Dutch win decisively in first wrestling dual
PELLA — Registering victories by fall in five of the 10 weight classes, the Central College wrestling team demolished William Penn University 52-0 Thursday night.
In the first dual for either team, Central (1-0) got four consecutive pins against the Statesmen (0-1) from 141 pounds to 165 pounds. Daniel Radcliffe (senior, Lockport, Ill., Lockport Township HS) got it started by ending his match at 6:55. Rob Areyano (freshman, Selma, Calif.) followed at 149 pounds with his coming at the 6:29 mark.
“We talk attacking for bonus points and falls all the time,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “We did a nice job of it tonight especially in matches where it was coming easy.”
Freshman Luke Condy (freshman, Memphis, Tenn., Christian Brothers) picked up his first collegiate win with a dramatic fall just 79 seconds into the 157-pound match.
“We feel there are occasionally times when freshmen are going to have to fill in,” Van Kley said. “He really kept his composure and got his first win and first pin in his first dual.”
Collin Groleau (senior, Peru, Ill., LaSalle Peru-Township HS) continued the streak at 165 pounds in the first period before Duncan Lee (senior, Newton) registered the final pin at 285 pounds in less than two minutes.
Junior college transfer Shandon Akeo (junior, Honolulu, Hawaii, Kapolei HS) impressed the crowd in his home debut as the 133-pounder dominated in an 18-3 technical fall.
“I think people saw what we’ve seen all fall,” Van Kley said. “He’s a very offensive wrestler but also just a tremendous young man. We’re excited to have him in the Central family.”
Carlos Posas (junior, Madera, Calif. South HS) started the night with a 10-2 major decision at 125 pounds. Chance Benadum (junior, Dos Palos, Calif.) added a 9-0 major decision at 174 pounds. Tanner Zimmerman (senior, Indianola) had a 9-3 decision at 197 pounds and Nathan Fritz (senior, Sigourney) won by forfeit at 184 pounds.
The Dutch are in Decatur, Illinois for the Millikin Open on Saturday at 9 a.m.
“It will be the majority of our younger guys but the message doesn’t change,” Van Kley said. “It’s a chance to compete and a chance to continue to improve and get better.”
