Wrestling | February 9
DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team welcomes crosstown rival No. 13 Northwestern to the main floor of the Convocation Center tomorrow (Feb. 10) for a Senior Night Dual. The Huskies' home finale starts at 7 p.m. ET with the dual streaming live on ESPN+.
The Wildcats (5-3, 4-3 MAC) enter Friday ranked No. 13 in the nation, according to the NWCA Coaches' Poll, while the Huskies (7-4, 4-1 MAC) are No. 18 in the NWCA Mid-Major Poll.
The Huskies entertain a nationally-ranked foe on their home floor for the first time since NIU beat No. 24 Central Michigan 19-12 on Jan. 5, 2020.
NIU is coming off a strong 15-14 win over Buffalo last Saturday in which the team won the opening three bouts before heavyweight
Terrese Aaron, with the Huskies trailing 14-12, lifted NIU above the Bulls with a timely 9-6 win over Gregory Hodulick. The Huskies are currently tied with CMU for the top spot in the MAC West Division.
Northwestern has wrestled its way to a 5-3 overall mark, facing six nationally-ranked competitors in the talent-packed Big Ten Conference. Most recently, NU lost 21-12 to No. 4 Ohio State at home, but beat No. 23 Rutgers and No. 13 Wisconsin the two duals prior. The Wildcats sit eighth in the Big Ten.
NIU trails in its all-time series with Northwestern 10-24 with the Wildcats winning the latest matchup 22-12 Feb. 13, 2022 in Evanston.
Prior to the start of the dual, NIU will be celebrating its four departing seniors:
Anthony Gibson,
Anthony Cheloni,
Bryce West and Aaron. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to help honor the dedication and sacrifices the seniors have made to NIU wrestling!
