Dec. 15, 2007

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DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois wrestling team won nine of 10 matches, earning a convincing 42-6 victory over Augustana, Saturday.

"I was impressed with Augustana's guys," NIU head coach Dave Grant said. "They really came after us, as evidence that the program there is headed in the right direction under Coach Eric Jeurgens."

The Huskies' (3-3) high score was bolstered with pins by TJ Wunnicke (Dodgeville, Wis./Dodgeville), Pat Castillo (Western Springs, Ill./Lyons Township), Bryan Deutsch (Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City), and Dave Benner (Fowler, Ind./Benton Central).

"We had quite a few pins and major decisions," Grant said. "Our guys are pretty tough on top, which is something we've been stressing all year.

"It was encouraging to see them out there using the moves we've been teaching them in the mat room," Grant added.

The 12th-year head coach was also happy with the efforts of three wrestlers - Dan Ruettiger, Anthony Victor and Hamza Rashid - who were competing in their first dual meet of the season.

"The first-time guys did well," he said. "They went out and wrestled there matches, with two guys picking up wins."

In addition to its four pins, NIU accumulated three major decisions, giving the team seven matches in which they earned four or more points.

The Huskies continue their season at the 2007 Midlands Championships in Evanston, Ill., Dec. 29-30.

Match Results
125 - Wunnicke (NIU) def. Gogonas (AC) FALL 1:01
133 - Castillo (NIU) def. Randone (AC) FALL 2:02
141 - Ruettiger (NIU) def. Holland (AC) MD 12-2
149 - Smith (NIU) def. Gailey (AC) MD 15-1
157 - Deutsch (NIU) def. Schwartzfegger (AC) FALL :28
165 - Wallace (NIU) def. Krcmar (AC) DEC 12-5
174 - Victor (NIU) def. Gardner (AC) MD 9-0
184 - McClone (NIU) def. Kerr (AC) DEC 13-7
194 - Nykaza (AC) def. Rashid (NIU) FALL 4:01
Hwt. - Benner (NIU) def. Kilroy (AC) FALL 1:58