournament placing 3rd, his only loss also coming at the hands of a highly ranked wrestler. Other place winners were Andrew Rudd (152) who placed 5th and Tyler Patton (119) and Luis Campos (171) who both placed 6th.
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12/13/07 - BULLDOGS BOUNCE BACK AGAINST SYCAMORE
Still smarting from their tiebreaker loss to Yorkville the night before, the Bulldogs took out their frustrations on a young, but talented Sycamore team in their first home meet of the season. The team built a big early lead though the middleweights and cruised to their third conference victory of the season.
Charlie Ryan got the team jump started with a dominating showing at 130, culminating in a 3rd period pin. After a tough overtime loss at 135, Billy Ayers executed an ankle pick to perfection to pin his opponent in what was a close match at 140. A Sycamore forfeit at 145 was followed by a quick first period pin by Andrew Rudd at 152. After Danny Watson's 18-4 major decision at 160, the Buldogs had already built a commanding 28-3 lead. Matt McCarter also delivered an impressive major decision at 189 winning 17-4, and Ethan Huggins looked good in his 10-3 decision at 215. Continuing a pattern, Logan Arlis also earned the team bonus points with a 11-3 major at 103, and Tyler Patton continued his string of strong performances with a 2-1 victory at 119. Ryan Colby added an exclamation mark in the final match of the night with his second pin in as many nights. The final score for the meet was 48-19.
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12/12/07 - BATAVIA TIES YORKVILLE IN CONFERENCE ACTION; LOSE ON TIEBREAKER
The Bulldogs returned to conference action with a much anticipated matchup with Yorkville. The team score went back and forth all night, with wrestlers from both teams securing dramatic and hard fought victories.
The night began at 160, and the Yorkville Foxes got off to a fast start with a fall. The Bulldogs pulled even with a strong performance from Luis Campos (171), and a dramatic triple-overtime victory by senior captain Matt McCarter at 189. At 215 and 285 both Ethan Huggins and Jake Hilliard respectively fought to the bitter end, but both ended up losing by a single point. Hilliard was particularly unfortunate to be called for stalling with a 1 point lead and only 2 seconds left in regulation. Logan Arlis evened the match again with a quick pin at 103. A Batavia forfeit at 112 put the Foxes back on top, but then a string of three successive pins delivered by Tyler Patton (119), Charlie Ryan (125) and Ryan Colby (130) gave the Bulldogs a commanding twelve point lead. However, Yorkville was not done, and after a decision and two pins was back on top by three points going into the last match of the night at 152. In this match, Andrew Rudd fought hard to get the decisive pin against his ranked opponent, but had to settle for a 9-7 decision. This tied the team score at 33 a piece, and the match was decided by the 5th in a series of tiebreakers that govern high school wrestling. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs the tiebreaker went Yorkville's way, and they were awarded another team point for a 34-33 victory. While this was no doubt a disappointing loss for the team against a rival, it should provide plenty of incentive to continue working hard with the goal of turning the tables on the Foxes at the conference meet in January.
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12/09/07 - BATAVIA WRESTLERS VICTORIOUS AT DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH TOURNAMENT
After fighting tooth and nail with a talented Hinsdale Central team throughout the day, the Bulldogs finally prevailed and were crowned team champions of the nine-team Downers Grove South tournament. As is often the case in such a close battle, the final outcome hinged on a handful of head to head matches. Entering the championship and 3rd place matches with a slim 2 point lead, juniors Andrew Rudd (152) and Danny Watson (160) both defeated wrestlers from Hinsdale Central in championship matches, helping swing the final outcome in favor of the Bulldogs. Joining this pair at the top of the podium with 1st place finishes were sophomores Logan Arlis (112) and Tyler Patton (119).
Overall the team wrestled exceedingly well with 11 of 14 wrestlers earning spots in a championship or 3rd place match. Runners-up included Billy Ayers (140), Parker Adamski (145) and Matt McCarter (189). Third-place honors were received by Charlie Ryan (125) and Rocco Wade (135) and fourth place by Ethan Huggins (215) and Jake Hilliard (285). The combined record of all wrestlers on the day was an impressive 31-15.
Other teams participating in the tournament were Bolingbrook, Downers Grove South, Downers Grove North, Wheaton-Warrenville S., Rockford Boylan, Elk Grove and Oswego.
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12/01/07 - BULLDOGS LOCK HORNS WITH DEFENDING STATE CHAMPS AT NAPERVILLE NORTH QUAD
In the first of three matches on the day, Batavia had a strong showing against three-time defending AA State Champions Sandburg High School. Starting at heavyweight, Jake Hilliard gave the Bulldogs an early 6-0 lead with a third period pin. Logan Arlis duplicated the feat at 112, extending the lead to 12-3. After losses in the next three weight classes, Rocco Wade wrestled an outstanding match at 135, beating his highly ranked opponent 6-4 in overtime. This brought the team back within a point of Sandburg. The final Batavia victory came at 152, where Andrew Rudd came back in dramatic fashion from a 3-0 deficit in the 3rd period to win 7-3. The final score was 17-42.
The team bounced back quickly against their second opponent Naperville North, earning a convincing 41-22 victory. Logan Arlis was the first to score with a fall at the end of the first period, and was followed by a 6-2 decision by Tyler Patton at 119. The Bulldogs were leading 15-11 as we reached the 135lb weight class, at which point Rocco Wade, Billy Ayers and Andrew Rudd won three of the next four matches by pins giving the team a comfortable lead. Danny Watson won by a technical fall at 160 and Matt McCarter finished the scoring with a 3-1 decision at 189.
The last match of the day pitted Batavia against Lyons Township and was a very close fought affair. Logan Arlis and Charlie Ryan both won by major decision in the first three matches, and after Rocco Wade’s 8-5 decision the Bulldogs were in the lead 11-10. Andrew Rudd was the next to score for Batavia with a first period pin at 152 tying the match at 17 a piece. Danny Watson won with 5-0 decision to team regain the lead. The teams then traded pins at 171 and 189, with Matt McCarter doing the honors for Batavia. Losses at 215 and heavyweight put the match out of reach, but the meet did end on a positive note, with freshman Steve Cherry earning his first varsity non-forfeit victory at 103.
Overall it was an exciting day of wrestling against some top-flight competition and is the type of experience that will benefit the team as they move into the meat of their conference and tournament schedule.
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11/30/07 - McCARTER AND HUGGINS SEAL CONFERENCE WIN IN DEKALB
The Bulldogs opened their Western Sun Conference season with a 36-25 victory against a tough DeKalb Barbs team at a meet held at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center. In a see-saw battle, the heavyweights led by seniors Matt McCarter and Ethan Huggins, came up with crucial pins at 189 and 215 to secure the win.
Logan Arlis put Batavia on the board with a 5-1 decision at 112. Tyler Patton and Ryan Colby followed with pins at 119 and 125, with Colby dispatching his opponent in 0:48. The Barbs then went on a run of the own winning the next four matches, and it was not until Andrew Rudd's 10-5 decision at 152 that the Bulldogs got back on the winning track. Danny Watson followed with a convincing 13-6 victory to bring the team within a single point, but with a loss at 171, the Dogs were down by 4 points with three matches remaining. At 189, Matt McCarter controlled his match from the whistle, and in a dramatic finish, pinned his opponent with 4 seconds left for an all important 6 points. With the team up by two, Ethan Huggins also got a third period pin in a close match to guarantee the team a victory. Jake Hilliard finished the night on a high note with an 8-6 decision at heavy weight.
To see some pictures of the action click here >>>
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11/24/07 - BATAVIA SWEEPS NAPERVILLE CENTRAL QUAD
Fresh off what was for most of the wrestlers a small helping of Thanksgiving fare, the team started fast and didn't quit until they had completed a sweep of Downers Grove South, Lane Tech and host Naperville Central. Seven wrestlers won all three of their matches including Sophomores Logan Arlis (112) and Tyler Patton (119), Juniors Charlie Ryan (130), Andrew Rudd (152) and Danny Watson (160), and Seniors Matt McCarter (189) and Ethan Huggins (215).
The Bulldogs opened the quad facing Downers Grove South, and starting at 152, Andrew Rudd set the tone for the day with a second period pin. This was followed by Danny Watson's hard fought decision at 160, and a major decision from Matt McCarter at 189. Ethan Huggins' 5-3 victory at 215 increased the Bulldogs' lead, and after a couple of forfeit victories at 103 and 112, the team had a commanding 28-9 lead. At 119, Tyler Patton won his first varsity match with a pin, the first of four consecutive pins produced by Ryan Colby, Charlie Ryan and Rocco Wade. Final score was 52-15.
Next up was Lane Tech, and the Bulldogs continued to roll, winning 11 of 14 individual matches. Beginning at 160, Danny Watson got things started with a pin. With a forfeit victory at 189, and two hard fought decisions at 215 and Heavyweight from Ethan Huggins and Jake Hilliard respectively, the team had built a commanding lead. Back at 112, Logan Arlis made the scoreboard look like a pinball machine as he racked up a 21-6 tech fall early in the 2nd period. The Bulldogs continued to accumulate extra pinning points as Tyler Patton, Rocco Wade, Billy Ayers and Andrew Rudd all dispatched their opponents in short order. Final score was 59-15.
The final match of the day was a much anticipated match up with Naperville Central, a Regional Champion in 2007. This proved to be much more of a test for the Bulldogs, but one they would ultimately pass. The team was down early, but close decisions earned by Matt McCarter and Ethan Huggins kept things close. By the time the match reached 112 lbs, it was tied at 12 a piece. Logan Arlis gave the team the lead with a 3rd period pin, and Tyler Patton added to the lead with a major decision at 119. At that point Naperville Central rallied, winning 4 of the next 5 matches, with the lone Bulldog victory delivered by Charlie Ryan with a pin at 130. Entering the last two matches of the day, the Bulldogs trailied by 4 points and the match hung in the balance. At 152, Andrew Rudd restored the Bulldogs lead with his third pin of the day, and Danny Watson's 3-2 decision at 160, sealed the Bulldogs 37-30 victory.
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11/21/07 - BULLDOGS HANG TOUGH IN OPENING QUAD
The Bulldogs opened their season at Glenbard North in a quad featuring the host, the #1 ranked team in the Chicago Tribune's pre-season rankings, as well as perennial powers Lincoln Way Central and Minooka. While the team dropped all three matches, they showed they can compete with some of the top teams in the state, and racked up a number of individual highlights.
The season got off on a high note against Lincoln Way Central with a 7-5 decision by Jake Hilliard (Jr.) at Heavyweight followed by a first period fall from Logan Arlis (So.) at 103. Charlie Ryan (Jr.) also recorded a fall at 125, putting the team ahead 15-12. At this point LCW took control of the match, and it was not until Co-Captain Danny Watson (Jr.) got a last second reversal and a 4-2 victory at 160, that the Bulldogs got back into the winning column. Co-Captain Matt McCarter (Sr.) earned the last win of the match with a 4-2 victory at 189. Final score was 21-46.
Aganist Minooka in the second match of the night, Logan Arlis started the match with his second fall of the night. The next Bulldog to score was Co-Captain Rocco Wade with a 12-3 major decision at 130. Danny Watson also got his second win, a major decision at 160. At 171, Luis Campos (So.) earned his first varsity win, with a dramatic 12-7 overtime victory. Matt McCarter added a fall at 189 bringing the team score to 23-33. Still in striking distance Ethan Huggins (Sr.) lost a close overtime match at 215, ending the Bulldogs chance of victory. Final score was 23-39.
The final match of the night pitted the Bulldogs against top ranked Glenbard North. While Rocco Wade's hard fought 6-4 victory at 130 was the only win in the first seven matches, both Charlie Ryan at 125 and Billy Ayers at 145 put up a very strong fight against a 2007 state champion and 4th place finisher respectively. The tide started to turn at 152, where Andrew Rudd (Jr.) pinned his opponent, a junior national qualifier, in the second period. At 160, Danny Watson stayed close to Vince Ramos, a recent Indiana University signee and 3 time state placer, and ended up losing in a decision. Luis Campos, buoyed by his OT win against Minooka, dominated his opponent in a 12-6 victory at 171. After a forfeit win at 189, Ethan Huggins kept things going for Batavia with a fall at 215, and with another forfeit victory at Heavyweight, the Bulldogs were back in it, down only six points with one match remaining. In the last match of the night, Logan Arlis, needing a pin, gave a tremendous effort, but could not secure the last six points. Final score was 30-39.
This meet is annually a great measuring stick for the team and should be something they can build on as they move forward this season.
For pictures from the Quad, check out the Photos section of the website >>>
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11/10/07 - START OF PRACTICE
This week marked the first week of practice for the Bulldogs and the team is working hard in preparation for the upcoming season. Coach Arlis has always liked to schedule a very tough pre-conference schedule, and this year is no exception. So if you enjoy seeing top flight wrestling in a great atmosphere, mark your calendar for the day before Thanksgiving, and join us at Glenbard North for a quad meet with perennial powers Glenbard North, Minooka and Lincoln Way Central. There will be a whole host of past and potential state qualifiers competing, and this quad is rated by Illinoismatmen.com as the first “must see” meet of the season in Illinois. We hope to see you there!!
Also, check out the photo section of the website for a few shots from a recent practice >>>.
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