Press Room

After four decades of dominance, NIC reached 600 overall dual wins in its wrestling season opener Oct. 30 against Montana State University -Northern. The Cardinals' current record is 600-58-3.

“We were excited to get the first match under our belt,” said head coach Pat Whitcomb. “It was nice to get the freshmen in the groove and it all went smoothly.”

Whitcomb said he was a little nervous after the first match. Freshmen Kyle McCrae (125) took a big lead at the start, but his opponent Sean Costello fought back and took the match in overtime 10-8. But after a deceptive beginning the Cards would go on to win eight of the next nine weight classes and the dual 35-6.

The results of the match are as follows: Kyle McCrite (125) lost in overtime 10-8, followed by Tracy Huffman (133) who defeated Ryan Shelstad 10-8. Nick Harris (141) defeated Tyler McGillivray 6-4 just before Eric Luna (149) slaughtered Joe Drinkwater 22-6. The streak continued with Joey Pierotti’s (157) victory over Tay Todd 8-6 and Jesse Nielsen’s (165) pin in 4:15. Stevie Vasquez (174) won by forfeit just before the Card’s second loss of the night. Celic Bell (184) fell to Evan Hinebauch 5-0. However Kamron Jackson (197) and Roger McCovoy (heavyweight) each won with scores of 9-5 and a pin in 4:22 respectively.

Whitcomb said that Kamron Jackson’s match stood out that night although all of the wrestlers performed well. Jackson wrestled Evan Mattingly who was a former national champion at NIC.

“That was a big deal,” Whitcomb said. “For Kamron to get the win was a boost for his confidence. He beat a national champion. Kamron was the key of that night.”

The historical victory came before a large crowd, drawn by both the excitement of the match and the promise of free candy the day before Halloween. Students, children, and adults alike showed up in costume for the evening’s event.