The Saint Patrick wrestling team is excited about their potential heading into the 2006-07 campaign. The Shamrocks return a state champion and five East Suburban Catholic Conference placewinners off a team went 6-1 and finished second in the E.S.C.C. last year.

Senior Joe Fagiano leads the way for the Shamrocks. Fagiano went 45-2 at 215 pounds as a junior, capturing the IHSA State Championship, IHSA Sectional Championship, IHSA Regional Championship, and E.S.C.C. Championship. Fagiano placed first at both the Barrington Tournament and the Buffalo Grove Tournament, while finishing third at the Dvorak Invitational. This year Fagiano has slimmed down to 189 pounds, as he looks to capture his second consecutive state title. Fagiano has signed a National Letter of Intent, and he will wrestle on a scholarship for the Hoosiers of Indiana University next season.

In addition to Fagiano, the Shamrocks return a crop of talented wrestlers. Senior Brian Ridley posted a record of 25-18, won a Conference Championship, and narrowly missed a trip downstate by placing fourth in the IHSA Sectional. Senior Marty LaBelle, as well as sophomores Jimmy DiNino and Matt Ortega were all E.S.C.C. place-winners last year. Transfer Jon Schiewe won a Regional Championship for Gordon Tech. last year, and he is ranked ninth in the area at 130 pounds by www.illinoismatmen.com.

Much of the Shamrocks’ success this year will depend on how fast their young wrestlers are ready to compete at the varsity level. Richie Schak, Bobbby Petracco, Anthony Sciaccotta, Bobby Furlan, Robert Peters, Joe Rau, Joe Romano, Steve Rategan, Nels Adams, and George Vitzileos round out the Shamrock lineup. This group’s continued development is essential.

The Shamrocks wrestle one of the toughest schedules around, facing seven of the top 20 teams in the area in dual meets this season, including #1 Montini, #2 St. Rita. #7 Marist, #10 Oak Park-River Forest, #12 Mount Carmel, #14 Grant and #20 Wheeling.