NIC looks to contend at wrestling nationals

If North Idaho College and some of the other contenders can keep Iowa Central from running away with it, NIC coach Pat Whitcomb likes his team's chances at the NJCAA wrestling championships, which begin today and run through Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa.

Iowa Central has won the last four national titles.

"If our big boys come through where they're ranked, we've got a shot," Whitcomb said. "We don't have the firepower to put up 120, 130 points. But if it stays spread out, we've got a shot. Let's just hope it's between four or five teams, and not just two."

NIC will be represented by freshman Kyle McCrite (125), freshman McKray Jones (149), freshman Joey Pieroti (157), freshman Jesse Nielsen (165), sophomore Stevie Vasquez (174), sophomore Celic Bell (184), sophomore Kamron Jackson (197) and freshman Roger McCovey (heavyweight). Bell and Jackson are returning All-Americans after both placed third at nationals last year.

"We're going to need everyone back there to contribute," Whitcomb said.

NIC has won 13 national titles, most recently in 2003. Since then, the Cardinals have finished second at nationals three times, including last year.

NIC is ranked fifth heading into nationals, behind Iowa Central, St. Louis Community College-Meramec, Labette and Northwest (Wyo.) College.