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

Results

Feb. 4, 2017 – Finishing out their regular season schedule with a positive to build on heading into the postseason, the North Central College wrestling team defeated College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) rival Wheaton College 41-7 at Gregory Arena on Saturday evening.

The Cardinals (8-10, 4-2 CCIW) have accomplished one of their main goals this season in staying healthy and have reaped the benefits. North Central jumped out to a commanding 24-0 lead due to the Thunder (5-4) forfeiting the first four weight classes.

Wheaton received their first points of the dual with an impressive decision at 157 but would have to forfeit the 165 match. Matt Marcotte then dominated Timothy Blickle at 174, shutting him out with an 8-0 major decision, extending the Cardinals lead 34-3. Wheaton would then earn their final points of the dual with a major decision at 184 but Tyler Vittal took those points right back with a major decision of his own thanks to a 15-7 final over David Aiello. In an exhilarating heavyweight bout, Casey Greenberg and Grant Miller were deadlocked at one point each after three periods, needing extra time to decide the victor. Just moments into the first overtime, Greenberg was able to takedown Miller and take the match 3-1.

The Cardinals also sent members to the Don Parker Open held at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and had two members place in Evan Stingily and Michael Bikulcius. Stingily earned a fifth place finish while Bikulcius finished third.

Bikulcius won back-to-back decisions in his first two rounds by scores of 5-1 and 3-2 respectively, in the 133 weight class. He would unfortunately be pinned in the semifinals but receive a forfeit to take home third. Stingily took a different route by earning a 7-6 decision after receiving a first round bye but would be sent to the consolation bracket in the quarterfinals. He then received a forfeit in his first round in the wrestle backs but lost a tough 2-0 decision the following round. He ended the day with a strong finish, pinning his last opponent in 1:12 to finish fifth at 184.

North Central competes in the CCIW Championships on Thursday, February 9 hosted by Wheaton College.