hiring ad
Ensure student journalism survives. Donate today.
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

GALLERY: Wrestling remains undefeated in MAC, takes down KSU and Ohio

Sofia Howell
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Tommy Bennett locks with Ohio University redshirt senior Garrett Thompson on Friday at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. NIU claimed Friday’s matches with a 19-17 win against Kent State University and a 20-17 win against Ohio. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star)
By Sofia Howell, Photojournalist
Jan 28, 2026
NIU wrestling redshirt freshman Charles Curtis is held in the air by Ohio University sophomore Kolten Barker during the 141-pound match on Friday in Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. NIU defeated the Bobcats 20-17. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Tommy Bennett is held down by Ohio University redshirt senior Garrett Thompson during the 174-pound duel on Friday at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. NIU claimed Friday’s matches with a 19-17 win against Kent State University and a 20-17 win against Ohio. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt sophomore Collin Arch holds Ohio University redshirt junior Paul Woo in a headlock while NIU wrestlers and coaches watch intently. Arch lost in the first round of sudden victory 4-1 by decision. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Markel Baker traps Ohio University junior Ryan Meek on the mat in the 133-pound match on Friday at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. Baker claimed the match by winning 4-2 by decision, contributing to NIU’s second win. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt sophomore Brett Smith grapples with Ohio University redshirt junior Jack Lledo in the 165-pound duel on Friday. NIU’s next match is at 1 p.m. on Friday at Lock Haven University. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Tommy Bennett battles against Ohio University redshirt senior Garrett Thompson on Friday at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. Bennett was named the Co-Wrestler of the Week by the Mid-American Conference on Monday. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
Freshman Charles Curtis grapples Ohio University sophomore Kolten Barker on Friday at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. Curtis defeated Barker 4-2 by decision. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Markel Baker battles for control with Ohio University junior Ryan Meek. Baker has a career record of 50-22 since joining the NIU wrestling team in 2022. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt senior Blake West pins Ohio University freshman Brayden Teunissen on Friday in Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. NIU hosted the Bobcats at 6 p.m. on Friday as the second match of a double dual against Ohio and Kent State University. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
NIU wrestling redshirt sophomore Collin Arch eyes his Ohio University redshirt junior opponent Paul Woo during the 149-pound match on Friday in Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center. The next home NIU Wrestling match will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 for Beauty and the Beast and Senior Night against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star) (Sofia Howell)
Tags:
About the Contributor
Sofia Howell
Sofia Howell, Former Photojournalist
More to Discover
More about NIU Wrestling
A graphic depicts various NIU athletes and coaches side by side. Sports Editor Kalin Schaefer breaks down three high points and three low points from NIU athletics in March. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)
SCHAEFER: Highs and lows of NIU Athletics in March
NIU wrestling graduate student Devon Dawson celebrates with teammates during the Huskies’ dual against Central Michigan University on Jan. 16. Dawson and redshirt junior Markel Baker competed at the NCAA Championships beginning on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Wrestling ends season at NCAA Championships
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Markel Baker takes on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville redshirt junior Marcel Lopez during the Beauty and the Beast meet on Feb. 20. Baker won the Mid-American Conference title at 133 pounds at the MAC Championship on Saturday. (Northern Star file photo)
Wrestling wins MAC titles at 133, 285

Sign In

Forgot password?

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.