Wrestling | December 19
DeKALB, Ill.—The Northern Illinois University Huskies wrestling team (1-3) dropped their home opener to the No. 26 Oregon State University Beavers (1-0) this evening (December 19). The Huskies fell by a score of 28-12 in the match.
Markel Baker (Freeport, Ill./Freeport), who is ranked No. 28 in the nation, scored the first points of the evening for the Huskies as his bout was cut short due to injury.
Devon Dawson (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Goddard), who holds the No. 23 ranking in the nation, won his bout via forfeit.
"Oregon State wrestled tough, hats off to them. Really solid team," said
Ryan Ludwig, NIU Head Coach. "I thought
Markel Baker did a great job of stepping and competing really well tonight. It was nice to see him back in the lineup. (But) These are the matches we need to learn from, and get better from, as we head into dual season. Midlands is a great tradition; we are taking a ton of guys. We are excited to compete against some of the best in the nation."
In the only bout to feature a pair of ranked wrestlers,
Blake West (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee) took on Maximo Renteria. West, who is ranked No. 25, battled No. 11 Renteria is a close bout, falling in a 6-2 decision.
Charles Curtis (Canton, Ohio/Perry) battled No. 25 Noah Singleton, dropping the bout in a major decision at 141 pounds.
Lucan O'Brien (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Edwards) represented the Huskies at 149 pounds, dropping a 6-2 decision to No. 29 Noah Tolentino.
Making his debut this season,
Landen Johnson (Owatonna, Minn./Owatonna) took to the mat at 157 pounds. Johnson battled CJ Hamblin to a 5-2 decision as Hamblin claimed the victory. Brett Smtih (Troy, Mo./Buchanan) took on No. 27 Matthew Olguin at 165 pounds, dropping the bout in a major decision at 17-4.
Representing NIU at 174 pounds,
Tommy Bennett (Evergreen Park, Ill./Brother Rice) took on No. 21 Daschle Lamer. Bennett and Lamer battled with Lamer pulling out a 12-3 major decision for the Beavers.
Caleb Roe (Arab, Ala./Arab) took on No. 33 TJ McDonnell at 184 pounds. Roe claimed the first takedowns of the evening for NIU as he fell in a 15-8 decision.
Spencer Mooberry (Osage, Iowa/Osage) battled against No. 5 Justin Rademacher, falling in a 15-4 major decision.
The Huskies return to action on December 29-30 as they compete at the annual Ken Kraft Midlands Championships. Action will take place on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois.
Never miss a minute of NIU Wrestling by following the team on Facebook (
NIU Wrestling), X/Twitter (@
NIUWrestling), and on Instagram (
@NIU_Wrestling).
Results
125: #11 Maximo Renteria (OSU) def. No. 25
Blake West (NIU), W, Dec 6-2
133: No. 28
Markel Baker (NIU) def. Gabe Whisenhunt (OSU), W, Inj. 1:57
141: #25 Nash Singleton (OSU) def. Deuce Curtis (NIU), W, MD 14-2
149: #29 Noah Tolentino (OSU) def.
Lucan O'Brien (NIU), W, Dec 6-2
157: CJ Hamblin (OSU) def.
Landen Johnson (NIU), W, Dec 5-2
165: #27 Matthew Olguin (OSU) def.
Brett Smith (NIU), W, MD 17-4
174: #21 Daschle Lamar (OSU) def.
Tommy Bennett (NIU), W, MD 12-3
184: #33 TJ McDonnell (OSU) def.
Caleb Roe (NIU), W, Dec 15-8
197: #5 Justin Rademacher (OSU) def.
Spencer Mooberry (NIU), W, MD 15-4
285: No. 23
Devon Dawson (NIU) def. Khale McDonnell (OSU), W. Forfeit
Final Team Scores
NIU: 12
Oregon State: 28
