Elmhurst wins first title in school history

WHEATON, Illinois – The Elmhurst Bluejays made history on Saturday, February 12 at Wheaton College in winning the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin team title for the first time. Head coach Steve Marianetti was selected as the CCIW’s “Coach of the Year” as the Bluejays scored 93.5 points to outdistance runner-up Millikin’s second place total of 79.5. North Central was third with 73.5, Augustana, the defending champion had its six year run on the championship snapped and was fourth with 43.5. Host Wheaton took fifth with 14.0. North Park, Carthage and Illinois Wesleyan do not field teams in wrestling.

Brian Daly of Augustana and Ryan Aldrich of North Central shared the Most Outstanding Wrestler award after winning individual titles at 165 and 184 pounds respectively. Elmhurst, Millikin and North Central each crowned three weight class winners while only Daly was able to win for Augustana. David Silva (141), Rick Lamas (157) and Ward Brady (285) were the victors that spearheaded the way for the Bluejays, who also had four second, two thirds and one fourth place finish. Millikin got championship efforts from Phil Davidson at 125, Jim Fascetta at 133 and Justin Edwards at 149. North Central’s winners were Eric Foster at 174, Aldrich at 184 and Dustin Docter at 197.