Dutch Wrestling Team Returns to Win Column
Ending a three-match losing streak, the Central College wrestling team bested William Penn University 37-15 in a non-conference dual Tuesday night.
Central (6-5, 3-4 American Rivers Conference) made it nine in a row against the Statesmen (5-7 overall) dating back to 2014. The Dutch were gifted 18 points after three forfeits by William Penn at 133, 141 and 149 pounds.
In his first varsity dual appearance, David Vukobratovich (freshman, Homer,Glen, Ill., Lockport Township HS) secured a third-period pin at 125 pounds. Also winning by fall was Peyton Hammerich (senior, Princeton, Ill.) at 184 pounds, getting the pin 1:29 into the match. It was his sixth win by pin this season. Austin Roos (sophomore, Atkins, Benton HS) earned an 11-2 major decision at 174 pounds and Gage Linahon (junior, Newton) added an 8-2 decision at 184 pounds.
Central hosts Simpson College Thursday in its final regular season dual at 7 p.m. inside P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.
Central Cracks Men’s Basketball Regional Rankings
For the first time since 2010, Central College has cracked the NCAA Division III men’s basketball regional rankings.
It’s the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Committee’s initial ranking of the season and the rated teams are listed alphabetically in each region. There will be an actual ranking released next week.
The Dutch (14-6) are among seven teams listed in Region IX. Overall records and records against NCAA Division III opponents are included. Under first-year coach Joe Steinkamp, Central holds hold a slim lead in the American Rivers Conference race and is the only conference school in the ratings.
The winner of the American Rivers Conference tournament, which begins Feb. 21, receives one of 44 automatic berths in the 64-team NCAA Division III tournament field, with 20 at-large teams also selected. The field will be announced Feb. 27 and the tourney begins March 3-4
Central has made 11 NCAA tournament appearances, most recently in 2016. The Dutch have a pivotal conference game with Wartburg College Wednesday at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium, part of a women’s-men’s doubleheader. The women’s contest starts at 5:30 p.m. with the men tipping off at 7:30 p.m.
| Region IX | ||
| School | In-Division Record | Overall |
| Bethany Lutheran (Minn.) | 17-3 | 18-3 |
| Carleton (Minn.) | 18-3 | 18-3 |
| Central | 14-5 | 14-6 |
| Illinois College | 19-2 | 19-2 |
| Wis.-La Crosse | 17-5 | 17-5 |
| Wis.-Oshkosh | 17-5 | 17-5 |
| Wis.-Whitewater | 16-6 | 16-6 |