DeKALB, Ill. - After a short break, the Northern Illinois University wrestling team is back in action as they head to Charleston, South Carolina to face The Citadel at McAlister Field House. Competition will begin on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.
 
Scouting the Competition
This will only be the second time the Huskies and the Bulldogs will meet. Last year the Huskies were victorious, 24-19. The Bulldogs are currently 1-0, defeating Coker College in their last dual by a large margin, 40-3.
 
Last Bout
Redshirt sophomore, Alijah Jeffery (Marion, Iowa/Linn-Mar) led the Huskies last year at 125-pounds when he came out attacking and earned a first-period technical fall. No. 10 Steve Bleise (Chelsea, Mich./Chelsea) added to the strong start with a win by decision, 9-4, giving the Huskies an early 11-0 lead. Four other Huskies picked up wins to secure the victory.
 
Coach's Corner
"We are looking forward to getting down south for a dual. Our guys put forth a lot of effort to close out the academic semester the right way last week," said head wrestling coach Ryan Ludwig. 
 
"Our training has been consistent with the messages we deliver daily.  We bond well on the road and it will be nice to get out under the lights again," Ludwig said.
 
Lineup
NIU (2-2, 0-1 MAC)
125: Brock Hudkins (7-4)
133: Alijah Jeffery (7-6)
141: Angel Velasquez (7-5)
149: Steve Bleise (11-2)
157: Caden McWhirter (10-3)
165: Andrew Scott (3-3)
174: Trace Engelkes (7-1)
184: Bryce Gorman (9-4)
197: Shawn Scott (6-2)
285: Caleb Gossett (8-5)
 
Follow the Huskies
You can follow the action and get up-to-date live stats on trackwrestling.com, watch on ESPN3 and follow @NIUWrestling on Twitter.
 
Up Next on the Mats
The Huskies will head to Evanston, Ill. for the Midlands Championships Thursday, Dec. 29 and Friday, Dec. 30.