Huskie wrestlers went into the St. Louis Open last weekend expecting some tough competition.

They got more than expected.

“The competition was phenomenal,” coach Ed Vatch said. “An example is a two-time NCAA champion from Iowa didn’t even make it to the finals. Last year’s tournament’s outstanding wrestler won a gold medal in Seoul last summer. There was a lot of talent there.”

NIU’s only wrestler who placed was Jim Kossakowski, who took first place in the 150-pound division of the freshman-sophomore tournament. “He had a great tournament,” Vatch said. “There was not a match when he was not in total control.”

Kossakowski won all but one of his matches by less than three points. He defeated Wertz (Blackhawk CC) 6-3, Dillon (Notre Dame) 17-2, Harris (unattached) 1-0, Dresser (unattached) 1-0 and in the finals he defeated former high school teammate Matt Korfist (unattached) 3-1.

“It was weird wrestling Matt,” Kossakowski said. “He’s been my best friend for a long time. I’ve never wrestled him before. I was cutting weight to get to 150, and he was putting it on. He’s bigger than ever.”

Some members of the team will compete in the Northern Open this weekend in Wisconsin, but it is not a scheduled meet. “It’s a matter of transportation for most of them,” Vatch said. “Besides, they need the week to heal. They’re pretty banged up. We’ve got eight guys who can’t go live tonight.

“The changes we made last week made a difference on how they felt when they were out on the mat. They had more energy and strength. The five-hour ride down there was tough, but we gained experience. The end of the year is what makes the difference.”