Central Preview

Recruiting was the name of the game last year for Central College and first year head coach Eric Van Kley.  Van Kley had experience building a team, as he was the first coach at the University of Great Falls.  Starting from scratch in 2004, he developed 13 All-Americans and coached the team to three top ten NAIA finishes.  Taking on a new challenge, Van Kley came to Central to rebuild the program.  The first year was a struggle, as the Dutch finished without a win.  However, this season the fortunes of the team should begin to turn.  With 13 state qualifiers, eight placers, and 3 state finalists coming in, the rebuilding process is in full swing at Central.  Team MVP Curtis Hobbs and 285 lb. Ted Dirkx are both back this year, and they will be joined by the previously mentioned recruiting class of 19.  State finalists Zach Beekman, Ben Davis, and Chris Reil will likely step in right away and contribute as Eric Van Kley continues to make his mark on the Central College team that is trying to regain some of the tradition that led to 42 All-American honors and four IIAC titles since 1981.

Team: Central College (IA)
Head Coach: Eric Van Kley (MSU-Mankato ’00)
Years at School as head coach: 2nd season
Career Record at school: 0-15
Assistant Coaches: Jason Zastrow, Matt Diehl

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 0-15

Top returning starters: Curtis Hobbs – 141 (Team MVP), Ted Dirkx – 285

Top incoming wrestlers: Zach Beekman – IA State Finalist (141), Ben Davis – KS State Finalist (174/184), Chris Reil -  State Finalist (149), Tommy Van Renterghem – IA State Placer (157/165), Reid Imerman – IA State Placer (149/157)