STORM LAKE—Both C.J. Pestano (125 pounds, senior, Torrance, Calif.) and Daniel Radcliffe (141 pounds, sophomore, Lockport, Ill., Lockport Township HS) each went 3-0, but the Central College wrestling team went 1-2 at the Iowa Conference duals Saturday.
           
The No. 9 ranked Dutch (3-4, 2-4 Iowa Conference) throttled the host school, Buena Vista University, 35-9 but fell to No. 1 Wartburg College 39-6 and the University of Dubuque 29-15.
           
Pestano had two of his victories come by decision, with a 19-4 technical fall against Buena Vista University in his second match. He moved his season record to 20-0. Radcliffe ended his day with a third-period fall against the Spartans after starting it with a decision in the dual against Wartburg. He received a forfeit against Buena Vista.
           
"Both of those guys are hitting their stride," coach Eric Van Kley said. "They're showing some consistency in getting to their offense. This time of the year every match is tough.
           
In just his second chance in the dual lineup, senior Steven Candley (Arlington, Texas, Martin HS) recorded a 6-5 decision over Don Philips II from Buena Vista at 285 poimds.
           
"He's still finding his form a little bit," Van Kley said. "It's another option for us at that weight class. We'll have to see who earns that spot in the next couple of weeks."
           
After also getting a forfeit win against Buena Vista, Nathan Fritz (junior, Sigourney) won by a 13-5 major decision at 174 pounds."
           
"He's going to continue to improve heading into regionals," Van Kley said. "He'll give himself a great chance to finish the season strong."

The Dutch completed all three matches without the country's No. 3 wrestler at 133 pounds Cam Timok (junior, Glen Allen, Va., Hermitage HS), who was unavailable due to injury.

A full week of practice next week is finished off with a trip to Dubuque for the Duhawk Open on Saturday, January 27.

"We've got a lot of work to do," Van Kley said. "We did not show up with our normal toughness and intensity. We're going to have a great week of practice next week and make some big improvements to get better."