Wrestling dominates in season opening victory at No. 27 North Central

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – If there were any doubts as to whether Concordia University Wisconsin would be ready for its wrestling season opener on Wednesday night, the questions were answered with a dominating 35-9 victory over No. 27 North Central College at Nichols Gymnasium.

The Falcons won seven consecutive bouts to build an overwhelming 29-0 lead during the non-conference matchup. CUW (1-0) picked up three victories by fall and two by major decision.

"We wrestled well tonight and competed every minute on the mat," head coach Corey VanGroll said. "We won a lot of bouts in the second and third period by wearing them down. The way we have been practicing the last two weeks showed by our performances tonight."

The victory was the first for VanGroll since taking over as head coach in May.

"Every one of our guys wrestled with intensity tonight," VanGroll said. "Allen Fenner was down most of his bout, but eventually broke down his opponent mentally and physically. That was impressive to see from him since he was wrestling for the first time collegiately."

Concordia University Wisconsin 35, No. 27 North Central College 9
125: Sean Ambrocio (CUW) dec. Nick Santos (NCC), 7-0
133: Marcus Lubner (CUW) maj. dec. Jon Williamson (NCC), 13-2
141: Allen Fenner (CUW) win by fall Luke Keefe (NCC), 6:27
149: Greg Sanders (CUW) win by fall Max Burling (NCC), 5:19
157: David Toumi (CUW) dec. Blake Olson (NCC), 11-5
165: Leonard Kuspa (CUW) maj. dec. Jason Bonham (NCC), 14-4
174: Casey Kenealy (CUW) dec. Kyle Geary (NCC), 8-2
184: Steve Burling (NCC) dec. Seth Kilkelly (CUW), 12-8
197: Jake Reuteler (CUW) won by fall Vince Marrone (NCC), 1:30
285: Dylan Mahler (NCC) won by fall Zachary Oranger (CUW), 2:57