Rallying from an early deficit, the Central College men’s wrestling team finished their first day at the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III National Duals with a 29-17 win over Centenary University (N.J.). The Dutch (5-4) were downed by the University of Olivet (Mich.) 21-18 in their first match of the day.

Central fell into a 17-3 hole against the Cyclones in their second match of the day, after dropping three of the first bouts and giving up bonus points in each. The Dutch countered with six straight victories, including a pair of technical falls and a major decision to secure the win.

In the Olivet match, each team won five individual bouts but the Comets had three bonus-point victories compared to just one for the Dutch. Sam West had a first-period pin to put Central within three points with two matches to go, and also won his match by fall against Centenary. Carter Martinson was 2-0 on the day at 157 pounds, including a technical fall win against Centenary. Carson Martinson won a pair of decisions at 165 pounds, and Pierre Baldwin also went 2-0 on the day.

The Dutch have two more matches at the National Duals today in Cedar Falls, starting with a 9 am bout against the University of Dubuque.