Non-conference dual goes in favor of Central wrestlers

Central Dutch Athletics

OSKALOOSA — A combination of regular starters and reserves pushed the Central College wrestling team to a 35-13 win over William Penn University on Tuesday night.

In beating the Statesmen (2-5), the Dutch (11-3) used just five of their usual starters.

“Overall, it was a good performance,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “We had some new faces in the lineup that competed hard.”

In a night full of bonus-point victories, it was the close matches at the beginning and end of the night that caught the attention of Van Kley said. Carlos Posas (sophomore, 125 pounds, Madera, Calif., South HS) won a 16-14 thriller while Duncan Lee (senior, 285 pounds, Newton) earned a 3-2 win victory in the final period.

“That was a win for Posas in his first varsity competition,” Van Kley said. “Duncan was able to win his match on a ride out.

“Duncan showed some grit and toughness. He was giving up quite a bit of weight. It wasn’t an easy way to win the match, but sometimes it’s just a matter of finding a way.

Four Central wrestlers were credited with falls, starting with Tristan Clark (senior, Prairie City, PCM HS) at 141 pounds. Rob Areyano (freshman, 149 pounds, Selma, Calif.), Lane Rumelhart (senior, 184 pounds, Guthrie Center) and Gavin Babcock (sophomore, 197 pounds, Altoona, Southeast Polk HS) all recorded first-period pins.

“Once again, we saw the theme of our season, offensive bonus-points,” Van Kley said. “We continue to stress working hard for those falls and bonus points. We did a good job of going after them tonight.”

157-pounder Collin Groleau (junior, Peru, Ill, La Salle – Peru Township HS) had a 21-3 technical fall win over Dennis Simmons.

Thursday brings Central’s final home dual of the season, hosting Luther College at 6 p.m.