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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

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 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....

NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig screams at his wrestler in a home dual against Central Michigan University on Saturday. Ludwig eclipsed the 100 career-win mark on Dec. 19, 2023. (Elyse Jones | Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

From the Mat to Mentorship: Ludwig paving the path to 100 wins

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | January 30, 2024

Thirteen consecutive NCAA qualifiers, 13 All-MAC honorees, 34 MAC champions, and 40 Academic All-MAC selections and a feat repeated just twice in program history: 100 career wins. In the grand tapestry of NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig's coaching...

Wrestlers from NIU and Ohio University grapple during Friday's dual meet in Mount in Athens, Ohio. (Courtesy Ohio Athletics)

Lightweight match momentum propels Huskies over Ohio

By Skyler Kisellus and Adrien De La Peña | January 21, 2023
A speedy 18-0 lead built by NIU wrestling during Friday's road dual meet served as the foundation for the Huskies' triumph over MAC-unbeaten foe Ohio.
Central Michigan redshirt freshman Chandler Amaker (left) and NIU redshirt senior Izzak Olejnik battle at 165 during a dual meet Friday. (Courtesy Central Michigan Athletics)

Winless Chips stun MAC-unbeaten Huskies

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | January 13, 2023
An 18-10 start for NIU wrestling in Sunday's dual meet against Central Michigan ended in a come-from-behind win for the winless Chippewas.
NIU redshirt junior Jaivon Jones wraps up Kent State University redshirt junior Louis Newell during the 141 match Sunday. Jones defeated Newell in a 3-1 decision to give NIU its first points of the dual. (David Dermer)

Wrestling overpowers Kent State with major-decision wins

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | December 18, 2022
Three Huskies earned bonus points in their major decision victories that decided the winners of Sunday's dual meet against MAC rival Kent State.
Wrestling vs. SIUE

NIU wrestling releases 2022-23 schedule

By Northern Star Sports Staff | October 12, 2022
NIU wrestling announced its 2022-23 season schedule which includes trips to Indiana and California.

Wrestling ends season with its best record since 2004-05 season

By James Krause | February 23, 2020

DeKALB — NIU’s wrestling team capped off one of its best seasons in recent memory with a dominating 35-3 win Friday over Drexel University.The Huskies allowed the fewest dual points in the win on the season, only giving up a decision win at 133 lbs.Head...