Central wrestler Feb. 7, 2009

Central overpowered by No. 2 Wartburg

WAVERLY—No. 2-rated Wartburg College outmuscled Central College’s freshman-dominated wrestling squad 42-6 Saturday. Central picked up its 6 points on a forfeit victory by Brandon Rose (sophomore, Lonedell, Mo., Sullivan HS) at 133 pounds.

The defending NCAA Division III champions are especially imposing in the middle of the lineup where Central had to get through national champs Jacob Naig (18-2) and Aaron Wernimont (37-0) at 149 and 157 pounds, respectively, and top-ranked Justin Hanson (32-1) at 165. Naig and Wernimont both recorded falls while Hanson outlasted Central freshman Tommy Van Renterghem (Oskaloosa) 15-5.

Central (3-11) suffered 3-point losses at three weights. Curtis Hobbs (sophomore, Grinnell) fell 14-11 to Wartburg backup Chris Timms at 141 pounds. Knights backup Ben Scott needed a takedown at the buzzer to clinch a 5-2 win over Ben Davis (freshman, Clay Center, Kan.) at 184 pounds. Ted Dirkx (junior, Alleman, North Polk HS) had to go against fourth-ranked John Helgerson (27-6) at 285 pounds and was within 3-2 after two periods before dropping a 5-2 decision.

It was Wartburg’s 132nd straight dual victory against Iowa Conference opposition. The Knights wrapped up their dual season at 15-2-1.

Central finishes its dual meet campaign Wednesday at Indianola with a 7 p.m. contest against Simpson College. The Storm (1-12) defeated Central at Pella last season 42-3.