Dutch take two at league wrestling duals

Central Dutch Athletics

WAVERLY—Decisive victories over both Buena Vista University and the University of Dubuque highlighted the Central College wrestling team’s day at the American Rivers Conference duals on Saturday.

Central beat the Beavers (4-4, 0-4 conference) 40-3 and the Spartans (8-5, 1-3 conference) 39-6. Central fell to Wartburg College (13-1, 6-0 conference) 31-9 in the final match of the day.

“We really got our offensive momentum going early,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “Everybody was really on the attack and working to score.”

Griffen McBride (sophomore, 184 pounds, Pleasantville) was the only Dutch wrestler to go 3-0. After registering bonus-point victories against Buena Vista and Dubuque, McBride beat Wartburg’s Isaiah Cox 4-3.

“He got a takedown with literally two seconds after attacking the entire final minute,” Van Kley said. “That was a big win for us. He had a really good day.”

Winning against Wartburg by fall and defeating Buena Vista’s Jacob Hanssen in a 16-0 technical fall, Rob Areyano (freshman, 149 pounds, Selma, California) continued his stellar debut season.

“He had a really solid day,” Van Kley said. “That was a big pin in third dual.”

Van Kley also cited a dramatic 3-1 win for Chris Murino (senior, 285 pounds, Homer Glen, Ill., Lockport Township HS) against Dubuque as one of the day’s highlights.

“He had a takedown with five seconds left against Dubuque to seal the last win,” Van Kley said. “He competed well in both of his matches.”

The athletes not in uniform drew the highest praise from their coach.

“I can’t thank our reserves enough,” Van Kley said. “Their energy today was contagious and literally won us matches. The commitment of our entire team was a big part of our success.”

Competing at the Duhawk Open next weekend, Central will to return dual action on January 29 against William Penn University at 7 p.m. in Pella.