Wrestling can be the easiest part of Ilia Dvoriannikov’s day.
The Vernon Hills junior is already a two-time state qualifier who placed second in Class 2A in the 165-pound weight class last season.
But when Dvoriannikov emigrated from Russia in eighth grade, he said he knew “zero English” and had to begin to adjust to a different culture.
“I had to learn how to communicate,” Dvoriannikov said. “A lot of people didn’t understand me.”
Vernon Hills coach Jesse Wolter recalls the challenges during Dvoriannikov’s freshman year.
“The language barrier was tough, so it was slowly about earning his trust, and we did a lot of visual,” Wolter said. “I was using Google Translate a lot. He had a rough go.”
Dvoriannikov, who was born in Kaliningrad, said his previous experience prepared him to some extent.
“I changed schools a lot in Russia,” he said. “Finding new friends was not a problem for me. I’ve learned how to communicate with new guys, and I knew (people) would be helpful for me. I just didn’t know English, so it was hard to communicate with my teachers. In Russia, we learned British English, but I was often sleeping in the class.”
There’s no doubt opponents are paying attention to Dvoriannikov (13-1), who entered this season ranked No. 1 at 165 by Illinois Matmen and is also wrestling at 175. His only loss was against Geneseo senior Zachary Montez, the current top-ranked wrestler at 165.
Dvoriannikov, who helped the Cougars win their first Central Suburban League North Division title last season, won his weight class at Vernon Hills’ Cougar Thanksgiving Invitational and Buffalo Grove’s Rex Lewis Invitational so far this season.
“He’s got such grit and a sheer will to win,” Wolter said. “When he gets his hands on you, you are in trouble.”
Dvoriannikov’s fast rise in the sport in Illinois might be surprising considering he had never tried folkstyle wrestling in Russia.
“It was difficult for me to understand because we have Greco-Roman and freestyle in Russia,” he said. “It was a lot of top and bottom. I’m better on my feet. I’ve gotten better wrestling on top and bottom and have a lot more moves to do. I practiced a lot since last season and have seen a lot of progress in my physique and technique.”
Wolter said he has been amazed to see Dvoriannikov’s progress.
“He had never wrestled folkstyle before until his freshman year,” Wolter said. “He got exposed at state on the bottom. We worked on it all offseason to improve his mat wrestling and takedowns. He’s a big thrower, so we had to put that in the bay a bit.
“He would lose his cool in his freshman year a lot. He was good but didn’t take losses well. I’m so proud of his growth since then. He’s so good with his attitude and temper and is in control.”
Wolter said Dvoriannikov announced himself at the 2023 Deerfield Sectional, where he won the title at 160.
“His parents weren’t able to come to any of his meets until his freshman season at sectionals,” Wolter said. “He lit up like a Christmas tree when they came. He was so happy. That’s the meet he had a big upset win over Montini’s Will Prater, which shocked the wrestling world. It was super awesome.”
Dvoriannikov’s mother, Galina, said she’s excited to see her son thrive.
“Wrestling has always been his passion,” she said. “When he steps on a mat, he gives it his all. He sacrifices so much and has so much dedication and love. It’s paying off.”
Dvoriannikov, who said he has been wrestling for 12 years, decided to dedicate some of his time to football this past season. In his debut in the sport, he played nose guard for the varsity team and made 20.5 tackles, including four for loss and 1.5 sacks.
“I really liked football,” he said. “I didn’t even understand how to play football when I started. There were so many (players) bigger than me. I liked it because it made me feel brave when I wrestle bigger guys.”
Dvoriannikov has bigger goals.
“I want to get first place in the state championship,” he said. “I learned last season I have to dominate my opponents, not just win by one point. I have to be tactful.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
