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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Redshirt sophomore Jacob Brya wraps around Rider University graduate student McKenzie Bell from behind on Nov. 22 at the Convocation Center. Brya took third place in the 141 lbs. division at the Cougar Clash on Saturday as NIU wrestling took fifth place out of eight teams. (Northern Star File Photo)

Wrestling meets mixed results in Cougar Clash

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter | December 8, 2024

NIU wrestling took the trip to Edwardsville for the Cougar Clash on Saturday. The Huskies mustered two podium finishes on the day and placed fifth as a team with 88 total points.  PODIUM FINISHERS At 125 lbs, Huskies’ redshirt junior Blake West...

Redshirt junior Jacob Christensen stares down his Rider University opponent on Nov. 22 at the Convocation Center after his opponent broke free. Christensen competes as a heavyweight in the 285-pound weight class for NIU wrestling in 2024-25. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

What does it take to maintain weight as a collegiate wrestler?

By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter | December 2, 2024

We’ve all seen videos of wrestlers shaving their heads and sprinting on treadmills in desperate attempts to shake weight off before weigh-ins. We’ve heard stories of wrestlers endlessly chugging water and eating six meals in a day hoping to gain a...

 Redshirt junior Blake West fights against Rider University senior Will Betancourt’s grip at the base of his neck. West stopped Betancourt from winning a single point across all three periods. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Gallery: Huskies capture first win over Rider

By Totus Tuus Keely, Senior Photojournalist | November 25, 2024

Redshirt junior Jacob Christensen lifts Rider University freshman Collin French off the mat to slam him back down on Friday at the Convocation Center. Christensen won the final match to seal a 20-19 victory for NIU wrestling over the Broncs. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies come alive late to spur Broncs

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter | November 23, 2024

NIU wrestling (1-1) trumped the Rider University Broncs (0-2) in their second meet of the season Friday night, winning the dual 20-19. EBBS AND FLOWS The Huskies would storm ahead early going up 11-0. This included an 8-0 major decision at 125 lbs...

The NIU wrestling coaching staff encourages from the sidelines in the Huskies' meet against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in February. The Huskies suffered their first loss Saturday against Northwestern University. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Wrestling takes first loss against Northwestern

By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter | November 17, 2024

Coming off of a dominant showing at the Michigan State Open, NIU wrestling (0-1) competed against the Northwestern University Wildcats (1-0) in its first meet of the season Saturday night.  Falling behind 14-4 after the fifth match, NIU’s night...

NIU wrestling then-redshirt freshman Jacob Brya takes down Southern Illinois University Edwardsville then-redshirt freshman Eric Almarinez last season in February. The Huskies competed at the Michigan State Open on Saturday with six wrestlers reaching the podium. (Northern Star File Photo)

NIU Places 6 Wrestlers on podium, 9 overall at Michigan State Open

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter | November 10, 2024

NIU Wrestling made the trip to East Lansing, Michigan for the Michigan State Open on Saturday. The Huskies had 9 wrestlers place in the event with 6 finishing in the top 3 of their division.  NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig was pleased with his...

Then-redshirt freshman Tommy Bennett grapples a wrestler from Central Michigan University on Jan. 27. NIU wrestling begins its 2024-25 season on Saturday at Michigan State University for the Michigan State Open. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU wrestling looks to reach new heights in 2024-25 campaign

By James Bennett, Sports Reporter | November 6, 2024

Coming off a 13-2 season last year that included a first-place finish in the Mid-American Conference West, NIU wrestling is looking to be even better in the 2024-2025 season.  EXPECTATIONS  Expectations are high for the Huskies. NIU wrestling...

Redshirt sophomore heavyweight wrestler Jacobi Jackson scans his opponent in an NIU wrestling home match. Jackson suffered two major injuries before finishing his 2023-2024 season as a ranked wrestler. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

From rehabilitation to ranked: the triumph of Jacobi Jackson

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | April 10, 2024

Redshirt sophomore heavyweight wrestler Jacobi Jackson played a pivotal role in the Huskies' pursuit of the MAC West title. Yet, his journey to success encountered significant obstacles, temporarily diverting him from his path to dominance. HIGHLY...

NIU redshirt sophomore Blake West grapples on the back of Lock Haven freshman Logan Sallot on Feb. 9. West was eliminated in the first round at the 2024 NCAA Championships. (Northern Star File Photo)

West makes earl departure from Nationals

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | March 24, 2024

After falling short of an at-large bid into the 2023 NCAA Championships, redshirt sophomore Blake West made his Nationals debut in Kansas City, Missouri, Thursday. West was eliminated from the tournament after losing both matches in the opening round. West...

Redshirt sophomore Blake West eyes his Kent State University opponent in Day 1 of the MAC Championships Friday. West qualified for the NCAA Tournament after falling in the championship round of the MAC Championships. (Elsye Jones | Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Wrestling places 7th at MAC Championships

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | March 12, 2024

DeKALB – Seven Huskies merit a MAC Championship spot while one earned admission to the NCAA Championships during the 2024 MAC Championships Friday and Saturday on the campus of Kent State University. NIU extended its NCAA qualifier streak to 51 consecutive...

Redshirt freshman Jacob Brya celebrates a victory in an NIU wrestling home dual against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friday. Brya was named the MAC West Wrestler of the Week on Monday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Brya secures MAC West Wrestler of the Week honors

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | February 27, 2024

DeKALB – Redshirt freshman Jacob Brya was named MAC West Wrestler of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday. Brya is now the fourth Huskie wrestler to receive MAC weekly honors.  Brya notched his 10th win of the season after topping Southern...

Redshirt sophomore Blake West attempts to pin Southern Illinois University Edwardsville redshirt sophomore Davian Guanajuato on Friday's Senior Day event for NIU wrestling. West defeated Guanajuato 4-3 on Friday to finish the season undefeated in dual matchups. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Return of the MAC: Wrestling champions the West

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | February 24, 2024

DeKALB – Redshirt sophomore Jacobi Jackson pinned his opponent with seconds remaining in the first period as NIU Wrestling (13-2, 7-1 MAC) fended off Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (6-6, 3-4 MAC) 22-13 to clinch the MAC West at Victor E....