Oct. 30, 2006

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois University's wrestling team opens the 2006-07 campaign with its annual NIU Wrestle Offs, Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. at Victor E. Court. The meet offers fans a first look at this year's team.

The Huskies return 24 of 26 letterwinners from a year ago after compiling a 10-5-2 dual match record. NCAA qualifiers Johnny Galloway and Pat Castillo headline the returnees for NIU.

Wrestling International Newsmagazine ranks Galloway 11th nationally in the 165-pound weight class and tabs Castillo 12th at 125 pounds. Castillo is also ranked 13th in the nation by the Wrestling Mall.

NIU opens the regular season on Nov. 11 with the Pointer Open, hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.