Huskie wrestling coach Ed Vatch admits his team still has to turn the corner after its performance at last weekend’s 25th Illini Open Tournament.

“We made a strong improvement from past weeks,” Vatch said. “But there is still a corner we have to turn.”

NIU came away with only two placers from the four wrestlers who earned a semifinal berth. Joe Madonia (177 pounds) took third-place honors by defeating Russ Witzig (SIU-Edwardsville) 5-3. Heavyweight Mark Kuehl decisioned Jason Polz (Illinois) 5-1 for fifth place.

“We came as close to having four finalists as you can come,” Vatch said.

T. C. Dantzler and Jim Kossakowski also made the semifinals. Dantzler (150 pounds) lost 2-0 in overtime to John Messenbrink (independent) in his semifinal match and was eliminated by Phil Rembert (independent), 3-2. Kossakowski was defeated by Mike Novak (Illinois) 4-2 and was pulled from further matches by Vatch because of a pinched nerve in his neck.

“Jim will wrestle-off today (Wednesday) and will be ready to go Thursday,” Vatch said.

The Huskies open their home season tonight at 7:30 p.m. against Chicago State at the Chick Evans Field House.

“We’re excited about the first home dual,” Vatch said. “In the past we’ve had good crowds, and we expect a nice turnout Thursday.

“They’re (Chicago State) struggling a bit,” he said. “They’ll end up forfeiting two weights to us at 134 and 190 pounds. That’ll be good for Bill Jepsen’s knee.”

The Huskie 190-pounder will have surgery performed on his knee next Thursday and will miss anywhere from three to four weeks.

“I feel real good about our guys,” Vatch said. “By the end of the year we’re going to surprise a lot of people who saw us earlier in the year.”