DeKALB — NIU wrestling (5-5) earned a 19-14 win over Central Michigan University (6-4) Friday night, its second victory against the Chippewas after defeating them at the National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals on Jan. 9.
“We want to keep those guys rolling,” NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig said. “ It’s not easy, but we just want to keep trying to get them better every week so they continue with everyone.”
The Huskies started strong at 125 pounds, when redshirt senior Blake West secured a 15-11 decision over CMU freshman Archer Anderson.
NIU extended their lead to 6-0 at 133 pounds when redshirt junior Markel Baker earned a 9-5 decision over redshirt junior Andrew Austin.
The Huskies took a commanding lead at 141 pounds after NIU redshirt freshman Charles Curtis secured an 8-5 sudden victory over Chippewas sophomore Nick Blackburn.
After losing the previous two bouts, NIU responded with a 7-3 decision at 165 pounds courtesy of redshirt sophomore Brett Smith over CMU redshirt senior Chandler Amaker.
At 174 pounds, redshirt junior Tommy Bennett added to NIU’s success with a 15-10 decision over Chippewas redshirt junior Nick Marienfeld.
NIU lost the next two bouts, leaving it up to graduate student Devon Dawson, who defeated CMU redshirt senior Bryan Caves with a 15-7 major decision at 285 pounds.
“It was a great performance tonight in terms of the scoreboard,” Ludwig said. “Tomorrow we have to get back to work on getting better prepared for next week, and that’s going to come very quickly.”
UP NEXT
The Huskies return to action at 7 p.m. Friday against Ohio University at the Convocation Center. Live stats will be updated on Track Wrestling.
