Wrestling | February 22
DeKALB, Ill.— Heading into the final dual of the 2023-24 season, the Northern Illinois University Huskies wrestling program is set to host the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Cougars on Friday, February 23 at 7 p.m. inside Victor E. Court.
The Huskies have been undefeated at home this season (9-0) as they hold at 12-2 dual record this season.
Fans unable to attend can view live stats on
TrackWrestling or watch live on
ESPN+.
Friday night will also be Huskie Wrestling Senior Night. Six wrestlers will be honored prior to the dual beginning. Fans are invited to stay post dual for an autograph session with the team. There will be a youth dual taking place inside Victor E. Court starting at 4:30 p.m.
The Huskies have won the last ten meetings between the programs, with only one loss against the Cougars since the 2005-2006 season.
In last season's meeting, the Huskies had three bonus point victories, a 25-12 win in Edwardsville.
Blake West (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee),
Lucian Brink (Coshocton, Ohio/Coshocton),
Hayden Pummel (Indian Lake, Ohio/Indian Lake), and
Matt Zuber (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick) all claimed victories last season.
Since the Huskies were home last,
Jaivon Jones (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Nordonia) earned MAC Co-West Wrestler of the Week honors. Jones earned his honor on February 13 after getting his fourth pin of the season against Lock Haven on February 9. The Huskies have earned Wrestler of the Week honors from the MAC three times this season.
Rankings Check
Three Huskies are represented in the
NCAA Coaches' poll, released on February 15 with West at 125 pounds, Jones at 149 pounds, and
Jacobi Jackson (St. Louis, Mo./Desmet Jesuit) at 285 pounds, receiving recognition. West comes in at No. 32, Jones sits at No. 31, and Jackson lands at No. 28 in the polls.
West and Jackson also received ranks spots in this week's
Intermat poll. West sits at No. 33 at 125 pounds while Jackson comes in at No. 32. Zuber received rankings in the Intermat poll at 184 pounds, landing at No. 33.
Jackson is also represented in the
FloWrestling poll, sitting at No. 28.
SIUE's Caleb Tyus is ranked at 149 pounds, coming in at No. 22.
The Huskies are ranked No. 11 in the
NWCA Mid-Major Poll (released on February 14) and are receiving votes in the
NWCA Coaches Poll, released on February 20.
Looking at the MAC Standings
The Huskies have a 6-1 conference record in MAC West, tied with Central Michigan. The Huskies have the win over Central Michigan, after defeating them on January 27.
| East Division |
Record |
West Division |
Record |
| Rider |
7-0 |
NIU |
6-1 |
| Cleveland State |
5-2 |
Central Michigan |
6-1 |
| Lock Haven |
4-4 |
Buffalo |
4-3 |
| Clarion |
4-5 |
Ohio |
3-3 |
| George Mason |
3-4 |
SIUE |
3-3 |
| Edinboro |
1-7 |
Kent State |
1-7 |
| Bloomsburg |
0-8 |
|
|
