Sunday’s home finale for the NIU wrestling team showed how youthful the team is.

First of all, on what would normally be senior night, NIU had no seniors to honor.

The Huskies, who wrestled six freshman and four sophomores, also showed their youth against No. 9 Central Michigan, losing 36-3 to the Chippewas with Bryan Deutsch being the only winner on the day.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge,” said NIU head coach Dave Grant. “We just have to keep working on our intensity and our offense. Sometimes losses like this can motivate you.”

Central Michigan (16-2-1 overall, 3-0 MAC) is the class of the MAC, having now won 32 straight MAC dual meets. The Chippewas also defeated No. 5 Missouri Friday night.

Deutsch defeated CMU’s Eric Cubberly 4-3 for his 16th win of the season.

The sophomore had a 3-0 lead in the third period, but Cubberly got a takedown to bring the score to 3-2. Deutsch was able to get an escape and held on for a 4-3 victory.

“I just wanted to get (a win),“ Deutsch said. “I just wanted to make sure that I left it all out there on the mat,”

NIU (4-7 overall, 0-4 MAC) suffered two close losses at 149 and 184 pounds.

At 149, freshman Steve Zimmerman suffered his third loss of the year and first since December, losing a 4-3 decision to Central Michigan’s Steve Brown, ranked No. 13 in the nation.

Brad Dieckhaus lost a 3-2 decision to No. 23 Vince DiDona at 184 pounds.

“Zimmerman had a real tight match, I thought he did a great job,” Grant said. “Dieckhaus gave us a good solid effort.”

The Huskies have one more chance at a MAC victory Saturday at Buffalo. The Bulls are currently 1-4 in the conference.

“Obviously we would like to get that one,” Deutsch said. “Especially right before (the MAC championships) so we can get that momentum heading into the tournament.”

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