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December 12, 2022

Huntley wrestling coach BJ Bertelsman gives encouragement during a match.
Steve Peterson
Huntley wrestling coach BJ Bertelsman gives encouragement during a match.

Sports • December 12, 2022

Coach’s wrestling dedication led to title; guides HHS hopes

By

HUNTLEY – Huntley boys wrestling head coach BJ Bertelsman recalls one memorable February weekend in Champaign. It was not as a coach but as a wrestler.

“It’s been 25 years,” Bertelsman said when asked about his IHSA Class AA State Meet 275-pound title at the University of Illinois arena in 1998.

It has been a quarter-century since Bertelsman took the top podium spot in the last match of the state finals. The senior from Belleville West completed a 42-2 season with a close 3-2 triumph over Luke Kelly of Dixon for the title and Marco Hernandez of Oswego 6-4 in the semifinals.

“I was glad it was over, then did a cartwheel,” Bertelsman recalled.

Bertelsman took the early lead in the semifinal round. But the finals weekend did not come easily for Bertelsman. “I had a knee injury at state and to have treatment three times with the University of Illinois trainer and the Granite City trainer wrapped my knee.”

His interest in the sport began much earlier during family holiday gatherings.

“My cousin taught me the wrestling basics over Thanksgiving holiday gatherings,” he said. “I went on to win the IKWF title as a fourth-grader. I was a three-time Greco-Roman champ, competing at the nationals in Fargo (N.D.).”

Bertelsman continued his wrestling career at Eastern Illinois University. He then started his coaching career with two seasons at Fenton High School in Bensenville and West Aurora before being hired at HHS 13 years ago, with 12 as head coach. The Red Raiders have won 200 dual matches; five regional titles, two sectional crowns and the 2018 team took fourth place at the IHSA team dual finals.

Bertelsman spoke as his 30th year in the sport dawned. In his 11th season as mat boss, he has notched 200 career dual victories. HHS has won the FVC title for six straight seasons and finished in fourth place at the state team duals in 2018.

“I’m pumped for the season,” the coach said.

HHS season start

The Red Raiders enjoyed a 76-3 win over Cary-Grove Dec. 8,then beat Prairie Ridge, 51-15 in  FVC duals Dec. 9. Huntley beat Downers Grove South, 42-34 and Maine South, 39-30, to claim ninth place at the tough Downers Grove North duals Dec. 10.

Adam Pena led the way at Downers Grove North with a 4-0 record at 126 and 132 pounds. Rafael Sobrepena (138) and Ben Wiley (220) and Markos (285) Mihalopoulos posted three victories.

Returning state qualifier 

Mihalopoulos, a junior, is aiming to repeat his coach’s success at 285 pounds.

“I played football this fall for the first time and that really helped,” Mihalopoulos said. “I get motivated for matches by drinking a lot of water and being in the proper mindset. Last year I was able to beat the McHenry heavyweight in overtime. But at state (0-2), I lost to someone who I had beaten earlier. I want to remember last year and I worked on a lot of things.”