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Ben Nordman, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302
Results
DECATUR, Ill. (Jan. 13, 2019) - In a match up that featured the two programs atop the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) standings, the no. 11-ranked North Central College men's wrestling team proved to be the better of the two, besting the no. 16-ranked Millikin University Big Blue on their own turf by a final of 25-18 on Sunday.
The Cardinals got off to a positive start at 125, when
Ian Mullen received a forfeit victory to put the Cardinals up 6-0.
Jaime Suarez followed up at 133 with a 16-2 major decision win to add four more points to the Cardinal's tally.
The Big Blue (7-6, 0-1 CCIW) fought back though, scoring a major decision of their own over North Central's
Marc Fleenor to make the team score 10-4. At 149, Millikin added on again, with Tristan Birt winning a close 5-4 decision over the Cardinal's
Anthony Rink. The Big Blue took another victory and the team lead at 157, with Bradan Birt scoring a tech. fall over
Rafael Roman.
With the Cardinals down 12-10, three straight victories of their own would put the dual back in their hands.
Danny Harris started off at 165 with a 14-7 decision to put the Cardinals up one. After, Cam Hayes took the mat and scored a fall at 0:57 to put the Cardinals up seven points. Then at 184,
Cody Baldridge received a 6-2 decision victory to put the Cardinals well in front.
Keajon Jennings was able to put the Big Blue within striking distance at 197 with a pin of
Tyler Vittal, but
Audel Ochoa was able to win his bout at 285 by a 4-1 decision to make the final score 25-18.
The Cardinals (7-2, 3-0 CCIW) take action again Jan. 19 at home in Res/Rec, taking part in a tri-meet against Harper College, Lakeland University, and Wheaton College, with the first dual starting at 2 pm. The Cardinal's senior members will be recognized that day for their accomplishments as members of the team.
