Wrestling (3-3, 0-1 MAC) will play in its first matches since Dec. 19 as it travels to Northwestern for the 53rd Ken Kraft Midlands Championships today and tomorrow.

The Huskies began winter break with a dominating 29-4 victory in a non-conference matchup against the Grand Canyon University Lopes (3-9). NIU recorded only one loss for the day, going 9-1 in 10 matches.

141-pound freshman Steve Bleise will have to earn some respect on the mat this week as he competes against high-ranked wrestlers. Five of the top 10 wrestlers in Bleise’s weight class will compete at Midlands, along with two others in the top 20 ranking.

Freshmen Alijah Jeffery and Austin Eicher will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test and bring home back-to-back wins along with redshirts Gabe Morse and Shaun’Qae McMurty, who is returning this season from injury.