Wrestling hosts NIU Friday and faces Michigan on Sunday
The Central Michigan wrestling team will begin a difficult four-game stretch this weekend against Mid-American Conference foe Northern Illinois and No. 10 Michigan.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for our guys,” Chippewas coach Tom Borrelli said. “Move up in the rankings, make a name for themselves and get a victory against a quality opponent.”No. 19 CMU will host the Huskies Friday at 7:30 p.m. before traveling to Ann Arbor to wrestle the Wolverines 2 p.m. Sunday.
InterMat has seven Michigan wrestlers placed in the top-20 in their respective weight division. Undefeated NIU wrestler Brad Dieckhaus dropped out of the rankings because he did not participate in the Huskies last duel.
In the next 3-of-4 CMU matches the opponents are ranked in the NWCA/USA Today Coaches Team Poll. The Chippewas believe they are up for the challenge.
“Just take it one match at a time, battle, keep it close, and beat them at the end,” CMU wrestler Joey Kielbasa said. “That’s what you got to do against those really good guys.”
CMU No. 1 Ben Bennett and No. 2 Dieckhaus 184-pound matchup is in jeopardy as a result of Diekhaus having a foot injury.
“(Diekhaus) is close to 100 percent, but the coaches may decide to hold him back until after this weekend,” Huskies media relations member, Michael Benson said via email.
It would be the first meeting between the wrestlers as a result of Bennett moving up a weight class this season.
CMU Freshman Joey Kielbasa will wrestle Matt Smith of NIU who’s third in the MAC and No. 9 Eric Grajales of Michigan.
Kielbasa emerged from the shadows of fellow freshman Mike Ottinger in CMU last duel against Eastern Michigan. He clinched an 11-3 decision that resulted in the last lead change of the duel.
“Very few true freshman start, so for him to be starting as a true freshman, both, him and Mike Ottinger is pretty unique,” Borrelli said. “For them to be competing on the level they’re competing on as a true freshman is really good.”
Kielbasa is becoming more acclimated to the college game.
“(The season) started off really slow. I’m starting to get into it a little bit. Starting to believe in myself a little bit,” Kielbasa said. “Hopefully my season starts going off like my last match.”
Two Chippewas were nearly Wolverines
Kielbasa and Bennett had thoughts of donning the maize and blue uniform before choosing the Chippewas.
But they both felt more comfortable with the coaches at CMU.
Kielbasa was closer to choosing Michigan. He got acquainted with the Wolverines coaching staff.
“I decided (Central Michigan) was a better place for me. Better coaches here,” he said. “I’m exited to wrestle Michigan.”
