DUBUQUE — Five Central College wrestlers went 2-0 at the NCAA Division III Lower Midwest Regional Friday and are a semifinal win away from advancing to the NCAA Division III Championships.

In the team standings, Central is sixth in the 18-team field with 67 points. Coe College is in the lead with 94.5 points. Eight wrestlers remain at each weight class and the top-three finishers in each bracket qualify for the national meet.

"It's a good start," coach Eric Van Kley said. "I'm really proud of the overall effort and toughness. I thought we responded well collectively as a team."
           
Central's highest-seeded wrestler at No. 2, Shandon Akeo (fifth year, Honolulu, Hawaii, Kapolei HS) pinned Huntingdon College's (Ala.) Nicholas McClendon in the first round at 125 pounds and registered an 11-5 decision against Millikin University's (Ill.) Tommy Russell in the second round.
           
"He's our spark plug," Van Kley said. "He's the one that gets our engine going and our offense started. He's really mentally and physical ready."

Rob Areyano (senior, Selma, Calif.) started with an 11-2 major decision against Alex Brux of Augustana College (Ill.) at 149 pounds before pinning Jaylen York of the University of the Ozarks (Ark.) at 3:37 to secure his semifinal spot.

"He's got a lot of experience," Van Kley said. "He wrestles big in big matches and we're excited to see him again tomorrow."

Central's 285-pound wrestler Samuel Zook (senior, Oak Harbor, Wash.) did not give up a point in either match, taking an 8-0 major decision against Augustana's Daniel Skold in the first round and earning a 2-0 decision against Luther College's Logan Kennedy in the second round.

"He's had a great senior year," Van Kley said. "He's done the work and it showed today."

Peyton Hammerich (junior, 184 pounds, Princeton, Ill.) also pinned his way into the semifinals, ending his second-round match against North Central College's (Ill.) Mateen Taylor at the 2:29 mark. He had a 10-2 major decision against Nicholas Brashaer of Huntingdon in the first round.

"We've said all year long that Peyton is probably the most improved guy on our team," Van Kley said. "He's showed it by being ready for this tournament and wrestled really well."

Gage Linahon (sophomore, 197 pounds, Newton) won by fall in 4:25 against Clay DeBaillie of Augstana in the first round and advanced to the semifinals on an injury default over Wartburg College's Kobe Woods.

"That was a tough situation but we're thankful and hopeful he's going to be okay," Van Kley said. "Gage will be ready for tomorrow."

After a 2-1 day, Brock Beck (sophomore, 141 pounds, Grinnell) remains alive in the consolation semifinals. He sandwiched a 3-1 decision over Buena Vista University's Axel Hernadnez and an 8-1 decision over Anthony Urrea of the University of Dubuque around his second-round loss.

Wrestlers return to the mats at 11 a.m. from the Five Flags Center in Dubuque.