Wrestling | December 18

DeKALB, Ill.—Concluding their four-dual homestand, the Northern Illinois University Huskies wrestling squad will host Kent State, Northwestern, and Harper College on December 19. The Huskies will start action off against Kent State at 11 a.m. in a MAC dual in Victor E. Court. Admission is free to the duals and a live stream can be found at NIUHuskies.com. 

The Huskies (4-1) were last in action in a nail-biting battle against California Baptist (CBU). The Huskies and Lancers won five bouts but a major decision by Matt Zuber (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick) at 184 and a medical forfeit by the Lancers at 285 put the Huskies on top.

Zuber's major decision victory on Friday evening marked his seventh of the season as he improved to a record of 12-4 overall and 5-0 in dual meets.

Blake West (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee) started the dual against CBU, taking on then-ranked No. 25 Eli Griffin. West used late momentum in the second and third periods to give the Huskies their first win of the evening in what was a close match. With the win, West moved to 11-2 on the season and 5-0 in dual matches.

Tommy Curran (Carol Stream, Ill./DeKalb) improved to 5-0 on the season with his win at 149 while Tulga Zuunbayan (Mongolia/Rolling Meadows) made his debut this season for the Huskies. Other Huskies making their debut in dual competition were Sean Carroll (Overland Park, Kan./St. Thomas Aquinas) at 197 and Nathaniel Genobana (Centerville, Iowa/Centerville) at 133.

Head coach Ryan Ludwig is nearing his 100th-career win at the helm of the Huskie Wrestling program. Ludwig sits at 97 wins ahead of Tuesday's duals. 

Previewing the Competition

The Golden Flashes of Kent State come into Tuesday's dual with a 1-9 record and 0-1 in MAC competition. The Golden Flashes lone win comes over Lindenwood, a 42-0 win. The Golden Flashes opened their MAC slate, falling 23-20 to SIUE on Dec. 17. Bill Meiszner (141) holds a 12-6 record while Blake Schaffer (197) holds a 13-5 record on the season.

In last season's meeting, the Huskies were victorious and claimed an 18-15 victory in Kent.

The Northwestern University Wildcats are receiving votes in the NWCA Coaches Poll and will have their first dual competition against the Huskies on Tuesday. The Wildcats have five individuals ranked in either the InterMat or FloWrestling polls. The Wildcats have competed at the Michigan State Open (Nov. 11) and Lindenwood Open (Nov. 18).

The Wildcats were victorious in last season's meeting in DeKalb, handing the Huskies a 30-6 loss.

The Hawks of Harper College will see their first dual competition on Tuesday as the Hawks have made appearances at five opens.

The Huskies posted a 52-6 win over the Hawks in the Huskies Duals last season.

Dual Schedule

11 a.m. | NIU vs Kent State
1 p.m.   | NIU vs (RV) Northwestern*
1 p.m.   | Kent State vs Harper College*
3 p.m.  | NIU vs Harper College*

*Times are approximate

--NIU--