PELLA — The Central College wrestling team won seven matches by fall or technical fall en route to a 45-4 victory over Nebraska Wesleyan University Thursday night.
The Dutch (10-2, 1-1 American Rivers Conference) were victorious in nine of 10 matches in the rout against the Prairie Wolves (1-2, 0-2 conference).
The match was in hand by the time
Duncan Lee (senior, Newton) battled Justin Hennessy in the 285-pound match. Hennessey handed Lee a 16-4 major decision last year, but Lee controlled the match this year with a 10-3 decision.
"I give Duncan all the credit in the world for his preparation and effort tonight," coach
Eric Van Kley said. "We've had some battles against their guy in the past and I thought it was tremendous to see Duncan get a big win."
Making his debut in the dual lineup for Central at 157 pounds, freshman
Christian Wilson (Houston, Texas, Cypress Ridge HS) recorded a pin at the 1:31 mark. Classmate
Luke Condy (Memphis, Tenn., Christian Brothers) also earned a 9-7 victory.
"We really like our freshmen," Van Kley said. "I think both of those guys are getting better. Christian is working tremendously hard in the room and had an opportunity tonight and really took advantage of it."
Central also got pins from
Chance Benadum (junior, 174 pounds, Dos Palos, Calif.),
Nathan Fritz (senior, 184 pounds, Sigourney) and
Gavin Babcock (junior, 197 pounds, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS).
The final three victories for Central were technical fall victories by
Chase Poston (sophomore, 125 pounds, Olympia, Wash.),
Daniel Radcliffe (senior, 141 pounds, Lockport, Ill., Lockport Township HS) and
Rob Areyano (sophomore, 149 pounds, Selma, Calif.).
"We talk over and over again about bonus points on offense," Van Kley said. "From the top of our lineup to the bottom, I thought we were attacking and hitting our offense. It's a fun style for our guys to wrestle and a fun meet to watch."
The Dutch are off until they host the Under Armour Invitational on Saturday, January 11.
"The biggest thing our guys have to do is get healthy and get some rest," Van Kley said. "They also need to give a tremendous effort on their final exams so they do well in the classroom. A 10-2 record is a good place to start but we've got to keep improving and getting better."
