PELLA — In another match between ranked opponents, the Central College men's wresting team was defeated 21-17 by Luther College Thursday night.

The No. 22 rated Norse (11-7, 3-4 American Rivers Conference) got the best of the No. 17 ranked Dutch (11-4, 3-4 conference).

'I thought overall we wrestled hard," coach Eric Van Kley said. "You have to give Luther credit, they won the swing matches by pointing up points and we did not.

"To have six teams from our league ranked in the top 25 is a testament to the depth of our conference. The competitiveness of our conference is something to be proud of."
           
Making just his second start this season at 149 pounds, Cael Cox (junior, Ankeny) secured an 11-3 major decision.
           
"He does so many things right," Van Kley said. "He's worked all year for this opportunity and has stepped in the last two matches. He's the ultimate team player."
           
Central got big wins from its ranked wrestlers as Pierre Baldwin (sophomore, Carol Stream, Ill., West Chicago HS) picked up a win by fall a 141 pounds and Gage Linahon (senior, Newton) won 13-3 at 197 pounds.
           
"They both wrestled solid opponents," Van Kley said. "Pierre was able to get a pin while in the process of getting a technical fall. Gage has wrestled him four times now and had never beaten him by more than three."

Samuel West (sophomore, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) fell behind 13-4 at 184 pounds after the first period but came all the way back for an 18-16 decision.
           
The Dutch travel to Indianola next Thursday for a 7 p.m. dual. It will be the final regular season dual for Central.