EVANSTON, Ill. – In its opening dual matches of the season, the University of Chicago wrestling team lost to Northwestern University 47-3 and beat North Central College 23-18 on Sunday.

The first matchup of the night featured UChicago versus NCAA Division I opponent Northwestern. The host Wildcats captured nine of the 10 matches to win by a 47-3 margin in the team score. The Maroons received their points from senior Michael Sepke at 165 pounds, who led the whole way to earn a 6-3 decision.

The nightcap featured the Maroons against North Central. UChicago jumped out quickly on the Cardinals by winning the first four matches and taking a 17-0 lead. North Central took the next three matches to draw within 17-12, but two more wins at 133 pounds and 141 pounds sealed UChicago's team victory.

Two freshmen picked up their first collegiate victories. Steve Bonsall led off with 9-1 major decision at 157 pounds, and Grant Morrison upset his nationally-ranked opponent 2-1 at 141 pounds. Sepke garnered his second win of the night with a 10-2 major decision. Junior Nick Ferraro pinned his counterpart at 174 pounds in the third period. Sophomores Jason Lynch (184 pounds) and Louis Demarco (133 pounds) each earned wins by decision.

"Our freshmen looked very good against North Central," said Head Coach Leo Kocher. "Grant Morrison defeated the No. 2-ranked wrestler in Division III. Mike Sepke looked very tough with two wins and defeated a Northwestern senior. It was a good night. Our guys learned that Big Ten wrestlers are flesh and bone, and we defeated a tough North Central team without a couple of our best wrestlers in the lineup."

Northwestern 47, UChicago 3
157 – Bryce Brill (NU) def. Luke Iida (UC), Fall (3:33)
165 – Michael Sepke (UC) def. Ben Sullivan (NU), 6-3 decision
174 – Johnny Sebastian (NU) def. Nick Ferraro (UC), Fall (4:11)
184 – Mitch Sliga (NU) def. Jason Lynch (UC), 17-0 technical fall (4:11)
197 – Jacob Berkowitz (NU) def. John Jayne (UC), Fall (4:45)
285 – Conan Jennings (NU) def. Patrick Mulkerin (UC), 3-0 decision
125 – Anthony Rubinetti (NU) won via forfeit
133 – Jason Isparides (NU) def. Louis Demarco (UC), 4-0 decision
141 – Alexander McKenna (NU) def. Grant Morrison (UC), Fall (0:44)
149 – Shayne Oster (NU) def. Mason Williams (UC), Fall (1:20)

UChicago 23, North Central 18
157 – Steve Bonsall (UC) def. Marcello Macellaio (NCC), 9-1 major decision
165 – Michael Sepke (UC) def. Brandon Mattinen (NCC), 10-2 major decision
174 – Nick Ferraro (UC) def. Matt Marcotte (NCC), Fall (5:43)
184 – Jason Lynch (UC) def. Josh Bouie (NCC), 3-2 decision (OT)
197 – Vince Pizzo (NCC) def. John Jayne (UC), 5-0 decision
285 – Adrian Wroblewski (NCC) def. Patrick Mulkerin (UC), 4-3 decision
125 – Anthony Rink (NCC) won via forfeit
133 – Louis Demarco (UC) def. Pat Augustyn (NCC), 6-2 decision
141 – Grant Morrison (UC) def. Layten Binion (NCC), 2-1 decision
149 – Ben Williamson (NCC) def. Kahlan Lee-Lermer (UC), Fall (4:24)

NEXT MATCHES:

• Saturday, Nov. 12 – UChicago at Trine University Invitational, 10 AM