Dutch wrestlers compete at Cornell
Central College
MOUNT VERNON— Competing in a field that included six teams ranked in the top 25 of Division III, the Central College wrestling team finished in 10th place at the Cornell Matmen Invitational Saturday in Mount Vernon.
Two days removed from an Iowa Conference dual win on the road at Loras, the Dutch went back to the mats Saturday in top-notch field at Cornell. The field included four teams ranked in the top 10 of Division III and two additional teams in the top 25. Central was missing several of its usual starters, but coach Eric Van Kley was happy with the performance of his team nonetheless.
“All in all it was a solid effort today,” Van Kley said. “We wrestled primarily with some of our younger guys and reserves, but I thought they battled and competed well.”
Central’s top place-winner was senior Abe Fernandez (Tampa, Fla., Strawberry Crest HS) who took second place at 125 pounds. He lost a tough decision in the waning seconds to Jimmy Panozza of Augustana (Ill.) in the title match.
“The definite highlight of the day was Abe Fernandez making the finals at 125 pounds,” Van Kley said. “He had an all-around great tournament, and the only match he lost, he lost on a scramble in the last five seconds. He’s another example of a senior really stepping up and having a good day for us.”
Also in the 125-pound bracket, C.J. Pestano (freshman, San Pedro, Calif., Torrance HS) placed for the fourth time in his short Central career, taking fourth place.
After spending his fall on the gridiron as a linebacker for the Dutch football team, 165-pounder Cory McCleary (freshman, Linwood, Kan., Basehor-Linwood HS) is starting to come on strong as a wrestler. He won three matches by pin Saturday, and both losses were by mere two-point decisions.
“Cory was a guy who joined our team a little bit later in the fall and we are very excited about his potential,” Van Kley said. “He’s a very dangerous wrestler from the top position, and it showed today with three pins. He’s got a very bright future with our program.”
Zach Moss (sophomore, Winterset) was victorious four times at 174 pounds, but needed one more win as he missed placing by one match.
“Zach just keeps working hard and getting better,” Van Kley said. “He won some very hard fought matches today. Zach felt good about some things today, but at the same time he knows he’s got to get better.”
Wartburg won the team title with a 149.5 points. Central accumulated 26 points to finish 10th. Cornell’s 149-pounder Nick Engle was named Most Oustanding Wrestler at the meet.
Next Saturday, the Dutch head to Waverly to battle three Iowa Conference opponents in dual format. Central will face off with Dubuque in the opening match of the day at 10 a.m. A date with the host Wartburg is to follow at noon, before finishing the day against Buena Vista at 2 p.m.
“It’s that time of the year where every dual is going to be a battle and we’re excited for that,” Van Kley said. “Saturday is going to be another big day that we’ve got to be ready for. We’ve got to have a great week of practice and be ready to go.”
