For the first time since 1982, the DGS varsity boys wrestling team became regional champions with a record-breaking number of 12 wrestlers advancing to the IHSA sectionals.

“I think it’s a great accomplishment for the program; I know this is the year we [won regionals], but I think it’s been a long time coming,” head wrestling coach Sean Lovelace said. “I feel very proud to be a part of it.”

Lovelace has been a part of the DGS wrestling program for 14 years, and this is his eighth year as the head coach. Lovelace said the past wrestlers, coaches and administrators are what helped build the team over the years.

Senior Jimmy Nugent said the team has been fighting for this opportunity for as long as he can remember.

“In the wrestling room we have all of these boards with records and names… the regional one is the only one that’s not really full, so it’s awesome to be a part of something that hasn’t been done [in a long time],” Nugent said.

Senior Will Schuessler took first place in his bracket after winning three matches. His main focus for sectionals is to advance to state.

“The fact that I was able to win a regional title, especially with my buddy Jimmy was pretty awesome,” Schuessler said. “To have that regional title and [our] names be up there, especially since it hasn’t been done in 40 years is pretty impressive.”

Though 12 wrestlers placed in the top three for their respective brackets at regionals, only four got first place. Lovelace said many have their minds set on first place for their sectional brackets.

“Our goal is primarily to get as many of these guys to the state tournament as we can,” Lovelace said. “We’ve got a good mindset and we’re pretty healthy going into the sectional tournament. There are some kids who have aspirations of placing at state this year, and we know they can.”

Sectionals start on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at Hinsdale Central.