Curtis Hobbs Nov. 13, 2008

Central opens Saturday at Knox (Ill,) Invitational

PELLA—Sixteen wrestlers will compete in Central College red and white for the first time Saturday as the rejuvenated Dutch open their season at the Knox (Ill.) Invitational in Galesburg, Ill. “I see this as a great opportunity more than anything,” said head coach Eric Van Kley. “Our guys get to compete against someone other than themselves, and it’s an opportunity for me to see the areas where we’re doing well and the areas where we need to improve.”  

The 16-team field is highlighted by Iowa Conference foe Loras College, ranked 19th in the NCAA Division III, and Upper Iowa Univ. which is ranked 10th in Division II. League rivals Simpson College and the Univ. of Dubuque will be in attendance as well.

Van Kley expects the competition in Galesburg to be tough, which he thinks will be good for his young squd.

“As young as we are, the only way for us to really improve is to get on the mat and get thrown right into the fire,” Van Kley said.

The Dutch will be led by returning wrestlers Brandon Rose (sophomore, Lonedell, Mo., Sullivan HS) at 133 pounds, Curtis Hobbs (sophomore, Grinnell, Iowa) and Nick Johnson (junior, San Antonio, Texas, James Madison HS) at 141 pounds, Kevin Yeoman (junior, Sunrise, Texas, Judson HS) at 174 pounds, and Chris Keeran (sophomore, Panora, Iowa, Panorama HS) at 197 pounds. They’ll be joined by 11 freshmen from what is regarded as one of the program’s best recruiting classes.

Van Kley has not set expectations for the meet as far as wins and losses, but he has made it clear that he expects intensity.

“I want to see our guys competing,” he said. “We’re going to be going up against guys who are older and more experienced, but I expect us to compete in any situation we are in. That’s really what I’m looking for.”