Naperville, Ill. - The Wheaton wrestling team defeated North Central College 27-18 in a dual match on Wednesday night at North Central's Gregory Arena. Wheaton is now 6-7 on the year in dual matches after winning its first dual match against a CCIW opponent since a 25-20 victory against Augustana in 2009.

The Thunder won the final six matches of the dual match to rally from an 18-0 deficit after four matches tonight. Wheaton's string of six consecutive wins started with Mark Savenok winning a 14-5 major decision at 157-pounds. Luke Sims secured a fall at 5:52 against Jake Powers at 165-pounds and Matt McCrary won a 9-5 decision in the match at 174-pounds.

Dan Olsen earned a pin just 43-seconds into his match at 184-pounds against Adam Lehnus. Darren Faber won an 11-3 major decision against Casey Greenberg at 197-pounds and Mitch Steed finished up the match by winning an 18-5 major decision against Dylan Mahler at 285-pounds. 

Thunder head coach Jim Gruenwald noted after tonight's match, "The guys went out and did their job.  But let's be realistic, we were capable of finishing 10-2 in dual matches as a team and finished 6-7. Granted we have improved the last three years, so that is progress, but we have not reached our potential. We are excited about our first CCIW win in four years, but will continue to 'Seek Perfection and Settle for Excellence' as we look to the postseason. It is a good day for Wheaton wrestling. Praise God!"


WHEATON 27, NORTH CENTRAL 18
125-pounds: Nick Santos (NCC) def. Tom Foy (Wheaton), maj. dec. 13-5
133-pounds: Nathan Fitzenreider (NCC) win by forfeit
141-pounds: Jon Williamson (NCC) def. David Watson (Wheaton), tech. fall 16-0
149-pounds: Nathan Segal (NCC) def. Dan Mitchell (Wheaton), dec. 3-2
157-pounds: Mark Savenok (Wheaton) def. Blake Olson (NCC), maj. dec. 14-5
165-pounds: Luke Sims (Wheaton) def. Jake Powers (NCC), fall 5:52
174-pounds: Matt McCrary (Wheaton) def. Kyle Geary (NCC), dec. 9-5
184-pounds: Dan Olsen (Wheaton) def. Adam Lehnus (NCC), fall 0:43
197-pounds: Darren Faber (Wheaton) def. Casey Greenberg (NCC), maj. dec. 11-3
285-pounds: Mitch Steed (Wheaton) def. Dylan Mahler (NCC), maj. dec. 18-5