DeKALB — The NIU wrestling team held their annual intersquad Black and Red Classic Thursday night, showcasing grappling talents. The red team took the bragging rights, winning 22-14.

Redshirt senior Andrew Scott and redshirt junior Michael Aldrich fought their way through overtime before Aldrich finally grabbed the 3-2 victory.

Redshirt junior McCoy Kent led the way for the red team, scoring 14 points in his victory over first-year Anthony Gibson.

“I really enjoy watching these guys compete,” said Head Coach Ryan Ludwig. “I know it’s against each other, but there’s still that competitive fire, that pride we saw tonight. I think we were able to surprise each other.”

Redshirt first-year Bryce West fought up from his usual 125-pound weight class to stave off first-year 133-pounder Carlos Champagne.

Redshirt first-year Mason Kauffman pulled off the upset in the 157 pound weight class, battling redshirt senior Zack Velasquaez through four overtimes in a match that left both competitors exhausted.

“There were plenty of takedowns in regulation but neither could actually score,” Ludwig said. “The ride-out, the intelligence and moxie on [Kauffman] to get through that last 30 seconds of overtime was really impressive.”

Both combatants were neck-and-neck in the 165-pound weight class, with redshirt-sophomore Kenny Moore flashing the creativity on the mat, spending large portions of the match hanging upside down off of redshirt junior Caden McWhirter.

“We’re focused on the Michigan State opener,” Ludwig said. “We’re going to keep refining some little simple positions. We’re looking no further than next week.”

Huskies’ wrestling will face a difficult test from Big Ten opponent Michigan State Saturday in East Lansing, Mich. The match’s time has not yet been decided.