Competing in the nation’s strongest NCAA Division III tourney with a lineup that included no seniors and just one junior, the Central College wrestling team accomplished yet another goal snapping a five-year string of last-place finishes and inched ahead of Simpson and Buena Vista for seventh place yesterday in the Iowa Conference tournament.

It was the highest league finish since 2003-04 for the Dutch, who also posted a 10-9 dual record, their best since 2000-01. Central had eight placewinners and scored 49 points, with Simpson and Buena Vista at 48.

Freshman Holden Blythe fought his way to fourth place at 197 pounds which included an upset win over the number four seeded wrestler from Cornell for Central’s top individual finish. Joe Atwell another freshman claimed sixth place at 149 pounds. Five Dutch wrestlers finished seventh. Injuries forced Central to be open at two weights.

Coach Eric Van Kley who is in his third season as head coach says the future is very bright for Central wrestling with mostly freshman and sophomores in their lineup