Dominant performance by the Dutch on the mat

Central College

INDIANOLA — Winning the first nine matches of the contest, the Central College Dutch wrestling team blazed to a 37-3 triumph over rival Simpson College Thursday night.

It’s the biggest margin of victory in the series between the two teams since a 41-6 Dutch win in 2013. Central moved to 10-2 on the season and 6-2 in Iowa Conference action.

The Dutch also secured a third-place league finish, the program’s first since 1995.

“It’s a great way to wrap up the conference season,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “It’s another positive step in the right direction. We let our actions do the talking and we looked really focused tonight.”

Ryan Vandall (senior, Phoenix, Ariz., Moon Valley) becomes the 12th wrestler in Central’s 100-win club, with a wire-to-wire major decision over Austin Stotts 14-3 at 165 pounds. It was his 26th win this year.

“It’s quite an accomplishment,” Van Kley said. “(The 100-win club) is not a very long list. It speaks to a very committed and special career”

Thursday marked the triumphant return of senior Matt Seabold (Burlington) at 197 pounds, who missed several weeks. He made quick work of his opponent by pinning him just 1:33 into the match.

“It’s great to have Matt back in the lineup,” Van Kley said.

Registering just his third pin of the season despite 24 total wins, C.J. Pestano (junior, Torrance, Calif.) also ousted his opponent in the first period.

The last competition of the season before the NCAA Division III Central Regional on February 25, Central plays host to the Last Chance Invitational on Saturday.

“It’s one more chance for some of the younger guys to put on the singlet and wrestle under the lights,” Van Kley said. “We’ll expect a great effort”