Youth is not a disadvantage. At least, that’s what the NIU wrestling team has found this season.

NIU has relied on big contributions this year from its young wrestlers, and MAC-ranked T.J. Wunnicke is one of those guys.

A two-time state champion in high school, Wunnicke has made an impression in his freshman season. The 125-pounder is currently ranked No. 3 in the MAC in his weight class.

But this season has had its difficulties for the freshman.

“In high school, I was used to winning matches by a lot more. I’ve lost more in the beginning of this season than I did my whole high school career,” Wunnicke said. “I’ve kind of started to get used to it.”

Wrestling was part of life for Wunnicke. His father, Tim Wunnicke, was his coach in high school. Brothers Cole and Bobby have won a combined seven Wisconsin high school state championships. Bobby Wunnicke is the No. 1 recruit in Wisconsin.

But the high school senior won’t be separated from his older brother for long, as he will join T.J. and the NIU wrestling team next fall.

“I’m really excited for that,” Wunnicke said. “I’m really glad he decided to come here.”

“It’s a matter of just getting to know the wrestlers and their families,” said Dave Grant, NIU head coach. “We really try to get guys who are coachable and are hungry.”

T.J. Wunnicke was also highly recruited. Schools like Wisconsin and MAC-rival Central Michigan (currently ranked No. 9 in the nation) bid for his services, but he decided on DeKalb.

“I liked the coaching staff, and I got along with the guys pretty good,” Wunnicke said.

The Huskies have a busy weekend, facing Ohio in Athens Friday night. They will follow that match with the Wendy Duals Sunday in Ashland, Ohio, where NIU will go up against Purdue, Bloomsburg and Cleveland State.

One thing Wunnicke doesn’t like is the fact that he will miss the Packers game this Sunday.

Wunnicke, as a Wisconsin native, is a Packers fan. With NIU wrestling at the Wendy Duals Sunday, there is a conflict with the Packers’ NFC Championship Game with the Giants.

“I’m sure my parents will keep me posted,” Wunnicke said. “It’s wrestling; I miss a lot of things for wrestling.”

Luckily, NIU wrestling will be off Super Bowl Sunday.