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Veteran wrestlers step up in season’s first test

November 15, 2010

Collage of Huskie wrestlersThe Northern Illinois University wrestling team began its 2010-11 season with some solid performances Saturday at the Michigan State Open at Jenison Field House.

The Huskies saw many of their veterans, as well as newcomers, make runs in their respective weight classes and place.

Overall, NIU head coach Dave Grant was pleased with the effort.

“I thought our guys competed extremely hard,” Grant said. “Overall, I’m pretty happy. We have some things we need to work on. Getting guys in the finals of this tournament, hopefully we’ll get some of them in the rankings.”

Tristen DeShazer, who moved up a weight class this year, had the best day for NIU finishing in second at 141 after dropping an 11-9 decision to Purdue’s Juan Archuletta. DeShazer went 3-1, beginning the day with a pin fall victory over Chris Andrews of Findlay in 55 seconds. He scored a 5-2 win over Akif Eren of Purdue and a 9-5 decision over Central Michigan’s Scott Mattingly to advance to the first place match.

Brad Dieckhaus had an impressive showing in his return to the mat after a year absence. Dieckhaus won his first three matches at 184, to advance to the first place match to face AJ. Kissel of Purdue. Kissel took home the title with a 6-4 decision.

“It was a breakout performance for Brad Dieckhaus,” he said. “After redshirting last year, being out of the limelight, people kind of forgot about him. He had a great performance.

“Tristen DeShazer, he was bringing the heat, wrestling tough again.”

Vince Castillo, who is also moving up in class, finished in sixth after dropping the fifth place match at 149, 8-2 to Sam Patacsil of Purdue. Bryan Deutsch took fourth at 157 after falling, 4-1, to Michigan State’s David Cheza in the third place match. Deutsch won five of his seven matches on the day.

Izzy Montemayor, who moved up from 125, took fifth place at 133 when teammate Kevin Fanta was unable to continue due to injury. Fanta finished in sixth.

Freshman Nick Smith took third at Fresh/Soph 125 after scoring a 10-0 major decision over Tiffin’s Christian Reed. Smith won six of his seven matches on the afternoon. Shawn Fayette took fourth at Fresh/Soph 141 after falling to Zak Hancock of Bucknell, 13-3.

Matt Smith was pinned in 32 seconds of the Fresh/Soph 149 third place match, while Charles Argue lost his third place match at Fresh/Soph 184, 5-2, to George Lopez of the University of Indianapolis.

The Huskies return to action Saturday, Nov. 27, when NIU travels to Bloomington, Ind., for the Indiana Duals.

For more information on NIU wrestling and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.