Freshmen shine as wrestling takes down Northern Iowa
A much-anticipated return to McGuirk Arena resulted in a win for the Central Michigan University wrestling team (6-5, 4-1) on Sunday.
The Chippewas topped the University of Northern Iowa (6-5, 3-1) 19-12. It was the first Mid-American Conference loss the Panthers have suffered this season.
CMU redshirt freshmen Cody LeCount, and C. J. Brucki in the 157-pound and 184-pound weight class, respectively highlighted the match for CMU.
Brucki won over UNI junior Cody Caldwell 9-4, moving the 157-pounder to 8-8 on the year. Caldwell lost his fourth match of the year to Brucki on Sunday.
"At first he came out on top, but after that I was able to get a feel for him," Brucki said.
Brucki's match improved CMU's team score to 19-6, which all but sealed the victory for the Chippewas.
UNI junior Jarrett Jenson pushed LeCount to overtime following a 1-1 tie. In the opening minutes of extra time, LeCount landed a quick takedown to record the victory. The win was LeCount’s first career victory at McGuirk Arena and improved his 2015 record to 15-6
"I knew my offense was working well (in regulation),” LeCount said. “In overtime I was able to get behind him. In overtime you need to be tougher, and more aggressive.”
Redshirt freshman Jordan Ellingwood won his match by major decision, 11-3 in the 174-pound weight class. He beat sophomore Curt Maas who cam into the match 18-6 on the season.
CMU junior Zach Horan (No.11) had a hard time putting away UNI’s Jake Hodges in the 141-pound weight class. Horan won the match 3-2 recording one takedown, and one escape to record his 13th victory of the season.
Head Coach Tom Borrelli said that the Chippewas performance on Sunday was one of the best for his team all season.
“From (165-pound) up I really felt we wrestled better than we have been,” Borrelli said. “We're getting better, and we're gaining confidence."
Despite recording a loss, Jordan Wohlfert held his ground against UNI’s Cooper Moore (No 12).
Kent State University comes to McGuirk Arena at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
