PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND— Entering as the highest-seeded wrestler the Central College men's wrestling program has had since 2018, Pierre Baldwin (junior, 141 pounds, Carol Stream, Ill., West Chicago HS) is the headliner for the Dutch at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships this Friday and Saturday.

Baldwin is joined by teammate Carson Martinson (sophomore, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) at 165 pounds. Baldwin is the No. 3 seed at 141 pounds, Central's highest seed since CJ Pestano was the No. 1 seed at 125 pounds in 2018 en route to his third All-American finish.

Baldwin (23-1) starts his second appearance at the national meet with the same opponent as he did in his first one, getting a rematch against James Rodriguez of Castleton State (Vermont). A two-time All-American, Rodriguez edged Baldwin 4-1 in the opening round in 2024.

"Pierre is a completely different wrestler than he was a year ago," coach Landon Williams said. "He's wrestling really well and can compete with anyone."

Baldwin is 4-0 against the rest of the field in 2024-25. He's won a pair of matches against Wartburg College's Tommy Thongseng, including a 14-2 major decision in the regional final. He also recorded decisions over Joseph Innamorato of Centenary College (N.J.) and Dylan Phelps of the University of Olivet (Mich.) at the NWCA National Duals in January.

Martinson (15-3) debuts at the national meet with the No. 6 seed Jack Richardson of Johnson & Wales (R.I.) in a first-round match. The winner moves on to face Kaiden Wagner of Lycoming (Pa.).

"We're excited to see what Carson can do," Williams said. "He's wrestled in some really big tournaments in his life and he'll be ready to go."

In his only match this season against a national qualifier, Martinson lost a 6-3 decision against No. 8 Dustin Bohren of Loras College in the regional final.

Bracket expansion—The total number of wrestlers competing in the Division III national meet went from 180 to 210 this year to accommodate the addition of a seventh regional meet. The top three wrestlers at each qualifying site makes for 21-man brackets at all 10 weight classes.

The first session of wrestling is Friday morning at 10 a.m. (EST).