Jan. 5, 2008

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Northern Illinois wrestlers captured success at the "Flash" Flanagan Open, Saturday, with nine of the Huskies' 12 grapplers placing at the tournament.

Freshman John Odeen (Coal City, Ill./Coal City) highlighted the day by winning the tournament title at 157 pounds. Also at 157, Huskies Bryan Deutsch (Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City) and Garrett James (Kewanna, Ind./Culver Academy) placed third and fourth, respectively.

Northern Illinois had two place finishers in each of two other weight classes, as well. At 149, redshirt sophomore Will McDermott (Mundelein, Ill./Mundelein) placed fourth, while redshirt freshman Michael Smith (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield Central) finished fifth.

In the 174-pound weight class, Huskie true freshman prevailed. Brad Dieckhaus (St. Charles, Mo./Francis Howell Central) placed second and Justin Carlson (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) finished fourth.

Other top Huskie performances include Dan Ruettiger (Joliet, Ill./Providence) placing third at 141 and Anthony Victor (Farmington Hills, Mich./North Farmington) finishing fourth at 165.

Northern Illinois will now look forward to Mid-American Conference action. The Huskies open up the MAC season with a dual meet against Buffalo Jan. 12 in DeKalb. NIU will also take on Findlay as part of the day's competition.