LA CROSSE, WIS. — Competing at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships Friday, both entries from the Central College men's wrestling team were defeated twice and eliminated from contention.
"It wasn't the outcome we wanted, and the guys are disappointed," coach
Eric Van Kley said. "We're unbelievably proud of the efforts they put in this weekend and throughout the year."
Making his first appearance at the national meet,
Pierre Baldwin (sophomore, 141 pounds, Carol Stream, Ill., West Chicago HS) had a first round match against two-time All-American James Rodriguez of Vermont State University – Castleton which he lost 4-1.
He rallied in his consolation match with a 15-3 major decision against Xavier Pena of Centenary University (N.J.). He was eliminated in a 3-2 overtime loss to No. 3 Kyler Romero of Wartburg College.
"Everybody you wrestle at the national meet is tough," Van Kley said. "He was competitive against a returning All-American in the first match. He recovered with a big major decision in his second match and then dropped a heartbreaker against Romero. For his first bid at nationals, he did a lot of great things."
Gage Linahon (senior, 197 pounds, Newton) opened with an 8-5 loss by decision against Darby McLaughlin of Castleton. In his consolation match against Demond Harrison of Albion College (Mich.), Linahon took a 5-4 lead two seconds into the third period with an escape but was taken down twice to ultimately fall 10-8.
"It was two close matches that could have easily gone either way," Van Kley said. "There were a couple of positions and scrambles that we just came up a little short on and those ended up being the deciding factor."
Central's official team standing will be finalized tomorrow night after the finals but Central is one of only 53 Division III programs across the country to score any team points.
"We did some special things this season," Van Kley said. "I couldn't be prouder of what they've done on and off the mat. They've created a good team culture and improved the direction of the program. We have a very bright future ahead."
