Huskies Fall to Bellarmine Despite Blake West’s Historic 100th Career Victory
Northern Illinois University wrestling faced a tough challenge on Thursday, November 21, 2025, falling to Bellarmine university 23-13 in Louisville, Kentucky. Despite a milestone achievement by senior Blake West, who secured his 100th career victory, the Huskies struggled to find consistency against a resolute Bellarmine squad.
West’s accomplishment highlighted the evening, as he became the sixth wrestler in Northern Illinois program history to reach the century mark. Ranked No. 15 by Intermat, West dominated Damion Ryan at 125 pounds with a 10-0 major decision, showcasing a pair of takedowns in both the first and third periods.
“Kudos to Bellarmine…We did not compete to our standard in most cases tonight. We will digest it and grow,” stated head coach Ryan ludwig following the match.He also praised Devon Dawson‘s nationally ranked win and extended congratulations to West, acknowledging his significant contribution to the university and wrestling program.
the Huskies secured three individual victories on the night. Tyler Turzinski, making his dual debut at 157 pounds, claimed a 7-2 decision over Jeb prechtel after securing a first-period takedown and maintaining control throughout the bout. At 174 pounds, Tommy Bennett battled to an 8-6 decision against Grant O’Dell, adding a second takedown in the second period to secure the win.
The most competitive match of the evening came at 285 pounds, featuring two ranked opponents. No.30 Devon Dawson edged out No. 27 Daulton Mayer with a late third-period takedown, securing a 6-5 decision and his third consecutive dual win.
However, Bellarmine controlled the majority of the matchups. Charles Curtis fell in an 18-6 major decision to AJ Rallo at 141 pounds, while Tommy Curran narrowly lost a 15-13 decision to Zac Cowan at 149 pounds, a bout that featured a combined six takedowns.Colin Young was pinned by Noah Hall at 165 pounds, and Caleb Roe dropped a close 4-2 decision to Gavin Ricketts at 184 pounds. Ian Smith suffered a 9-0 major decision loss to Andrew liber at 197 pounds, and No. 22 Markel Baker was defeated 5-2 by Tracye Eckman at 133 pounds.
The Huskies will regroup and prepare for the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, scheduled for December 5-6. Fans can follow the team’s progress on Facebook (@NIU Wrestling), X/Twitter (@NEW Wrestling), and Instagram (@NIU_Wrestling).
NIU vs. Bellarmine – Results (November 21, 2025)
- 141: AJ Rallo (Bellarmine) over Charles Curtis (NIU), MD 18-6
- 149: Zac Cowan (Bellarmine) over Tommy Curran (NIU), Dec 15-13
- 157: Tyler Turzinski (NIU) over Jeb Prechtel (Bellarmine), Dec 7-2
- 165: Noah Hall (Bellarmine) over Colin Young (NIU), Fall 4:13
- 174: Tommy Bennett (NIU) over Grant O’Dell (Bellarmine), Dec 8-6
- 184: Gavin Ricketts (Bellarmine) over Caleb Roe (NIU), Dec 4-2
- 197: Andrew Liber (Bellarmine) over Ian Smith (NIU), MD 9-0
- 285: No. 30 Devon Dawson (NIU) over No. 27 Daulton Mayer (Bellarmine), Dec 6-5
- 125: No. 15 Blake West (NIU) over Damion Ryan (Bellarmine), MD 10-0
- 133: Trayce Eckman (Bellarmine) over No. 22 Markel Baker (NIU), Dec 5-2
team Score:
- Bellarmine – 23
- NIU – 13
