DeKALB | To say tonight’s meet is an important match for the NIU wrestling team would be an understatement.

The Huskies will welcome No. 5 ranked Central Michigan to the Convocation Center tonight for a 7:05 p.m. start. An upset win could place NIU alongside the top programs in the country.

The task of taking down the Chippewas will be a daunting one. Eight out of the ten CMU wrestlers grappling against NIU tonight are nationally ranked.

With that in mind, NIU’s four nationally ranked wrestlers – Johnny Galloway, Duke Burk, Pat Castillo and Mike Grimes – and the rest of the Huskie grapplers are up to the challenge.

“We’re looking to fire on all ten cylinders,” NIU head coach Dave Grant said. “I think every match will be exciting and our guys are ready to go.”

The most intriguing match-ups will be CMU’s Sinnott brothers battling NIU’s Burk brothers.

CMU’s Brandon Sinnott, ranked No. 7 nationally, will take on Danny Burk in the 174-pound class. Meanwhile, No. 9 ranked Christain Sinnott will go against NIU’s No. 18 ranked Duke Burk in the 184-pound match.

Another match of note will feature NIU’s Dave Benner taking on the nation’s second best wrestler, Bubba Gritter, in the heavyweight class. Also, MAC supremacy will be on the line when CMU’s Luke Smith and NIU’s Pat Castillo square off in the 125-pound battle.

With this being the biggest dual-match of the year, the NIU wrestlers and coaches encourage as many fans as possible to show up and cheer on the Huskies.