Northwestern University Athletics
Wrestling Faces Two Nationally Ranked Opponents This Weekend
1/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Jan. 24, 2002
Evanston, Ill. - When you compete in the toughest wrestling conference in the nation, there are no easy or "off" weekends. Every time you step out onto the mat you are going up against the best out there, and for the Northwestern wrestlers this weekend is no exception.
The Wildcats (7-6, 0-1) host No. 14 Illinois (7-1, 0-0) Friday at 7 p.m. in Welsh-Ryan Arena, then travel to No. 3 Iowa (10-2, 0-0) Sunday for a 2 p.m. dual. It will be the Fighting Illini's first conference dual of the season, while the Hawkeyes host Ohio State Friday for their opener.
Illinois holds a slight 34-29-2 advantage over NU, winning the past seven meetings. Last year in Champaign, Illinois handed NU a 40-3 loss. The Cats' only win came at 157 pounds, where Jason Erwinski (Tinley Park, Ill./Mt. Carmel) beat then-No. 19 Griff Powell, 3-2. There will not be a rematch between the two this weekend because Erwinski has moved up to 174 pounds.
The Illini have six men ranked in the top 20 according to this week's InterMat Wrestling rankings. Boasting the highest rank is junior Matt Lackey, who sits at No. 3 in the 165 pound weight class. Last year's NCAA heavyweight champion, John Lockhart, is ranked fourth in his class with a 20-2 mark.
Northwestern's other opponent this weekend, Iowa, has a commanding 28-2 advantage in their all-time series versus NU. The 'Cats have not beaten the Hawkeyes since 1968. Last year in Evanston, Iowa won 45-3. This time it was now-departed heavyweight Josh Saul who gave NU its lone victory.
As for individual rankings, a Hawkeye name appears in every weight class except at 197 pounds. Mike Zadick is atop the list at 149 pounds. The senior is undefeated this season. Junior heavyweight Steve Mocco is 24-1 and ranked third in his class.
On a personal note, all three Wildcat coaches will be facing their alma mater this weekend. Assistant Coach Lindsey Durlacher was an All-American for the Illini, taking second at the NCAA Championships in 1997 at 118 pounds. Head Coach Tim Cysewski is a former All-American for the Hawkeyes, placing third in the nation in 1976. Assistant Coach Tony Ersland also was a Hawkeye-he was a member of the 1997 Big Ten and NCAA Championship team.
