Central men split matches at NWCA National Wrestling Duals
Dutch will wrestle twice more Saturday
Cedar Falls, IA (01/13/2025) — Rallying from an early deficit, the Central College men's wrestling team finished their first day at the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III National Duals with a 29-17 win over Centenary University (N.J.).
The Dutch (5-4) were downed by the University of Olivet (Mich.) 21-18 in their first match of the day.
Central fell into a 17-3 against the Cyclones (3-4) after dropping three of the first bouts and giving up bonus points in each. The Dutch countered with six straight victories, including a pair of technical falls and a major decision to secure the win.
"The back half of our lineup did what they were supposed to do in both matches," coach Landon Williams said. "They were scoring points and finding ways to put people on their back.
"Hopefully, moving forward, we don't put the back half of our lineup in that situation by making adjustments in the lower weights and getting to our offense."
In the Olivet match, each team won five individual bouts but the Comets had three bonus-point victories compared to just one for the Dutch. Sam West (junior, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) had a first-period pin to put Central within three points with two matches to go. He also won his match by fall against Centenary.
"He's finding his offense on his feet and then going to work on top," Williams said. "He's being a leader out there by going and getting bonus points when we need them."
Carter Martinson (sophomore, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) was 2-0 on the day at 157 pounds, including a technical fall win against Centenary. Carson Martinson (sophomore, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) also won a pair of decisions at 165 pounds. Pierre Baldwin (junior, Carol Stream, Ill., West Chicago HS) was a third Central wrestler to go 2-0 on the day
The Dutch will have two more matches Saturday in Cedar Falls, starting at 9 a.m. against the University of Dubuque.
"It doesn't really matter who we wrestle," Williams said. "We're really focusing on our style and scoring points and wrestling thorough all positions."