Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Set for 41st Midlands
12/28/2003 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Dec. 28, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill.--After a successful week in which Northwestern's wrestling team routed American 41-10 and then saw John Velez (Kings Mills, Ohio/Kings) win the 125-pound title at the Beast of the East, the Wildcats look to continue their momentum when they play host to the 41st Midlands Wrestling Championships Dec. 29-30 at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
NU (6-1 overall) will try to de-throne Iowa, which has won the past two Midlands Championships. Last year, former Wildcat wrestler and current NU assistant coach John Giacche (Flemington, N.J./Blair Academy) narrowly missed placing at the tournament but still helped Northwestern finish 25th at the tournament.
"Midlands will be a great test for the team," said head coach Tim Cysewski. "I am hopeful guys like Velez, (Matt) Delguyd, (Mike) Kimberlin, (Josh) Ballard and (Michael) Little will continue the success they have been seeing so far this season.
"My only concern is that the team is ready to compete and that the guys can bring a high level of intensity after a one-week break."
The Wildcats will certainly need all the intensity they can get as Joe Williams (Sunkist Kids) will make a return as the No. 1 seed in the 174-pound bracket in trying for his 10th title. Another highly favored wrestler is Chris Bono (Sunkist Kids), a three-time winner and the No. 1 seed at 157 lbs.
Results will be updated after each session. Please visit www.NUsports.com for all the latest on Midlands.
