Kane County preps Athlete of the Week: Michael Donatelli

Name: Michael Donatelli

School: Geneva, senior

Sport: Wrestling

Why he was selected: Donatelli won the 160-pound sectional championship at Larkin over Glenbard North's Anthony Marre – taking the lead on a a reversal with 20 seconds left to claim the 7-6 decision.

Donatelli caught up with Chronicle sports reporter Jacob Bartelson about the emotional day, his first state tournament trip expectations and more. Below is an edited transcript.

Bartelson: Has it hit you that you're headed to state?

Donatelli: It was definitely really surreal. Then, it kinda hit me walking into school and getting a wave of high fives and congratulations from teachers and friends. [Also], getting my name announced by my principal. That's when it really hit me like, 'Oh, my God. This is real.'"

Bartelson: Football and basketball generally seem to get the limelight more than wrestling. Does that motivate you to do really well and represent your sport in a good light?

Donatelli: Yeah, absolutely. It's kinda cool knowing that everything you're doing is kinda behind the scenes, but then you work up to that point where you finally get that recognition. That little recognition kinda gives you that motivation to keep on going.

Bartelson: You defeated Marian Central's Luke Silva, then the Class 2A No. 1 a number of weeks ago. Between either sectionals matches and that one, where do they rank for you?

Donatelli: I would say my semifinal match probably surpassed the victory against Silva. In the Silva match, I was up the entire match so I felt very dominant. When I wrestled Fisher, it was a close match throughout the whole thing. It definitely probably was the most memorable match of the season by far.

Bartelson: Obviously the goal is to win state, but do you have any secondary goals heading in?

Donatelli: Knowing this could be my last chance to wrestle and get on the mat, it's really just about to have fun, [and] make the most of my last opportunity in high school wrestling – possibly wrestling forever. [And], making those last couple amazing memories.