Share Tweet Share Email

Wrestlers ready for Friday’s Red/Black Dual

October 23, 2014
Derek Elmore

Derek Elmore

The Northern Illinois University wrestling team caps its preseason Friday, Oct. 24, with the annual Red/Black Dual.

The intrasquad meet starts at 7 p.m. inside Victor E. Court.

“My staff and I are looking for competitive fire,” said NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig. “We want our guys to go out and let it fly without holding back because of familiarity. This will be a great night to promote our program and give the student body a chance to preview the team and get to know the guys on the squad.”

With the loss of eight seniors from last year, the Huskies will have plenty of competition across the board. Among the most hotly contested matches in the lineup include 125 pounds (senior Derek Elmore vs. freshman Alijah Jeffery) and at heavyweight (Arthur Bunce vs. Jake Cochrane).

The lineup will boast plenty of youth, too, as 10 true or redshirt freshmen will be wrestling.

“Every weight will be competitive in its own right,” Ludwig said. “Every one of these guys has been training hard. Every one of these guys wants to win. This is the first step in finding our starting 10. That being said, one thing that’s always interesting is to see the first-year guys compete and what dynamics they bring to the table.”

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