Getting off to fast starts has been a key for NIU wrestling so far this season.

Through seven dual meets the Huskies have compiled a record of 5-2 and in two open tournament’s the Huskies have had a combined 27 wrestlers make the podium.

One of the catalysts for the Huskies strong starts this season has been sophomore Derek Elmore, who wrestles at 125 pounds.

So far this season, Elmore has recorded 10 pins. Three of those 10 have come in the Huskies seven dual meets and the other seven came at two open tournaments where he finished fourth and sixth in his weight class.

Elmore, the Loves Park, Ill., native said given that he is primarily leads off the dual meets for NIU, he wrestles with a certain mindset.

“So, usually when I start the team off, I know I’m going in the first match and [I try and] go out there and I know if I win it’ll start the team off really good and usually that’s how we start off rolling.” Elmore said.

Elmore said if the opportunity presents itself during matches he does look for the opportunity to pin his opponent.

“Yes it is [something I look for], like if it’s their big I go straight for it,” Elmore said. “Once you get a pin, it’ll give the team [a real boost]. [It will get them] really going since that’s big.”

Coach Ryan Ludwig said having a guy capable of producing six points for the team is a nice asset at the top of the lineup.

“The kid is a competitor” Ludwig said. “You know he goes out and he competes, he leaves everything out on the mat, so I’m always proud of him when he goes out on the wrestling mat, but to have a guy that early in the lineup like that at 125 [pounds] to provide a spark for us is very valuable.”

Junior Nick Smith, who is a wrestler at 133 pounds, said he’s been a big help to the guys immediately following him.

“It’s been awesome having him start out for us, cause he’s really been kicking butt this year,” Smith said. “So, I mean I love having him [as] the guy ahead of me. It helps pump me up.”