December 16, 1998
EVANSTON, Ill. - The 11th-ranked Northwestern wrestling team earned its first victory of the new season, defeating Northern Iowa, 31-11, Wednesday night in Cedar Falls. The Wildcats won seven of the 10 matches, including three by pinfalls, to even its record at 1-1.
Freshman Josh Saul got his first collegiate dual meet victory in the nights opening match and set the tone for the rest of the meet. The three All-Americans were all victorious for the Wildcats. Scott Schatzman (ranked fourth at 141 pounds) and Mark Bybee (No. 4 at 174) each recorded pinfall victories while Sam Neider (No. 3) earned a hard fought, 2-1 win over No. 5 Tony Wieland at 197 pounds. Dominic Caruso (125), Drew Pariano (157) and Tom Ciezki (184) were the other winners for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats return to action December 29-30 when they host the Midlands Championships at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Their next dual meet is Sat., Jan. 9, at home against Northern Illinois.
Wgt. Match Result NU UNI 125 Dominic Caruso (NU) dec. Tony Sweeting (UNI), 13-5 4 0 133 Eric Keller (UNI) dec. John Giacche (NU), 8-1 4 3 141 Scott Schatzman (NU) pin Mike Kirker (UNI), 4:09 10 3 149 Tony Davis (UNI) dec. Jason Erwinski (NU), 18-8 10 7 157 Drew Pariano (NU) dec. Keith Weber (UNI), 7-0 13 7 165 Nate Lawrenz (UNI) dec. Tony Scacco (NU), 15-8 13 11 174 Mark Bybee (NU) pin Kevin Weber (UNI), 1:22 19 11 184 Tom Ciezki (NU) pin Ken Bigley (UNI), 2:20 25 11 197 Sam Neider (NU) dec. Tony Wieland, 2-1 28 11 Hwt. Josh Saul (NU) dec. Burt Beamer (UNI), 4-3 31 11
FINAL SCORE: Northwestern 31, Northern Iowa 11
Updated Records - Northwestern (1-1, 0-0 Big Ten); Northern Iowa (0-2)