Expectations for the NIU wrestling team are high as it enters the second half of the season.

Mid-American Conference duals resume today against Kent State, and each wrestler has something to prove before the conference championships in March.

The Huskies are 4-4-1 overall and 0-1-1 in MAC duals.

“The MAC is wide open this year — there are a few teams in contention,” said coach Dave Grant. “It is all going to come down to who hustles more.”

NIU has seven wrestlers in the Top 4 in the MAC rankings. They are led by senior Ryan Egan and junior Scott Owen, ranked first in their respective weight classes. Egan wrestles in the 141-pound bracket, while Owen competes at 157.

Senior David Potter, who was out recently with mononucleosis, is ranked second in the 184-pound bracket, but is expected to regain his first-place ranking following a six-week absence.

Sophomores Jon Lorvich and Bill Lowney lead the underclassmen with third-place rankings individually. Lowney hopes to continue his climb following his 6-3 record over break.

The 125- and 133-pound classes are held down by sophomore Marlon Felton and junior Alexis Rivera, respectively.

Each provides a quick punch at the lower weights.

Grant hopes his three starting freshmen will step up and follow the precedent the veterans have established — an extra push to win those close matches to come.

The Huskies are coming off what Grant calls a great week of practice. They have not wrestled since Jan. 6, and the time off has been valuable to heal some of their bumps and bruises.

“We should be healthy by the Kent State dual,” Grant said. “Owen’s knee is bothering him, but that is from the two big meets we had in a week’s span and should be fine with a little time off.” star file photo

The Huskies resume second-half action today against Kent State. NIU has seven wrestlers in the Top 4 in the MAC rankings.