A balanced team effort was the key as Central won without crowning an individual champion. Ivan Gaeta (sophomore, Bremerton, Wash., Olympic HS) was Central’s lone finalist, finishing second at 174 pounds. Central got third-place finishes from Tommy Van Renterghem (sophomore, Oskaloosa) at 174 pounds and Theron Stewart (freshman, Marshalltown) at 197.
The Dutch had placewinners at eight varsity weights and 11 placewinners overall. That allowed them to edge Lakeland (Wis.) 122-120. Wis.-Platteville was close behind at 119.5 with Wis.-Oskosh at 115.5.
Last year Central was fifth in a 12-team field at the MSOE tournament, with seven placewinners.
“It was an outstanding effort,” Van Kley said. “Every single guy contributed, from top to bottom. Without every one of them scratching and clawing for everything they could, we wouldn’t have won.
“I think we had 8-10 one- or two-point matches or overtime matches that we won. Every kid won through perseverance, heart and conditioning, which are the things that we emphasize.”
Central closes its pre-Christmas schedule Thursday with a 7 p.m. dual at St. Olaf College (Minn.) in Northfield, Minn. The teams will also stage a dual at Pella Jan. 15. Central defeated the Oles at Northfield last January, 36-15. St. Olaf is 1-2 heading into a Tuesday dual at St. John’s Univ. (Minn.).
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