DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team suffered a setback against the Buffalo Bulls at Victor E. Court on Sunday afternoon, falling 17-20. However, history was made at the senior meet as No. 12 Shawn Scott earned his 100th career win as a Huskie.  
 
Head wrestling coach Ryan Ludwig raved about Scott's accomplishment.  Ludwig remarked, "It's an unbelievable benchmark-day in his career. One hundred wins at any level is amazing, being able to stay healthy enough to get to there is an amazing feat. It's a historic day for him.  It says a lot about the dedication he has for our program in the five years he's been here."
 
The redshirt senior from Holly, Michigan was not aware of the milestone until just a few weeks ago, but is overjoyed that he finally achieved the benchmark. "It doesn't get much better than having my team, coaches, and family all behind me. It's special to experience this milestone, especially on senior day," said Scott.
 
The dual between Scott and Buffalo's Nate Rose was sent into overtime as the score remained tied, 2-2, at the end of the third period. However, Scott secured a takedown in overtime, earning the 100th win of his career (in a 4-2 decision).
 
Scott is now ranked third in all-time career wins for NIU Huskie wrestling, behind Hall of Fame inductee Scott Owen '03 (116) and Pat Castillo '08 (108).
 
The final home meet of the season proved memorable for others as well, as all three senior Huskies had their hands raised in victory today.
 
"I'm really happy with the fire we came out with, especially our seniors. They were leaders for us today, going three for three, and did an outstanding job," said Ludwig.
 
Starting off the meet at 165-pounds, Shaun'Qae McMurtry (Lockport, Ill./Nebraska) came out strong with an early takedown in the first period. His opponent, Tyler Rill, answered back with a reversal to even up the score. McMurtry had the upper hand going into the third, 6-3, but Rill came back to tie the score with less than a minute left.  However, in the end, McMurtry was able to get an escape and walked away with a 7-6 victory.
 
At 174, Trace Engelkes (Winnebago, Ill./Winnebago) improved to 15-3 on the season with his win over Muhamed McBryde, securing a late takedown for the win, 4-2.
 
The Huskies went into intermission with a 9-6 lead after winning three of the first five matches.
 
The Bulls came out of intermission with a chip on their shoulders and won the next three matches—two by major decision and one by fall—taking the lead, 20-9.
 
The Huskies fought hard to come back.  Steve Bleise (Chlesea, Mich./Chelsea) earned a big win by technical fall, 19-4, after notching five staling points and a string of takedowns. Caden McWhirter (Prattville, Ala./Prattville) won the final dual of the day at 157-pounds, in a 7-2 decision.
 
"Steve came back and put us back in the match and Caden got a great win for us, but it just wasn't enough," said Ludwig.
 
The Huskies will return to the mats on Saturday, Feb. 18 for a tri-meet against Cleveland State and Garner-Webb. 
 
Huskies 17, Bulls 20 
165: Shaun'Qae McMurtry (NIU) dec. Tyler Rill (UB) 7-6
174: Trace Engelkes (NIU) dec. Muhamed McBryde (UB) 4-2
184: Brett Perry (UB) dec. Bryce Gorman (NIU) 3-1
197: Shawn Scott (NIU) SV-1 Nathaniel Rose (UB) 4-2
285: Jake Gunning (UB) dec. Caleb Gossett (NIU) 3-2
125: Justin Patrick (UB) maj. dec. Kirk Johansen (NIU) 12-3
133: Bryan Lantry (UB) maj. dec. Alijah Jeffery (NIU) 16-7
141: Jason Estevez (UB) fall Anthony Rubino (NIU) 4:00
149: Steve Bleise (NIU) tech. fall Colt Cotten (UB) 19-4 7:00
157: Caden McWhirter (NIU) dec. Alex Smythe (UB) 7-2