Dennis grinds out decision for Cardinals

COEUR d'ALENE - Johnathen Dennis has a chance to make his holidays extra jolly a little later today.

Dennis, a 197-pound sophomore from North Idaho College beat Jonathan Wixom, the top-ranked wrestler in the nation at the weight by a 5-4 decision on Friday as the Cardinals beat the Northwest Collegs Trappers of Powell, Wyo., 28-13 on Friday night at Christianson Gym.

"It was a good match for us," NIC coach Pat Whitcomb said. "Both teams were suffering from the flu, so we had some different guys in at some spots."

Dennis will face Ihoghama Odighizuwa of Clackmas - the second-ranked wrestler at 197 - today when NIC faces top-ranked Clackamas at 2 p.m.

NIC also hosts Southwestern Oregon today at noon.

"I was pleased overall," Whitcomb said. "Dennis just ran him out of juice and it will give him some confidence. If he (Dennis) can come out of the weekend with a win over him, that's a good Christmas present for him."

Bryce Weatherston (141) won by pin for NIC.

"These are a couple of good duals (Saturday) to get a good taste in our mouth before the winter break," Whitcomb said.

125 - Michael Nguyen, NIC, md. Robert Gomez, 14-4. 133 - Matthew Schmidt, NW, md. Tyler Hardy, 12-2. 141 - Bryce Weatherston, NIC, p. John-David Henderson, 3:49. 149 - Jeff McCormick, NW, d. Tyler Booth, 8-2. 157 - Tyler McLean, NIC, d. Matthew Widdicomb, 10-4. 165 - Dajour Reece, NIC, d. Kaelen Loveless, 8-3. 174 - Jacob Beck, NW, p. Dennis Wilson, 4:12. 184 - Cruz Del Angel, NIC, by forfeit. 197 - Johnathen Dennis, NIC, d. Jonathan Wixom, 5-4. 285 - Taylor Kornoely, NIC, d. Gabriel Escobedo, 2-0.