During this unprecedented time of social distancing, like many things, we were unable to have a proper banquet to celebrate our season. In more normal times we would meet and coaches would talk about the season and recognize all the hard work of our athletes in the classroom and on the mats. I know this does not replace that, but I would be remiss if I didn’t take a few minutes to put down my thoughts. I have also put together a more robust version of our “Books” to share with everyone electronically. You can download it from this link: 2019-2020 Season
This was a season where many outside of Lockport did not have that high of expectations for our team, this was going to be our “down year.” It’s a good thing that no one told our team that. These young men through hard work showed that expectations are not destination. This year was one of the best seasons in the history of great seasons that Lockport Wrestling has had. A few of the accomplishments our team had:
Undefeated regular dual season, only loss on season to 3A State Champions
Defeated 1A Champions, 2A 2nd, Defeated 3A 3rd and 4th
Back to Back SWSC Blue Champions
6th Straight Regional Championship
30 Wrestlers with Varsity wins
22 of 30 Varsity letter winners on the Honor Roll or High Honor Roll
It is always difficult to say goodbye to our seniors and typically I’m able to speak a little about everyone at our banquet. I know this isn’t a substitute but I feel it is important to share just a sentence or two about everyone individually. Before I do that I want to thank the seniors as a whole for your years of dedication to the program and wish you the best in all your future endeavors. Hopefully we will see you at some meets when you are home.
Brandon Baker - Baker fought back from an injury that took him out all of last season only to aggravate another football injury this year and miss a big chunk of the season. Brandon will be playing football at Rober Morris.
Kyle Boone - Kyle never shied away from competition and wrestled many different weight classes over the last two seasons. On a team full of academic success Kyle led the seniors in GPA with above a 4.0. Kyle will be attending Loyola University Chicago.
Ishmael Curiel - Ish is a kid that you could always know would walk into practice with a smile on his face. He could partner with anyone and be ready to work.
Mikey Kaminski - Looking back at the season Mikey quietly put together one of the best and most dominant seasons in Lockport Wrestling history. Mikey finished his career with a second place finish at the State Tournament, more than 100 varsity wins and he appears on 3 of our all time record boards: Season Wins, Takedowns and Technical Falls. Mikey was the only wrestler on this year's team that appeared at either Dual or Individual State all 4 years he was in High School.
Mikey Kinney - Mikey was our Porter Pride award winner this year. The Porter Pride award is given by the athletic department to the person who best exemplifies Porter Pride. Mikey was always there working hard, holding his teammates accountable and giving all he had. His leadership will be missed.
Andy Navarro - Andy is a great practice partner and a great student. Andy had the second highest GPA for our senior class.
Joe Oster - Joe put together a great season ending up 2nd in Falls, 3rd in Bonus Point wins and 4th in wins. Joe was a match away from being a State Qualifier. Joe was ever present at offseason activities and that dedication showed in his results. Joe will be continuing his career at Joliet Junior College.
Jacob Rosin - Rosin unfortunately spent much of his Senior season injured, but he was able to come back for one tournament. Rosin spent parts of 3 seasons on the varsity, all despite not starting wrestling until High School.
Jameel Salah - Jameel was thrust into the line up after some injuries and you could always expect him to give it his all. Our undefeated regular season would not have happened with Jameel’s comeback pin against Lincoln-Way West making the difference in that dual. What a great way to get your first varsity win.
Pierre St. Fort - This was Pierre’s first season as a wrestler at Lockport and we were glad to have him. He fit in right away and made a lot of strides.
Kaleb Thompson - Kaleb finished his career as a 2x Regional Champion, Sectional Champion and State Placer (3rd and 5th). Kaleb is a fierce competitor and never backed down from a challenge. Kaleb is only the 15th Porter to be a multiple State Placer.