Jan. 11, 2002
Charleston, Ill. - The Northwestern wrestling team is back on the winning track after defeating Eastern Illinois Friday evening in Charleston, Ill., 31-7. The win puts the Wildcats' record back to .500 (4-4) and snaps a two-match losing streak.
NU took eight of the 10 matches, recording two pins and a technical fall.
174-pounder Jason Erwinski (Tinley Park, Ill./Mt. Carmel) got the 'Cats started, slipping by Louis Taylor, 5-4. Andrew Curran (Chicago, Ill./Mt. Carmel) pinned his opponent next in 6:31 to give NU a 9-0 lead after two matches.
John Giacche (Flemington, N.J./Blair Academy) racked up 23 points to Nick Cirrincione's 8 to earn his third technical fall of the season at 141. Ryan Kane (Temecula, Calif./Temecula Valley) closed the match with his fifth straight win at 165, pinning Sam Smith in 4:48. Kane is now 7-1 in dual competition.
EIU's points came in the heavyweight division (3) and at 133 (4).
The 'Cats remain on the road, competing at the Wendy Duals on Sunday in Ashland, Ohio. They will face Gardner-Webb, Tennessee-Chattanooga and host Ashland in the one-day event.
Results
Final Score NU 31, EIU 7 174 Jason Erwinski (NU) dec. Louis Taylor (EIU), 5-4 184 Andrew Curran (NU) FALL Kyle Bracey (EIU), 6:31 197 Brendan Curran (NU) dec. Jim Kassner (EIU), 3-2 HWT Joe Gieissner (EIU) dec. Michael Little (NU), 7-5 125 Rob Potashnick (NU) dec. Mike Stanley (EIU), 7-4 133 Pat Dowty (EIU) MD Tommy Vargas (NU), 8-0 141 John Giacche (NU) TECH FALL Nick Cirrincione, 23-8 149 Ryan Cumbee (NU) dec. Andy Coyle, 11-7 (OT) 157 Mike Kimberlin (NU) dec. Clay French, 8-2 165 Ryan Kane (NU) FALL Sam Smith, 4:48