Marko Ivanisevic
Hinsdale
When did you start wrestling?
Wrestling wasn't big to me until my sophomore year in high school. As a kid I wasn't very good, and I didn't have a lot of wins. I stuck with it, thanks to my mom and dad, and I ended up taking fifth at state my sophomore year. That's when I really fell in love with the sport.
What do you love about it?
Just the grind. I love working hard in the sport. I gave up football my senior year to wrestle more, and that was a tough decision to make. I make new friends at different schools and even in different states.
How have you evolved over the last four year?
I've realized how much it takes to be the best. I remember losing sophomore and junior years in the state semis, and it was really crushing. Ever since then I been focusing not on the reward, but that I'm just going to wrestle my best match and worry about my placement later. I just want to go out and have fun and compete.
How would you teammates describe you?
I think I'm a good leader for them. As a team captain I'm not super-strict, but at the same time I like to have my teammates disciplined. I love to push everyone and make sure that the kids are on weight. (Co-captain Zach Kruse) and I love to make sure the team is motivated to wrestle and keeps a level mind.
What's your goal for the season?
To become a champion and become the best wrestler I can possibly be.
Siblings?
Two older brothers, Stefan and Niko. Both wrestled at Central, and Niko was state runner-up.
How do you kick back?
I love to go up to our lake house with my dad and go fishing with him and his buddies. I also caddy at Ruth Lake Country Club.
Where to next year?
I'm going to the University of Illinois to wrestle.
Why does head boys wrestling coach Jason Hayes like having Ivanisevic on the squad?
Marko's put an extremely large amount of hard work in over his whole career here. Great work ethic, very motivated. He's all in. Once you learn how to wrestle tired, you can go to the next level. And Marko's learned that. He's ready every single match.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
