Central puts three men on all-conference wrestling team

PELLA – The American Rivers Conference released its all-conference wrestling awards Wednesday and three Central College wrestlers were recognized for their efforts.

All-conference honors were handed out to the top-three finishers amongst league competitors at the NCAA Division III Central Regional meet that took place on February 29-March 1. In addition to the nine teams from the American Rivers Conference, the regional meet featured 11 other programs.

Gage Linahon (senior, Newton) and Pierre Baldwin (freshman, Carol Stream, Ill., West Chicago HS) finished second at 197 pounds and 141 pounds, respectively. Samuel West (sophomore, Burlington, Notre Dame HS) was third in the conference at 184 pounds and sixth overall.

Linahon finished with a 31-7 mark, Baldwin went 36-4 and West was 22-12 on the season.

Massoma Endene (Wartburg College – 197 pounds) was named the league’s Most Valuable Performer. Eric Keller of Wartburg was given coach of the year and Coe’s Ty Koedam (149 pounds) was named the Freshman of the Year.