North Central 2017 Preview
Team: North Central College
Head Coach: Joe Norton
Years at School as Head Coach: 3
Career Record at Current School: 19-24
Assistant Coaches: Josh Tardy, Vince Pizzo, Andrew Zobac, Dan Schiferl, Abe Duran, Brandon Preston
2016-2017 Dual Meet Record: 8-10
2017 NCAA Qualifiers: Ben Williamson (149)
Returning NCAA Qualifiers: Williamson
Top Returning Starters:
Anthony Rink: 25-8 record – 3rd CCIW
Ben Williamson: 26-9 record, 2x NCAA Qualifier
Matt Marcotte: 22-14 Record – 5th Midwest Regional
Josh Bouie: 5th Midwest Regional (2016)
Tyler Vittal: 20-9 record, 3rd CCIW, 4th Midwest Regional
Emonte Logan: 12-4 record, 3rd CCIW, 5th Midwest Regional
Top Incoming Wrestlers:
Talha Ayhan – 5th IHSA State Tournament
Egan Berta – 2nd, 3rd IHSA State Tournament
Eric Hominac – IHSA State Qualifier
Justin Mitchell – IHSA State Qualifier
Audel Ochoa – 4th IHSA State Tournament
Rafael Roman – IHSA State Qualifier
Season Outlook:
This year’s Cardinal squad will balance several returning regional placewinners with newcomers looking to make their mark. Seven starters return, but only Williamson has NCAA Championship experience. Many are poised to break through in the new Lower Midwest Regional. The team looks like one that can compete to win the always competitive CCIW Conference, which the Cardinals are hosting this season.