Feb. 15, 2009
DeKALB - Sophomore Bryan Deutsch improved to 16-10 on the year, but the Northern Illinois wrestling fell 36-3 to No. 9 Central Michigan, Sunday at Victor E. Court in the Convocation Center.
Deutsch (Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City) secured an early takedown against Central's Eric Cubberly, and followed with a second-period escape to bring a 3-0 lead into the third period. Cubberly came out strong in the final two minutes, notching a takedown get within one point, but Deutsch escaped to take a two-point lead and secure a 4-3 victory.
"That's good for him," Grant said. "He got a good takedown, and stayed pretty steady the whole match."
The Huskies fell to 4-7, 0-4 in Mid-American Conference meets, while Central Michigan improved to 16-2-1, 3-0 in MAC action.
Huskie freshman Steve Zimmerman (Chicago, Ill./St. Rita) again showed his tremendous potential, as he fought hard in a 2-0 loss to 13th-ranked Steve Brown. Zimmerman, one of four true freshmen starting for NIU, is now 16-3 on the season. He was one of several Huskies to impress Grant with strong efforts.
"Zimmerman had a real tight match, and I thought he did a great job," Grant said. "Brad Dieckhaus gave us a good solid effort, and Zak Saevre, I thought stayed in there very tough."
Sophomore Brad Dieckhaus (St. Charles, Mo,/Francis Howell Central) wrestled a strong seven minutes, eventually falling 3-2 to 23rd-ranked Vince Didona. Zak Saevre (Green Bay, Wis./Ashwaubenon), a true freshman, also put on a solid showing against Jarod Trice, but lost 13-7.
"We just have to key on working on our intensity and our offense," Grant said. "Sometimes losses like this can motivate you, and that's what I'm keying on with our guys. To be motivated, to understand there are some matches in there we can win in three weeks (at MAC Championships).
"The key to this team is we're young. They just have to keep working hard, and keeping their heads up. Win, lose, or draw if you learned something and you're getting better, those are positive thing."
The Huskies travel to Buffalo for their final dual meet of the season, Saturday, Feb. 21, and compete in the Mid-American Conference Championships, Mar. 7-8.
Northern Illinois 3, No. 9 Central Michigan 36
125 - Sentes dec. Montemayor, 6-1; CMU leads 3-0
133 - Beebe dec. DeShazer, 8-2; CMU leads 6-0
141 - Shutich inj. def. McLemore, 5:00; CMU leads 12-0
149 - Brown dec. Zimmerman, 2-0; CMU leads 15-0
157 - Deutsch dec. Cubberly, 4-3; CMU leads 15-3
165 - Stewart tech. fall Odeen, 17-2 (7:00); CMU leads 20-3
174 - Miller fall Zimmerman, 6:57; CMU leads 26-3
184 - DiDona dec. Dieckhaus, 3-2; CMU leads 29-3
197 - Simaz maj. dec. Penny, 9-1; CMU leads 33-3
285 - Trice dec. Saevre, 13-7; CMU wins 36-3
