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Roman Janek closed one of the most accomplished careers in Edwardsville wrestling history, while Michael McNamara emerged as the program's next cornerstone.
The pair shared the Intelligencer’s co-MVPs for Edwardsville boys wrestling after helping lead the Tigers to a strong season. Janek also earned the honor as a junior.
Edwardsville set a program record with four state medalists, captured its 15th consecutive Southwestern Conference championship, returned to the IHSA Dual Team State Tournament for the second straight season and finished 13-3 after falling to Montini in the Class 3A quarterfinals.
Janek capped his senior season with a third-place finish at 215 pounds, one year after placing fourth. He finished the season 31-6, including a 4-2 win over Naperville North’s Tavfik Ibragimov in the third-place match.
Janek pinned Seckman’s Asher Bunting in 30 seconds in the 215-pound championship match of the Martin Family Invitational on Jan. 17 to become the 36th Tiger to record 100 career wins.
The University of Central Missouri recruit became a two-time state medalist and finished his career 111-35 with three regional championships, a sectional title and two state tournament appearances.
"To be a two-time state placer, two-time state qualifier and do it in Class 3A, it just speaks volumes about the intensity he brought to the mat and his durability," Edwardsville coach Eric Pretto said. "To finish it off with a third-place medal was a neat way to go out."
Pretto said Janek's physical strength consistently translated into success on the mat.
"There was no one stronger than him on the mat. He was strong in the weight room, but that doesn't always translate to the mat. For Roman, it absolutely did," Pretto said.
Janek's success came against a demanding Edwardsville schedule, which included the Cheesehead Invitational, the Dvorak Invitational and the Martin Family Invitational at St. Charles West.
"It's easy to lose the vision when you face adversity, and especially with our schedule, we're going to challenge them. We're going to go find losses. We're going to put them in uncomfortable positions," Pretto said. "By doing that, when they face adversity at the state tournament, they're able to rebound from it."
Replacing Janek's leadership will be no small task. He was also the Intelligencer’s defensive MVP for Edwardsville football this season.
"It's definitely going to be hard. He's been a staple for us. He's been a leader on the mat. He's been a leader in the weight room," Pretto said. "What he brought to the team is going to be hard to replace. He left big shoes for someone to fill, for sure."
McNamara, meanwhile, continued his rapid ascent by placing third at 106 pounds after posting a 36-8 record and winning regional and sectional championships. He defeated Glenbard West’s Aidan Ortega 4-1 in the third-place match of the state tournament.
Pretto believes the rising junior's best wrestling is still ahead. With a 78-18 career record through two seasons, he is on track to finish with the third-most wins in program history behind Luke Odom (191) and Noah Surtin (183).
"The sky is the limit for Michael McNamara. He loves the sport, and you see that in his face, his demeanor and the way that he trains," Pretto said.
"There's a reason why Michael continues to jump hurdles. He puts himself in position to get better every single day and every single drill. There's not a practice where he does not get better from it."
Pretto said McNamara's passion for wrestling separates him.
"Michael comes from a home where wrestling is important, but it's what Michael wants to do. I think that's the difference between a lot of other people," Pretto said. "Michael truly does have a passion for the sport. He enjoys it. He enjoys challenging himself. He wants to face the best. He wants to seek out good competition."
With two seasons remaining, Pretto expects McNamara to assume an even larger leadership role.
"Michael is going into his junior year," Pretto said. "There are still a lot of other good guys returning, too, but he's going to be one of those big dogs on the block now."
