2021-2022 North Central Preview
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Team: North Central College
Head Coach: Joe Norton
Years at School as Head Coach: 8th season
Career Record at Current School: 61-33
Assistant Coaches: Zach Cook, Grant Zamin, Mike Bikulcius, Josh Tardy, Tyler Vittal, Emonte Logan, Matt Marcotte, Brandon Precin
2020-21 Dual Meet Record: 8-1
2021 NWCA Tournament Placewinners:
125: Brad Rosen – 4th
133: Robbie Precin – 2nd
157: Cole Cervantes – 8th
165: Rafael Roman – 6th
184: Brock Montford – 4th
197: Cody Baldridge – 1st
285: Ben Bergen – 7th
Returning NCAA Qualifiers, NCAA All-Americans, and NWCA Placewinners:
125 – Rosen
133 – Precin
157 – Cervantes
184 – Montford
197 – Baldridge
Top Returning Starters:
125: Brad Rosen – 4th at NWCA Championships
133: Robbie Precin – 2nd at NWCA Championships, #2 seed at 2020 NCAA Championships
157: Cole Cervantes – 8th at NWCA Championships
184: Brock Montford – 4th at NWCA Championships
197: Cody Baldridge – 1st at NWCA Championships, #3 seed at 2020 NCAA Championships, Round of 12 at 2019 NCAA Championships
Top Incoming Wrestlers:
125 – Julian Valtierrez. Transfer from Loras. Taft HS. 4th at IHSA State (3A).
125 – Davion Johnson. Evergreen Park HS. IHSA State Qualifier (2A).
133 – John Asiuras. Addison Trail HS. IHSA State Qualifier (3A).
141 – Javen Estrada. Crown Point HS. 6th at IHSAA State. 2X IHSA State Qualifier (3A).
149 – Josh Cherba. Waterford HS. 2x 3rd at WIAA State. 4x WIAA State Qualifier (D1).
149 – Charlie Dojan. Irondale HS. 4th at MSHSL State. 2x MSHSL State Qualifier. (AAA).
157 – Jack Barracca. Glenbard North HS. IHSA State Qualifier (3A).
157 – Mateen Taylor. Marist HS. 2x IHSA State Qualifier (3A).
165 – Payton Geigner. Lincoln-Way West HS. 6th at IHSA State Championships. 2x IHSA State Qualifier (3A).
165 – Jamaal Salary. LaPorte HS. IHSAA State Qualifier.
165 – Bransen Byrd. FHSAA State Qualifier.
165 – Tanner Willett – 5th at TSSAA State. 3x TSSAA State Qualifier (AAA).
174 – Joey Jens. Grayslake Central HS. 2nd & 5th at IHSA State. 3x IHSA State Qualifier (2A). 2021 Fargo Freestyle Rnd
of 12. 2021 Fargo Greco 5th.
174 – Jack Hominac. Conant HS. 4th at IHSA State. 2x IHSA State Qualifier (3A).
197 – Daniel Jezik. Transfer from Oklahoma State. Coal City HS. 2x IHSA State Champion. 4x IHSA State placer (1A).
197 – Elijah Brockie. Willowbrook HS. 6th at IHSA State (3A).
285 – Max Ness. Antioch HS. 4th at IHSA State. 2x IHSA State Qualifier (2A).
285 – Isaac Banker. Bonduel HS. 3rd & 4th at WIAA State Championships. 3x WIAA State Qualifier (D3).
285 – Keegan Houlihan. Stevenson HS. 2x IHSA State Qualifier (3A).”
Season Outlook:
Last year’s Cardinal team finished 8-1 in duals, with the sole blemish coming in a 24-13 loss at Wartburg, and carries a 26-dual win streak within the CCIW into the current season. The 2021 team achieved 7 All-Americans at the NWCA Championships. 5 of those All-Americans return this season including National Champion Cody Baldridge and runner-up Robbie Precin. This year’s team certainly has the potential to be the greatest in the college’s history.