DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team heads to Cleveland, Ohio to round out their regular season with duals against Cleveland State and Gardner-Webb. The action will start Saturday morning at 10 a.m. CST inside Woodling Gymnasium.
 
The Huskies are coming off of a hard-fought dual against Mid-American Conference rival, Buffalo, where Shawn Scott (Holly, Mich./Holly) earned his 100th career win in a 4-2 decision that was taken into overtime. This weekend, Scott will have a chance to climb even higher in the record books at the tri-dual.
 
Scouting the Competition
The Cleveland State Vikings are currently 2-9 while Gardner-Webb is 7-8 on the season.
 
To date, the Huskies are undefeated against both teams. They have established an overall record of 5-0 versus the Vikings and are 2-0 against the Runnin' Bulldogs.
 
Coach's Corner
"We are going to head into our final regular season competition with our sole focus on the two duals at hand," said head coach Ryan Ludwig. "Our emphasis remains centered around knowing our strengths and maximizing our scoring opportunities." 
 
Last Bout
Cleveland State
The Huskies have not competed against Cleveland State since Dec. of 2013, when they overtook the Vikings, 25-6, at Victor E. Court.
 
Returning Huskies, Shaun'Qae McMurtry and Shawn Scott, both emerged victorious during the last matchup. McMurtry came away with a win in a 9-5 decision at 165-pounds; Scott, at 197-pounds, won with nearly four minutes of riding time in a 6-2 decision.
 
Gardner-Webb
In the last dual against Gardner-Webb (Feb. 2013), the Huskies came from behind to pull out a win over the Runnin' Bulldogs, 22-12. Despite trailing 9-6 at the midway point, the Huskies captured four of the last five matches to emerge victorious.
 
Lineup
Below is the probable lineup for the duals against Cleveland State and Gardner Webb:
 
NIU Huskies (6-8, 2-6 MAC)
125: Brock Hudkins (13-8)
OR Kirk Johansen (3-3)
133: Alijah Jeffery (12-14)
141: Angel Velasquez (9-10)
OR Anthony Rubino (1-7)
149: No. 13 Steve Bleise (22-6)
157: No. 31 Caden McWhirter (16-11)
165: Andrew Scott (4-6)
OR Shaun'Qae McMurtry (7-8)
174: No. 25 Trace Engelkes (15-3)
184: Bryce Gorman (14-12)
OR Michael Aldrich (6-7)
197: No. 9 Shawn Scott (19-5)
285: Caleb Gossett (9-16)
 
Follow the Huskies
You can follow the Huskies for up-to-date results on Twitter at @NIUWrestling.
 
Next up on the Mats
The Northern Illinois wrestling team will have a short break before the Mid-American Conference tournament starting on March 4th in Cedar Falls, Iowa.