The ninth-ranked Northwestern Wildcats came into town last night and showed just how powerful they are with a 37-9 win over the Huskie wrestlers.

NU rolled up a 28-0 lead after the first five matches and never looked back. Gene Marino (118 pounds) and John Willems (126) were pinned by Jack Griffin (NU) and Neil Kohlberg (NU), respectively.

“The little guys will come along,” coach Ed Vatch said. “They need mat time, they need to pay their dues.”

At 134 pounds, Ted Yeager (NU) won by technical fall (19-2) over John Griffin, as did Mike Cheatam (NU) at 142 over Jeff Chumbley (17-1). Jim Herdman (150) suffered the third pin of the night to Paul Andreotti (NU).

Things began to turn around for the Huskies (3-12) at the 158-pound spot. Jim Kossakowski earned a 5-4 decision over Toby Willis (NU), whom Kossakowski lost to in the high school state finals two years ago.

“It feels great to win, especially against him,” Kossakowski said. “He whomped me good last year (in a dual meet).”

Vatch was also satisfied with Kossakowski’s performance.

“Hats off to Jim, he beat the guy who beat him in the state finals and beat him very soundly last year,” Vatch said.

Jon Popp (167) ran the winning streak to two matches with a 7-5 win over Tim Spence (NU), who was substituted for Brad Traviolia. Traviolia returned to wrestle at the 177-pound slot, beating Joe Madonia 4-3.

Mark Kuehl won a slim 8-7 decision over Jim Zajicek (NU) in the heavyweight class to seal the final at 37-9.

“Mark showed a lot of heart tonight,” Vatch said. “I’m proud of the guys’ performance tonight.”