Sept. 15, 2011

DeKALB - The Huskie wrestling team's 2010-11 recruiting class is ranked 28th in the nation, according to Wrestling USA magazine's latest issue released today.

The publication, which is one of the oldest and most respected wrestling publications in the nation, also placed four Northern Illinois recruits in the top 30 of their respective weight classes.

"Having a nationally ranked recruiting class is another step in the direction of our ultimate goal," said Huskie head coach Ryan Ludwig. "This class is a solid starting off point for the future. We're looking to make strides on the recruiting trail again very soon."

As a whole, the class tops national powers like Michigan State, Oregon State and Iowa State. Additionally, NIU's newcomers rank ahead of Illinois' three other Division I wrestling programs, including Big Ten members Illinois and Northwestern.

The class is highlighted by nationally-ranked recruits Derek Elmore, Ethan Davis, Nick Harrison and Tyler Loethen. Elmore and Harrison were tabbed at eighth and 15th in the 119 weight class, while Davis was 11th in 145 and Loethen 27th at 152. Transfer Rob Jillard was also noted as an immediate impact transfer, joining Northern spending one season at Liberty.

The Huskies will open up their 2011-12 season Oct. 29 with the annual Wrestle-Offs at the Convocation Center. Their regular season will get underway on Sunday, Nov. 6, when they host Stanford and North Central.