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By DAN SANTAROMITA dsantaromita@shawmedia.com
ADP
Matthew Piechalak – mpiechalak@shawmedia.com
Addison Trail’s Niko Rocha (right) wrestles at sectionals Feb. 9. The junior won his first match at state last weekend.
CHAMPAIGN — Niko Rocha didn’t meet his goal of placing at the state wrestling tournament, but the Addison Trail junior gained valuable experience and extra motivation to push for a high place next year. Rocha admitted to being nervous when he got his first taste of the atmosphere at Assembly Hall in Niko Rocha Champaign for the state tournament. Year: Junior “When I first saw Weight class: 170 it I was real nervous pounds because of how big Record: 38-7 it was and how many people were there, but when I was wrestling it went away a little bit,” Rocha said. “I think it was a little nerve-wracking with how intense it was.” He overcame the nerves to win his first match at 170 pounds, a 3-1 decision over Libertyville’s Austin Koziol. Rocha then ran into Colin Holler of Sandburg in the quarterfinals. Holler was undefeated and went on to win the state title. Rocha fell 12-7. “He was real tough,” Rocha said. “He was lightning fast, but I think if I had a few more seconds after putting him to his back I probably could have won. Not everything works out that good all the time.” Rocha lost his next match in the wrestlebacks to end his season. He was hoping for more from his first experience at state. “It was a good experience,” he said. “I didn’t place. I’m upset about that, but I’m just going to have to come back next year and just do better.” The Blazer junior wasn’t sure if he will remain at 170 or move up to 182 next season, but he did say his workouts will increase now that he knows he has further to go. Rocha is already optimistic and has an ambitious goal for next season. “I shouldn’t do any worse than top three next year at least,” he said. “I’m going to push myself a little harder over the summer to do as best as I can.” Rocha will lead a Blazer team that sent seven underclassmen to sectionals this season. AT shared the West Suburban Gold title and could have an even stronger season next year with that much talent returning.
NED • Friday, February 22, 2013 • mysuburbanlife.com • Press Publications | Northeast DuPage
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Rocha takes aim at top 3 next season