La CROSSE, Wis.. (Dec. 6, 2008) - The North Central College wrestling team extended its current winning streak in dual matches to seven on Saturday, going 3-0 to post the only undefeated finish at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 2x4 Dual Tournament at Mitchell Hall.
The eighth-ranked Cardinals opened the day with a 29-6 triumph over No. 19 Loras College (Iowa), 29-6, then upset fifth-ranked UW-La Crosse, 24-13, before taking down the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 27-12, to clinch the team championship.
North Central lost only two of the 10 weight classes in its opening match. Joe Norton (Jr., Carol Stream, Ill./Montini Catholic) and Greg Schroeder (Jr., Batavia, Ill./ Batavia) won by major decision at 125 and 174 pounds, respectively. Wins by decision came from Jamie Devine (So., Quincy, Ill./Quincy) at 141, Nathan DeVaux (Sr., Fort Wayne, Ind./Snider) at 149, Ben Youel (Sr., Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake Central) at 165, Vinny Sapienza (Jr., Libertyville, Ill./Libertyville) at 197, and Rod Knowlton (Jr., Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) at 285. Gabe Youel (Jr., Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake Central) accepted a forfeit at 184.
The Cardinals split the first four matches against the host Eagles, with Norton winning by decision and Devine recording a pin. North Central then clinched the match with four straight wins, as Cowan Brown (Jr., Richton Park, Ill./Rich Central) won by pin at 157 and Ben Youel, Schroeder, and Gabe Youel each won by decision.
Norton and Devine both finished the day undefeated after claiming the Cardinals' first wins against UW-Eau Claire, as Norton won by decision and Devine posted a second straight pin. The team score, however, stood tied, 9-9, after the first four matches. Once again, North Central followed with four straight wins to build an insurmountable advantage. Brown, Ben Youel, Schroeder, and Gabe Youel each won by major decision to complete the sweep of the event, each finishing unbeaten on the day as well. Knowlton won the final match of the day by decision at 285.
Gabe Youel remains unbeaten this season, with a perfect 14-0 record.
North Central travels to Waverly, Iowa, on Saturday to participate in the Dick Walker Invitational at Wartburg College. Action is set to begin at 9 a.m.
