Rohrbacher gains 6th place at state wrestling
HUNTLEY — Huntley’s IHSA State Girls Wrestling qualifiers, Aubrie Rohrbacher and Natalie Aguirre, gained a place and a career-ending memorable tournament at the state tournament Feb. 28 – March 1 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
Rohrbacher returned with a sixth place finish at 130 pounds while Aguirre picked up one win at 170 pounds. Rohrbacher’s tournament followed a third place finish at state last season.
On the first day, Rohrbacher advanced with two victories at 130 pounds. Rohrbacher, a junior, won by fall over Cahokia’s Teaia Young in 1:13. Then in the quarterfinals she edged Erie’s Michelle Naftzger in a close 3-2 decision.
But in the semifinal, going for a title round match, she fell to Canton’s Kinnley Smith, by fall in 3:37. In the consolation semifinal, Chicago Lane’s Nyah Lovis beat Rohrbacher in a close 4-1 decision. Rohrbacher suffered an injury and could not take to the mat for fifth place, ending sixth.
“Rohrbacher took care of business in her first two matches as expected, and was wrestling really good in the semifinal match before getting caught,” Kosowski said. “After that she got injured I made the decision to injury default the last match.”
“Having placed third last year Rohrbacher had high expectations and fell a little short she would tell you the exact same thing,” the coach said. “It was tough to end the season on that note but I am still incredibly proud of her and the high standards she sets for her self. I look forward to see what she can accomplish next year.”
About Aguirre at state, he added, “she had a very tough draw at state losing to the state champ in the first round. She was able to get a win down at state and cap off an amazing season. Natalie can accomplish anything when she sets her mind to it and it was an honor to get to coach her the last two seasons,” Kosowski said.
The Red Raiders return several outstanding girls wrestlers next season.
“This program has a very high ceiling I look forward to getting not only Rohrbacher back on the mat next season but also Janiah Slaughter (who was out this year). We have some promising returners as well including four sectional qualifiers Brianna Felde, Grecia Garcia, Donna Garcia and Isabelle Singer.”
Aguirre’s results
Aguirre, a senior competing at 170 pounds, had a 1-2 state tournament record for a 39-16 overall finish.
Plainfield Central’s Alicia Tucker beat Aguirre by fall, 5:09. Aguirre won one consolation round bout, over Adrianna Vela of Andrew, by fall in 4:30. But Ryann Miller, of FVC foe Burlington Central, won by fall in 1:11.
