When the NIU wrestling team takes the mats at 2:05 p.m. Saturday against Eastern Michigan, saying goodbye to the seniors in their final home match will be the team’s focus.

The No. 23 Huskies (13-4 overall, 3-1 MAC) will end their regular season by hosting EMU (6-9, 1-3) at the Convocation Center.

NIU coach Dave Grant thinks the home crowd and environment surrounding the match will help the team focus.

“I’ve noticed with the seniors that they’re pretty fired up,” Grant said. “It’s their last time on this mat. It’s emotional, but it usually turns into a good performance.”

With the MAC championships right around the corner, Grant said his team is not looking past Eastern Michigan despite recent history. In the last two meetings, NIU has defeated EMU by a combined score of 65-13.

Unlike last week against Southern Illinois, Grant will wrestle all his regular starters. Sam Hiatt, Josh Wooton and Mike Grimes all sat out against the Division II opponent for rest.

Senior George Kirgan and freshman Derek Hunsinger may also return to the starting lineup after serious injuries.

Kirgan injured his knee in November against Wisconsin and returned to action Sunday at SIU.

Hunsinger completed rehab on his broken left orbital bone and will return to action following physician approval. He will wear a customized face mask for protection and said he will be ready for the MAC championships one way or another.

As for the seniors, Brandon Check knows it will be tough to finally say good bye with his final home match.

“I don’t know really how to feel,” the 197-pound Check said. “I’m going to miss it a lot. I’ll miss my friendships with all these guys. We’re all like brothers.”