NIU wrestling (6-3, 5-1 MAC) triumphed over the No. 22 ranked California Polytechnic State Mustangs (4-9, 0-2 PAC-12) 25-19 in Friday’s matchup.
HOT START
NIU would get off to a hot start in Friday’s matchup. Starting at 125 lbs when redshirt junior Blake West, the No. 13 ranked 125 lb wrestler in the country, won with a majority decision 8-0 over Mustang redshirt sophomore Koda Holeman.
The Huskies would win their next two matchups at 133 pounds and 141 pounds. At 133 pounds, NIU redshirt sophomore Markel Baker pulled off an upset in a tight 7-6 decision against No. 2 ranked Mustang redshirt sophomore Zeth Romney.
At 141 pounds, NIU redshirt sophomore Jacob Brya would win a technical fall over Cal Poly redshirt freshman Kaleb Park.
“The energy was outstanding tonight up and down the lineup,” said NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig. “These guys have been working nonstop to improve on every area of their wrestling and it’s gratifying when they get rewarded for their efforts. Both Blake (West) and Markel (Baker) had nationally ranked wins; they should serve them well down the stretch.”
STAGNATION
NIU lost three of their next five matchups on the night.
It started at 149 pounds with NIU redshirt freshman Collin Arch falling short against Mustang redshirt junior Chance Lamer via a fall.
The Huskies bounced back at 157 pounds with recent MAC Wrestler of the Week NIU redshirt sophomore Landen Johnson securing an 11-0 major decision over Mustang redshirt freshman Gavin Fernandez.
NIU would split the next four matchups with wins at 174 and 197 lbs. NIU redshirt sophomore Tommy Bennett secured a win over Mustang redshirt sophomore Cash Stewart. NIU sophomore Sean Carroll won a 7-3 decision over Cal Poly redshirt freshman Tyler Hodges.
NIU would lose the final matchup of the night when Cal Poly redshirt junior Trevor Tinker secured a technical fall over redshirt junior Jacob Christensen.
Despite this, The Huskies would win the dual 25-19.
UP NEXT
NIU wrestling continues its season against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at 6 p.m. Saturday in Edwardsville, Illinois. The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be updated on Track Wrestling.
