Wrestling | December 19

KENT, OHIO—After jumping out to an 11-0 lead, the Northern Illinois University Huskies wrestling program battled late as they claimed a 23-19 win over the Kent State Golden Flashes.
 
This marks the sixth consecutive victory for the Huskies over Kent State as they move to 2-1 on the year and 2-0 in MAC competitions.
 
Blake West (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee) started the day off strong for the Huskies as he claimed his second fall of the season. West, who moves to 9-3 on the season and 2-0 in MAC duals, defeated Nico Calello in 6:24 to put NIU up by six. West is currently ranked No. 16 by WrestleStat, No. 25 by FloWrestling and Intermat, and No. 27 by TheCollegeWrestlingReport.
 
Markel Baker (Freeport, Ill./Freeport) marked his first technical fall victory of the season, taking down Adan Benavidez in 4:49. Baker finished with a score of 22-5 over Benavidez as he moves to 6-2 on the season at 133 pounds.
 
At 157 pounds, Landen Johnson (Owatonna, Minn./Owatonna) claimed his fourth victory via fall of the season, taking down Dominic Paterra in 3:23. Johnson moves to 6-6 on the season and 1-1 in MAC duals.
 
Tommy Bennett (Evergreen Park, Ill./Brother Rice) and Sean Carroll (Overland Park, Kan./St. Thomas Aquinas) each claimed wins by decision with Carroll's victory securing the dual for the Huskies. Bennett faced off against Hunter Andel at 174 pounds and posted a 4-1 victory over Andel. Carroll took on Corey Boerio at 197 pounds and claimed a 6-4 decision. 
 
Tee Ward (Freemont, Mich./Freemont) made his debut for the Huskies in a dual setting, competing at 141 pounds. At 149 pounds, Charles Curtis (Canton, Ohio/Perry) battled against No. 32 Billy Meisnzer, falling in a major decision. Brett Smith (Troy, Mo./Buchanan) represented the Huskies at 165 while Austin Stewart (Collinsville, Ill./Collinsville) competed at 184. Jacob Christensen (Durham, Calif./Durham) battled at the heavyweight division, falling in a 4-1 decision.
 
The Huskies are back in action one more time before the holiday break as they compete at the Kent State Open on December 20. Action is set to get underway at 8 a.m. CT in the Kent State Field House.
 
Results
 
NIU vs Kent State
Kent, Ohio | Dec. 19, 2024
 
125: *Blake West (NIU) over Nico Calello (KSU), Fall 6:24
133: Markel Baker (NIU) over Adan Benavidez (KSU), TF, 22-5 (4:49)
141: Jordan Decatur (KSU) over Tee Ward (NIU), TF, 20-3 (5:22)
149: Billy Meiszner* (KSU) over Charles Curtis (NIU), MD 14-0
157: Landen Johnson (NIU) over Dominic Paterra (KSU), Fall 3:23
165: Carson Miller (KSU) over Brett Smith (NIU), Dec 2-0
174: Tommy Bennett (NIU) over Hunter Andel (KSU), Dec 4-1
184: Holden Martin (KSU) over Austin Stewart (NIU), MD 13-2
197: Sean Carroll (NIU) over Corey Boerio (KSU), Dec 6-4
285: Brentan Simmerman (KSU) over Jacob Christensen (NIU), Dec 4-1
 
Final Score:  NIU 23, Kent State 19
 
*Ranked in a national poll