Baldwin takes first in men’s wrestling opener

STEVENS POINT, WIS. — Six members of the Central College men’s wrestling team placed at the Pointer Open Saturday, including a first-place finish by sophomore 141-pounder Pierre Baldwin (sophomore, Carol Stream, Ill., West Chicago HS)

Team scores were not kept in the 17-team invitational hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Baldwin started the season 5-0, including a 5-3 win over reigning national qualifier Bradley Rosen of North Central College (Ill.) in the final.

“Pierre wrestled tough today,” Van Kley said. “He’s got a lot of work to do still but that was a good start.”

Senior 197-pounder Gage Linahon (Newton) also made it to the title match of his weight class, ultimately falling to a nationally ranked Division II wrestler in Chase Stegall of the University of Wisconsin – Parkside. He won two of his first three matches by major decision.

“That’s a great start to the season from a senior leader in Gage,” Van Kley said. “That was a tough opponent he lost to in the final.”

Sophomores David Vukobratovich (Homer Glen, Ill., Lockport Township HS), Sam West (Burlington, Notre Dame HS) and Hayden Hearne (Urbandale) put together strong opening meets as well. Vuokobratovich was fifth at 125 pounds while West and Hearne were sixth at 184 and 285 pounds, respectively.

“Sam, David and Hayden had breakout performances today,” Van Kley said. “I can’t wait to see what they can do this year.”

Senior Duncan Delzell (Burlington) was also fifth at 149 pounds.

The Dutch travel to Lincoln, Nebraska for a 7 p.m. dual at Nebraska Wesleyan University Wednesday.

“We’re excited to get the dual and conference season started next week at Nebraska Wesleyan,” Van Kley said.