NIC takes third at nationals

DES MOINES, Iowa - North Idaho climbed the team standings to within four points of eventual NJCAA champion Iowa Central following a 6-0 start on Saturday morning, but could not get any closer as they finished third in the nation.

"We knew coming into the finals that we'd need to win our head to heads," North Idaho coach Pat Whitcomb said. "Our guys went 0-3 in the finals - but overall, it was a great tournament for our guys."

Celic Bell (184), Kamron Jackson (197) and Roger McCovey (285) each placed second for the Cardinals in a third-place team finish.

"Celic had a defending national champion and fought a tough match," Whitcomb said. "Roger had to dive to make something happen at the end, but just couldn't get it done. This leaves a sting, but we put together a real good comeback. Third place didn't seem that great - but give me some time away from it, it's a big deal for North Idaho College. I'm disappointed for those guys that were in the finals - but five All-Americans is nothing to scald at."

Former Lakeland wrestler Kyle McCrite battled from the consolation bracket to place third at 125 pounds and former Coeur d'Alene wrestler Jesse Nielsen took sixth at 165.

"Kyle got a win in the final couple seconds and we started to feel good," Whitcomb said. "We jumped into second and we started thinking this was going to work. Jesse got a big pin and got us going the right way."

All five Cardinals were named All-Americans for placing in the top eight at the tournament.

Iowa Central won the national title with 116 team points, followed by Labette with 105.5. NIC had 99.

TEAM SCORES - 1. Iowa Central 116. 2. Labette 105.5. 3. North Idaho 99. 4. Northwest Wyoming 96.5. 6. Nassau 89. 7. Iowa Lakes 58.5. 8. Clackamas 57.5. 9. Highline 47. 10. Southwest Oregon 40.

Championship matches

184 - Deron Winn, Meramec, d. Celic Bell, North Idaho, 6-2.

197 - Walker Clarke, Labette, md. Kamron Jackson, North Idaho, 14-6.

285 - Landon Harris, Northwest Wyoming, d. Roger McCovey, North Idaho, 5-0.

Semifinal matches

184 - Celic Bell, North Idaho d. Arber Bebo, Harper, 10-2.

197 - Kamron Jackson, North Idaho, d. Mak Jones, Northwest Wyoming, 4-3.

285 - Roger McCovey, North Idaho, p. Stanley Lattimore, Ellsworth, 2:27.

Third-fourth place

125 - Kyle McCrite, North Idaho, d. Eduardo Dominguez, Harper, 13-10.

Fifth-sixth place

165 - Lance Wade, Nassau, md. Jesse Nielsen, North Idaho, 9-1.

Consolation semifinals

125 - Kyle McCrite, North Idaho, d. Collin Hase, Labette, 4-3.

165 - Mike Dace, Harper, d. Jesse Nielsen, North Idaho, 5-0.

Consolation quarterfinals

125 - Kyle McCrite, North Idaho, d. Justin Perves, Highland, 9-2.

165 - Jesse Nielsen, North Idaho, p. Tony Mack, Mercyhurst, 5:40.