A 23-20 loss to Illinois last Friday dropped the Huskie wrestling dual-meet record to 2-10, but coach Ed Vatch and his squad know that their record is not a true representation of the team’s talent.

“The big thing now is staying strong mentally,” Vatch said. “The kids know that they’re better than the record shows.”

The night began with Illinois’ Paul Sullivan beating Gene Marino 17-8 in the 118-pound match. Referee Rick Johnson was late for the start, so NIU assistant Craig Sterr and a local prep official served as co-referees.

In the 126-pound class, NIU’s John Willems pinned Dan Cowen in 4:38 to put the Huskies on top 6-4. Scott Frego lost by technical fall to Derrick Crenshaw (UI) at 134 pounds and NIU’s Jeff Chumbley (142) lost to Greg Woodcock 7-5.

NIU lost a team point during the 150-pound match when Vatch disputed an awarding of penalty points to Dan O’Brien (UI) for an illegal slam by T.C. Dantzler.

“T.C. had him up and he (O’Brien) was trying to wiggle his way out,” Vatch said. “He may have landed hard, but he’s too good to be slammed and T.C.‘s not that type of wrestler.”

Jim Kossakowski (NIU) narrowed the deficit to 15-8 with a 4-3 decision over former high school teammate Matt Korfist in the 158-pound class. Kossakowski twisted his knee during the match but will be in action for the next meet.

Jon Popp (167) drew 4-4 with Illinois’ Geoff Woodcock and Joe Madonia (177) beat Mike Novak (UI) 14-4 to cut the Illini lead to 17-14.

NIU’s Bill Jepsen was forced to default his second match after returning from knee surgery, increasing the margin to 23-14. Heavyweight Mark Kuehl (NIU) made the final 23-20 with a victory by disqualification over Tim Simpson.

“U of I was the first meet that we were able to go with a full starting lineup,” Vatch said. “The big question is now about Jepsen’s surgery. His knee gave out during the match, but it’s more the muscle below the knee than the knee itself.”

Jepsen will have another chance to test his knee when Marquette pays a visit to Chick Evans Field House this Thursday at 7:30.