NIU’s wrestling team had a rough weekend, losing Friday to fifth-ranked Northern Iowa 44-5 and Saturday to Central Michigan 27-12.

On Friday, NIU faced a powerful UNI team that earlier last week upset number-one ranked Iowa State.

NIU’s only points against a lineup filled with nationally-ranked wrestlers were at the 150- and 167-pound weight classes.

NIU’s Tim Cocco at 150 pounds scored a 6-3 decision over UNI’s Todd Raymond. Joe Madonia, NIU’s 20th-ranked 167-pounder, battled UNI’s Todd Lappe to a 4-4 draw.

NIU’s 126-pounder, Tino Gonzalez, received praise by coach Ed Vatch for his efforts in an 8-3 loss to Mark Schwab, the nation’s top-rated 118-pounder, who moved up a weight class for the match.

Against CMU, Gonzalez looked impressive again to win a 5-4 decision over highly-regarded Rich Moeggenberg. Cocco was also equally impressive at 150 pounds, posting a 4-2 decision over CMU’s Tim Mansfield.

Madonia decisioned his CMU opponent Kurt LeVasseur 12-6. Freshman heavyweight Mark Kuehl scored a 3-2 upset over CMU’s Steve Adams.

NIU’s dual-meet record so far this season is 2-7-1. The Huskies will go on the road for a Friday, Jan. 29, match at Eastern Illinois followed by the Indiana Hoosier Invitational on Sunday, Jan. 31.