Ending a three-match losing streak, the Central College wrestling team bested William Penn University 37-15 in a non-conference dual Tuesday night.
Central (6-5, 3-4 American Rivers Conference) made it nine in a row against the Statesmen (5-7 overall) dating back to 2014. The Dutch were gifted 18 points after three forfeits by William Penn at 133, 141 and 149 pounds.
           
"It was back and forth night," Coach Eric Van Kley said. "Give William Penn credit, they showed up ready to compete. I think we wrestled hard, we just didn't wrestle smart in some spots. We can tighten those things up a little bit."

In his first varsity dual appearance, David Vukobratovich (freshman, Homer,Glen, Ill., Lockport Township HS) secured a third-period pin at 125 pounds.

"That was fun," Van Kley said. "He stepped in and got a big pin for us and got us started."

Also winning by fall was Peyton Hammerich (senior, Princeton, Ill.) at 184 pounds, getting the pin 1:29 into the match. It was his sixth win by pin this season.
           
"He's been a leader on and off the mat," Van Kley said. "It was good to see him get to his takedown early tonight and get the fall shortly after that."
           
Austin Roos (sophomore, Atkins, Benton HS) earned an 11-2 major decision at 174 pounds and Gage Linahon (junior, Newton) added an 8-2 decision at 184 pounds.
           
Central hosts Simpson College Thursday in its final regular season dual at 7 p.m. inside P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.
           
"The bottom line is that we've got to keep building off of this," Van Kley said. "We need to improv in some positions and hopefully a little bit more sound on Thursday."