Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

NWCA Press Release

Jan 14, 2022 - The North Central College men's wrestling team comes in at No. 2 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Tournament Rankings while five individuals are in the top-10 of their respective weight class. In the dual rankings, the Cardinals are ranked fourth.

Robert Precin, showcasing a perfect 23-0 record on the year, holds the No. 1 ranking at the 133-pound division. Cody Baldridge, winner of the conference and national wrestler of the week awards, is No. 2 at the 197-pound weight class with his 19-3 record. Posting an 11-1 overall record, Javen Estrada sits to No. 4 in his respective weight class while Alex Villar is ranked No. 5 at the 149-pound division with a 22-4 record. Cole Cervantes is the fifth Cardinal ranked in the top 10 with an 18-6 record so far this season as he is 10th at the 157-pound weight class.

As a team, North Central comes off of a 3rd-place finish at the NWCA Duals as they beat two ranked opponents during the event. The Cardinals are 8-3 in duals this year having lost to the No. 1 and No. 3 ranked team's in the country, according to the NWCA Dual Rankings.

The Cardinals compete at the Al Hanke Invitational, hosted by Elmhurst University tomorrow inside of R.A. Faganel Hall. The event is set to begin at 9 AM. While no spectators are allowed due to Elmhurst's spectator policy, you can follow the tournament with the live stats HERE.

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