Dutch wrestlers take title again at MSOE Invitational

Central Dutch Athletics

MILWAUKEE, WIS. — Rising to meet the challenge, the Central College wrestling team won a fifth-straight team title at the MSOE Invitational on Saturday despite increased competition level.

With a total of 163.5 points, Central outdistanced the second-place team from North Central College by just 17 points.

“It was a grind today,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “It’s as tough as competition as it has ever been there with the addition of North Central and Elmhurst.

In total, Central had 13 wrestlers finish in the top-six in their weight classes.

“We preach toughness over and over in our program,” “The guys are really embracing it and feeding off of each other.”

Central bagged individual bracket champions at 133 pounds from Cam Timok (senior, Glen Allen, Va., Hermitage HS) and at 149 pounds from Rob Areyano (freshman, Selma, Caif.).

Pins in three of his four matches vaulted Timok to his second title of the season. Areyano also went 4-0, winning his last two matches by narrow decision.

“They not only won, they were pretty dominant,” Van Kley said. “I’m proud of their efforts.”

A trio of seniors, Chase Petty (133 pounds, Pella), Jordan Challen (157 pounds, Jefferson, Greene County HS) and Chris Murino (senior, Homer Glen, Ill., Lockport Township HS) all had bronze medal performances.

“They’re kind of unsung heroes for our program,” Van Kley said. “I’m proud of those seniors and how well they competed.”

The final competition of the semester for Central is a dual next Thursday night at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

“Their coach has done an outstanding job of building that program,” Van Kley said. “We need to be ready to have a great dual.”