Whatever Huskie wrestling coach Ed Vatch said to his team Saturday after its 36-3 loss to Purdue worked like a charm as NIU rallied to win its two remaining matches.

NIU increased its record to 6-13 with wins over Wright State (28-6) and Wisconsin-Stevens Point (21-20) at the Purdue University Quadrangular.

“Purdue was tough,” Vatch said. “The lack of concentration hurt us. I guess they need me to get on them more.”

As they did last Thursday against Northwestern, the Huskies fell behind early to the Boilermakers. NIU’s only victory came in the 167-pound class as Jon Popp decisioned Chris Lemanski (PU) 2-1, to dent Purdue’s lead 23-3.

Huskie Joe Madonia’s 6-5 loss to the nation’s No. 3 177-pounder, Mike McHenry, sparked Vatch’s attitude toward the senior.

“That was one of the best times I’ve seen Joe wrestle,” Vatch said. “Welcome back, Joe. It’s about time.”

Against Wright State, Vatch’s sparkplug Gene Marino (118) opened with a 6-5 win and was followed by John Griffin (134), Jeff Chumbley (142), Jim Gussman (150), Jim Kossakowski (158), Popp (167), Madonia (177) and Mark Kuehl (HWT) who also earned victories.

“Against Wright State, they (NIU) really knuckled down,” Vatch said. “As a coach it was good because I got to sit back and enjoy the match.”

Vatch was back on his feet against Stevens Point as his squad fell behind 20-11. Marino again started the match with a win, but the next two Huskies were pinned. Chumbley (142) earned a draw and Jim Herdman (150) and Kossakowski (158) each decisioned their opponent to cut the Pointer lead to 14-11.

“Stevens Point is a pretty tough team,” Vatch said. “They’re pretty solid up and down the lineup.”

Rather than forfeit the 190-pound slot, Vatch moved Popp and Madonia up a weight class and filled the 167 spot with Rich Bielek. Bielek was pinned but starting at 177 pounds, Popp, Madonia and Kuehl each won their matches to edge UWSP 21-20.