Central men victorious in top-20 wrestling dual

Dutch get first win over Duhawks since 2016

by Joseph Flaherty

Pella, IA (01/20/2025) — The No. 18 Central College men's wrestling team outlasted No. 13 Loras College Thursday night for a 16-15 win in American Rivers Conference action.

The Dutch (7-3, 2-1 conference) get their first win over the Duhawks (5-3, 1-1 conference) since 2016, ending an eight-match losing streak.

Both teams won five bouts on the night, but it was a 14-3 major decision at 165 pounds by Carson Martinson (sophomore, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) that yielded the decisive point.

"It starts with scoring points," coach Landon Williams said. "If you go out there and worry about scoring points, the bonus points are within reach. That was good for him and we're happy to see him get that done."

Needing two takedowns in the final minute of the third period for the 9-8 decision at 184 pounds, Sam West (junior, Burlington, Notre Dame HS). Carter West (freshman, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) got the crowd on its feet inside P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium as the Dutch went in front 13-12.

"He wrestled outside of his style early," Williams said. "He had honed it and got back to what makes him good. He was able to chip away and get the win at the end."

Austin Roos (senior, Atkins, Benton HS) extended Central's lead with a 4-2 decision at 197 pounds, using a third-period takedown of his own for the win.

"I love watching him wrestle," Williams said. "He is a fighter. He does exactly what we ask him to do. He stays disciplined, keeps hand fighting and going forward. He was patient and got to his attack when he needed and I couldn't be more happy for him."

Central also got wins from Pierre Baldwin (junior, Carol Stream, Ill., West Chicago HS) at 141 ponds and Carter Martinson (sophomore, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) at 157 pounds.

The Dutch have three matches at home next Saturday when they welcome Buena Vista University, the University of Dubuque and Wartburg College for the American Rivers Conference duals. Action starts at 10 a.m. inside P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.

Austin

Roos