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North Central Preview

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North Central has had multiple All-Americans in each of the past three years and they finished with three last year.  3x All-American Adam Johnson placed third to round out an outstanding career, and Ben and Gabe Youel each took fourth in their respective weight classes.  Both Youels are back this year and are ranked third in the d3wrestle.com preseason rankings.  North Central returns nine starters from 2008 including regional 3rd place finishers Greg Schroeder and Vinnie Sapienza.  Ben Youel and Gabe Youel will be title threats this year though each has a returning undefeated champion at their respective weight class.  The freshman class features a quartet of state placers.  These include Nathan Fitzenreider who becomes the third wrestler from his family to compete for North Central.  Two time Illinois finalist Ty Taylor comes in to compete for a spot, as will Illinois 6th place finisher Andrew Zobac.  They may both compete with Michigan lightweight Sean Tomac.  North Central has been in the top 15 each of the past three years, a streak they would like to continue into a fourth year.

Team: North Central College
Head Coach: Kevin Bratland
Years at School as head coach: 2
Career Record at school: 24-10
Assistant Coaches: Karl Bratland, Adam Johnson, Derrick Martin, Jim Brophy

2007-2008 Dual Meet Record: 15-2
2007-2008 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Adam Johnson (3rd/133), Ben Youel (4th/165), Gabe Youel (4th/184)
Returning All-Americans: Ben Youel, Gabe Youel

Top returning starters: 165 Ben Youel 4th NCAA, 184 Gabe Youel 4th NCAA, 174 Greg Schroeder NCAA alternate, 197 Vinnie Sapienza 3rd Great Lakes

Top incoming wrestlers: Nathan Fitzenreider 3rd IL, Ty Taylor 2x IL 2nd, Andrew Zobac 6th IL, Sean Tomac 6th MI