This weekend, NIU wrestling hosts its second straight weekend of meet action in the NIU duals.

The Huskies (3-0) swept Tiffin University 36-3, South Dakota State University 26-12 and registered their first win over a Big Ten opponent since 2009 when they defeated the Hoosiers of Indiana 19-13.

The three dual meet victories last weekend were a total team effort as five weight classes went undefeated in last week’s action.

Despite the success of last weekend, coach Ryan Ludwig said there is still plenty for his team to improve on heading into action this weekend.

“Well, we talked about the fact that we felt like we left points out there on the mat on Saturday,” Ludwig said. “Meaning that they were in a lot of positions where we just didn’t quite capitalize and maximize our potential to score points. So we’ve been working a lot on our escapes from the mat [and] actually getting one point for an escape. Finishing every time we’re in on our shots, and of course scoring and controlling the edge of the mat.”

Calumet College of St. Joseph, Loras College and Purdue University will be the other three teams at Saturday’s duals. The Crimson Wave of Calumet College of St. Joseph and the Duhawks of Loras College do not have a team record so far this season. Both teams have only completed in open events where no team score is kept.

The same cannot be said for the Boilermakers of Purdue University, who will come in to Saturday’s action with a dual meet record of 1-1, beating the Monarchs of Old Dominion 29-9 and losing to the University of Missouri 23-9.

Junior Rob Jillard, who wrestles at 149 pounds, said in order to keep the momentum going from last weekend, the Huskies have to do a certain things.

“[We’ve] just got to work on wrestling a full seven minutes and just keeping the momentum going and picking it back up when we need a big win or a big match here,” Jillard said.

Given that for the most part wrestling is an individual sport, Ludwig said it is hard to pinpoint what each of NIU’s opponents on Saturday do well.

“Well, of course you know every match is unique because there’s different style matchups,” Ludwig said. “You know one guy may be a strong and solid wrestler and score very few points, but wrestle a very solid style. Well, other guys may be really electrifying [and] high-scoring opponents and…when different styles clash…different things happen.

“So, up and down the lineup with each of these three teams, there’s a lot a unique individuals. So we’ve got to be able to scout those guys and adjust accordingly…based on our strengths and individuals.”