Central Athletics News February 9 Pt 1

Central College

Central wrestlers topple Simpson, 28-9

INDIANOLA—The Central College wrestling team reached the 10-win mark for the second straight year, rolling up a 28-9 victory over Simpson College.

The Dutch improved to 10-9 with one dual meet remaining. Central notched a major decision, four decisions and a pair of forfeit victories.

Jon Mendoza (junior, Norwalk) recorded the only major decision of the night, a 10-0 win at 133 pounds. Josh Atwell (junior, Jamaica, Perry HS) was a 4-3 winner at 157 pounds, Reid Imerman (junior, Guthrie Center) scored a last-second takedown for a 6-5 decision at 165 pounds, Greg Barner (sophomore, Audubon) won 5-4 at 184 pounds and Theron Stewart (sophomore, Marshalltown) prevailed 7-4 at 197. Justin Marx (senior, Dike, Dike-New Hartford HS) was a forfeit winner at 125 pounds as was Ted Dirkx (senior, Alleman, North Polk HS) at 285.

“We knew Simpson would give a good effort and it would be a pretty competitive meet,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “It was kind of an ugly match at spots.”

With two forfeits, the Dutch were in good position for a win from the start, but Van Kley was hoping for a stronger showing.

“There were eight matches contested and we won five of the eight,” he said. “The guys were disappointed with that. If we wrestle the way we’re capable of, we could have won more. But it was good to see Reid Imerman get a takedown right at the end to win and Josh Atwell and Greg Barner got late takedowns, too.”

Central wraps up the dual season Tuesday, with a home match against the 18th-ranked Univ. of Dubuque. The Spartans, 7-6, scored a 38-6 victory over Central at Dubuque last year. The meet begins at 7 p.m. at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.

Central 28, Simpson 9

125—Justin Marx (C) won by forfeit; 133—Jon Mendoza (C) dec. Jordan Howell, 10-0; 14—Derek Entz (S) dec. Eric Wilkerson, 2-0; 149—Caleb Brus (S) dec. Joe Atwell, 7-6; 157—Josh Atwell (C) dec. Calvin Barber, 4-3; 165—Reid Imerman (C) dec. Cory Stratton, 6-5; 174—Justin Bruce (S) dec. Tommy Van Renterghem, 16-10; 184—Greg Barner C) dec. Jordy Ammons, 5-4; 197—Theron Stewart (C) dec. Jared Bevins, 7-4; 285—Ted Dirkx (C) won by forfeit.

Central 23rd in men’s track rankings

PELLA—Central College vaulted into the NCAA Division III men’s indoor track and field power rankings.

The Dutch jumped to No. 23 after their second week of indoor competition. Central was listed in 72nd after the first week.

Central earned NCAA Division III qualifying marks in five events and won five titles at the Wartburg Select meet in Waverly Saturday. Ethan Miller (junior, Seymour) topped the automatic qualifying standard in the long jump. His leap of 23 feet, 11.5 inches is the best in Division III thus far this year. Miller was named the Iowa Conference field event athlete of the week.