Jan. 24, 2021 –  Traveling down to Millikin University, the seventh-ranked North Central College men's wrestling team took on conference rivals in their season opener.  

North Central started the day with a matchup against Augustana College and jumped off to an early led with back to back tech falls from Bradley Rosen and Robert Precin to give the Cardinals an early 10-0 lead. Collin Mojena would continue the winning with a win in the 141-pound match to give the Cardinals a 13-0 lead. Dropping the 149-pound match the Cardinals would go on to win the next 4 out of the next 6 matches with one being a forfeit and cruising to a 30-15 win over Augustana College.  

Their second match of the day was for the Battle for the Birds' Nest Trophy as they took on Elmhurst University. Picking up where they left off, the Cardinals won their matches at 125-lbs and 133-lbs giving themselves an early 11-0 lead. Losing the next two matches, North Central picked up their winning ways with wins by Cole Cervantes and Rafael Roman before forfeiting the 174-lbs. Brock Montford and Jason Nako got the Cardinals back on track winning their matches at 184-lbs and 197-lbs respectively. With those wins the Cardinals had clinched the match and retained the Birds' Nest Trophy.  

Entering in the last match of the day and the most anticipated match the Cardinals went on to face Millikin University. Winning the first two matches, the Cardinals saw themselves lose the next four matches and were down 15-9. Rafael Roman picked up a fall over Millikin and tied the match up at 15 all. The Cardinals picked up a win at 184-lbs giving themselves a lead 19-15. After losing 197-lbs to a decision, Ben Bergen won 285-lbs with a fall over Millikin and Cardinals had won the match 25-18.  

North Central (3-0, 3-0 CCIW) returns to action Jan. 30th with a home matches against Carthage College, Augustana College, and Concordia University inside Gregory Arena. There is no set time yet for the match to begin.  

  

Download the free North Central Cardinals app, available for iOS and Android devices, to receive up-to-the-minute news, scores and updates on your favorite North Central teams. Click HERE for more information.