PELLA — In the 25th meeting between Central College and Augustana College (Ill.) on the wrestling mat, Central exploded for a 32-6 win, their biggest margin of victory in the series in nearly 30 years.
It's also Central's third win over the Vikings in the last four seasons.
Leading for the duration of the match, the Dutch (3-0) won the first seven matches of the night and capped the run with a fall by 174-pounder Zach Moss (senior, Winterset).
"I think the biggest thing was the grit and toughness we had," coach Eric Van Kley said. "It started early and we just kept rolling."
After the Vikings (2-1) won their first match, 197-pounder Matt Seabold (senior, Burlington) gave the Dutch six points when he stuck his opponent for a fall in the first period.
"Zach really opened the match up with that pin," Van Kley said. "To get another pin two weights later was huge for our team. That was great effort by two of our senior captains."
Daniel Radcliffe (freshman, Lockport, Ill., Lockport Township HS) picked up his team-leading 11th win of the year with a 7-1 decision over Brendan Gould at 141 pounds. He avenged a loss from the opening weekend at the Super 8 Invitational.
"It really speaks to Dan's commitment level," Van Kley said. "He continues to get better every week."
The 3-0 start for Central is the program's best since going 5-0 at the beginning of the 1994-95 season.
Looking to three-peat as team champions, Central heads to Milwaukee for the Milwaukee School of Engineering Invitational on Saturday.
"It's fun to be in a tournament with team scoring," Van Kley said. "The completion level has gotten better each year. We're excited to see another consistent team effort Saturday."
