FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tyler Friel, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Olivet Dual
UW-Eau Claire Dual
UW-Whitewater Dual
 
Whitewater, Wis. (Jan. 23, 2015) – After facing three previously ranked teams thus far on the season, the North Central College wrestling staff faced their fourth ranked opponent as well as two very challenging teams on their way to a 1-2 finish on the day at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Border Brawl duals Saturday at the Kachel gymnasium.

The Cardinals opened up the day matched up against a 10-10 Olivet College, though the Comets did not compete as such. North Central had a lethargic start as they lost the first three weigh classes. Ben Williamson and Josh Tardy cut the lead with a major decision and pin respectively, but the Cardinals would drop the next five classes and fall 39-10.

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire was next up for North Central and the Cardinals looked to bounce back from their first performance. The match was close for seven classes until Vincent Pizzo, Tyler Vittal, and Emonte Logan took the last three classes and sealed the victory, 25-18. Brandon Malone took a 9-0 major decision, Tardy tallied another pin, and Eric Kirkman defeated his opponent by a 6-2 decision.  

The final matchup of the day came against 20^th ranked University of Wisconsin Whitewater and the Cards would look to potentially steal one against the host team. The Warhawks would come out strong, taking the first four matchups and never looking back. Danny Harris would take the 157 class with a 6-3 decision but North Central (4-7) would be defeated in the next two classes. The Pizzo, Vittal, and Logan trio would once again close out the match but unfortunately it would not be enough as the Cardinals fell 21-15.

The road for the Cardinals does not get easier as they will most likely see both Olivet and Whitewater next week in the Pete Willson Invitational at Wheaton College. The two day event begins on Friday, Jan. 29 and will be completed on the 30^th. The Cardinals will also participate in the Harper College Open on Jan. 30 at 9 am.