Gimme 5: Sandburg's Argueta Wrestles with College Decision

From a young age, Dan Argueta has had a passion for wrestling. Now, in his senior year at Sandburg, he remains focused on the sport he loves as the Eagles prepare for the dual-team state tournament this weekend in Bloomington.

And he envisions the end of his high school mat career as the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

"I used to play football, but I stopped playing after freshmen year," Argueta said. "I continued wrestling at the varsity level. I like the individual aspect (of wrestling) and that size doesn't really matter."

Argueta started wrestling when he was around 6 or 7 years old. His sister's boyfriend, Pete Friedl, wrestled for Sandburg and was a state champion in his senior year. Friedl inspired Argueta to take to the mat and follow in his footsteps. 

And Argueta has done just that. He took fifth-place in the 140-pound weight class at the Class 3A individual state tournament last weekend in Champaign. He is hoping to bring home a gold medal from the dual-team state tourney.

Argueta boasts a record of 43-9. The Eagles (26-3) face Barrington in an 11 a.m. quarterfinal Saturday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Glenbard North and Minooka loom as potential opponents in the semifinals and finals.

"The best part is the postseason," Argueta said. "Regionals, sectionals and then getting state medals with four of my really good friends and teammates."

Argueta said he spends most of his team away from the mats with his fellow Eagles. They have grown up together in a wrestling family.

"I usually hang around with my teammates," he said. "We're all really close and we see each other a lot."

Argueta plans to continue wrestling in college, although he hasn't decided whether he will attend the University of Wisconsin-Parkside or North Central College in Naperville.

While he continues to grapple with that decision, he also continues to put his best foot forward on the mat for Sandburg.

Download the movie