Central takes both ends of wrestling triangular
Central College
LINCOLN, NEB. — Two dominant victories over Northeastern Junior College (Colo.) and Nebraska Wesleyan University Wednesday night has the Central College wrestling team off to its best start in over 20 years.
Central toppled the Plainsmen 45-3 in the opener before besting the Iowa Conference newcomers Prairie Wolves 47-0 in the nightcap. The Dutch won 19 of the 20 bouts contested.
Making his varsity debut, 157-pounder Collin Groleau (freshman, Peru, Ill./LaSalle- Peru Township HS) went 2-0 with a 14-4 major decision against the Prairie Wolves.
“He really wrestled very well,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “That was great to see.”
At 149 pounds, Jordan Challen (sophomore, Jefferson/Greene County HS) registered his fifth and sixth falls of the season. The team’s leader in pins, Challen needed just 26 seconds to win against Nebraska Wesleyan.
“He continues to give us bonus points at that weight class,” Van Kley said.
Central’s overall dual record now stands at 5-0, a mark the program hadn’t reached since the 1994-95 season.
“I think one of the big things for us was closing out the first half of the season at 5-0,” Van Kley said. “That was a big goal for our guys.”
Central has a full month off before the next competition on January 7, giving the team the opportunity to prepare for final exams next week on campus.
“Our focus is now on finals and having a great week academically,” Van Kley said. “We’ll reload for the final push next semester for the final half of the season.
