MACHESNEY PARK • Harlem High School is set to host the 36th Annual Al Dvorak Memorial Tournament, and “The Dvorak” is still considered Illinois’ premier individual holiday competition—a Dvorak title is always a notch in one’s belt.
With a mix of teams from all three classifications, the tournament always has exciting matchups that could never happen without such a large assemblage. Similarly, and most importantly for the fans, there are always great bouts that later become state championship blood round or quarterfinal or semifinal or even state championship matches in a few months. Having these early-match previews and seeing this type of high-level wrestling only enhances the viewership and friendly pontifications that make each round that much more exciting.
This year’s field consists of 40 teams, 38 from Illinois and two from Wisconsin, and each of the two Wisconsin teams wrestle in the Division 1 classification. In the total collection of programs, 103 wrestlers are ranked in the top ten of their school’s classification, and 55 wrestlers are mentioned in the rankings as ten-plus or Honorable Mention. That means that the overall field will contain 158 wrestlers who are having a season where their dreams may become reality, or at least get close enough to have a chance to grab it.
