Nic Forfeits Three Early Matches

The North Idaho College wrestling team forfeited its first three matches because it violated an NJCAA eligibility rule.

Coach John Owen and athletic director Jim Headley both said Friday an eligibility form listing all eligible Cardinals wrestlers wasn’t mailed, as required, to the NJCAA prior to NIC’s first match, which was against Ricks on Nov. 16.

The eligibility form was received by the NJCAA on Dec. 1, meaning NIC had to forfeit three November matches against Ricks College, Central Washington and Lassen College.

Owen wasn’t concerned about the forfeits, claiming he wasn’t at fault. “It (the form) just didn’t get in the mail on time,” he said.

Headley also isn’t sure why the form wasn’t mailed on time or who’s at fault.

“It’s easy to point fingers,” Headley said. “It’s a paper that the coach signs, the (wrestlers) sign, the athletic director signs that goes to the registrar. Who dropped the ball I can’t say for sure. It’s a snafu that won’t happen again. It was nothing intentional.”

The Cardinals are ranked No. 1 in the latest NJCAA poll. Headley said he assumes NIC remained top-ranked because the NJCAA doesn’t consider this to be an intentional violation.

Headley has notified the schools involved and the Region 18 office.

NIC was in Clackamas, Ore., for a dual match on Friday, where it beat Clackamas Community College 36-6.

NIC 36, Clackamas CC 6

118-Vega (NIC) won by tech. fall over Mitchum, 21-5. 126-Schaffer (NIC) d. Cantu, 9-5. 134-Kaywood (C) p. Kronc, 1:21. 142-Presta (NIC) d. Garrison 15-7. 150-Morton (NIC) d. Johnson 11-5. 158-Jenke (NIC) won by forfeit. 167-Money (NIC) d. Eggert 17-2. 177-Clauson (NIC) d. Dixon 4-3. 190-Jordan (NIC) d. Knott 10-6. HVYMcArthur (NIC) p. Sandobal 2:31.

, DataTimes