NIU wrestling regained its co-captain Sunday as senior George Kirgan returned from an injury to help the Huskies route Southern Illinois-Edwardsville 40-0.

The No. 23 Huskies (13-4 overall) didn’t allow SIUE (4-13-1) to score for the second straight year and have outscored the Cougars 89-0 in their last two meets.

Despite holding starters Sam Hiatt, Josh Wooton and Mike Grimes out of the lineup, NIU scored its second shutout of the season. The Huskies racked up two major decisions, a technical fall and a pin in the one-sided affair.

But the return of Kirgan to the starting lineup was the most encouraging sight for coach Dave Grant. The 184-pound senior has been rehabbing a knee injury sustained in the season-opener Nov. 28 against Wisconsin.

“It was good to get George back in action,” Grant said. “He brings leadership and experience. He’s coming back strong, but 184 is still wide open.”

Kirgan scored a 9-2 victory over Pat Healy, but Grant said whoever is hottest going into the MAC championships will get the start at 184 pounds. His competition for the spot includes freshmen Derek Lalowski and Tyler Bruesewitz, who have started the majority of the season.

Freshman Chad Vandiver also won his eighth straight match with a 17-1 technical fall over Scott Audo. The technical fall victory was Vandiver’s second in a row to push his record to 21-9.

The 133-pound senior Hiatt sat out the final road meet of the year in favor of Patrick Castillo. Hiatt’s heir apparent next year, the freshman defeated Steve Chico 16-6 to run his record to 12-2.

“We sat some guys out so we could give some of the young guys a chance,” Grant said. “Sam is leaving next year, so we’re getting Pat some experience now so he can get a leg up for next season.”

The Huskies host Eastern Michigan in their regular season finale at 2:05 p.m. Saturday at the Convocation Center.