Van Renterghem 3-0 as Central splits duals
Central College Athletics
GALESBURG, ILL.—Tommy Van Renterghem (junior, Oskaloosa) spearheaded an improved showing for the Central College wrestling team at the Knox (Ill.) Duals Saturday.
Van Renterghem, among several Dutch wrestlers coming off injury, posted a 3-0 mark at 174 pounds as the Dutch were 2-2. After getting outscored by Wabash (Ind.), 23-9, Central topped Chicago 22-15, tumbled against Trine (Ind.) 31-15 and rolled over Wis.-Platteville 32-12. The Dutch are 3-6 overall.
“It was a decent day for the start of the dual season at the beginning of the second semester,” coach Eric Van Kley said. “We’re getting a little bit healthier and are getting our lineup together. Tommy (Van Renterghem) has had some nagging injuries but wrestled really well. He got a big pin against Wis.-Platteville to sort of seal the victory.”
Van Kley was encouraged by a 2-0 performance from freshman TJ Peretti (Auburn, Wash., Mountainview HS) at 141 pounds.
“TJ is a guy we thought all along has a lot of potential,” he said. “He had a very hard-nosed effort and has a bright future.”
Van Kley also liked what he saw from Kalen Greiner (freshman, Keota) at 125 pounds and Theron Stewart (sophomore, Marshalltown) at 197 pounds. Stewart was 2-0 while Greiner avenged a 5-4 Nov. 13 loss to Mack Drees of Wis.-Platteville with a 10-5 victory Saturday.
“That got the ball rolling,” Van Kley said.
Van Kley would like his squad to improve its aggressiveness. That was lacking in the losses to Wabash and Trine.
“They were both a little more experienced and both very physical,” he said. “We got a little defensive. That’s something we’ll continue to work on. We need to put points on the board.”
The Dutch get a second chance against St. Olaf (Minn.) when they return home for a 7 p.m. dual in H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. The Oles were 22-20 winners over Central at Northfield, Minn. Dec. 10. It’s Central’s first home appearance since Nov. 17.
“It seems like every time we wrestle St. Olaf it’s a very competitive match that goes right down to the end,” Van Kley said.
That kicks off a big weekend as the Central Invitational follows at 9 a.m. Saturday. About 10 teams are expected.
“The guys are looking forward to competing,” Van Kley said. “We’re getting healthier by the week.”
