Nic Wrestlers Return For Clash Against Ricks Match Is Cardinals’ First Home Appearance In Six Weeks

They’ll roll out the wrestling mat tonight in Christianson Gym.

A welcome mat might be more appropriate.

After nearly a month and a half on the road, North Idaho College returns home to face Region 18 rival Ricks College at 7:30.

“It seems like we’ve been on the road forever,” NIC coach Pat Whitcomb said.

Third-ranked NIC has lost two duals - to No. 1 Lassen and to Northern Montana. The Cardinals edged Ricks 19-16 in Rexburg in November.

That match hinged on the 167-pounders as NIC’s Brandon Springer rallied late in regulation and won in overtime.

Whitcomb expects another close dual, but is disappointed that the marquee matchup at heavyweight won’t occur until Feb. 13 at the Region 18 Tournament in Coeur d’Alene.

Ricks’ Dave Anderton, rated No. 1 in the NJCAA, is out with an injury. Anderton and NIC’s Roger Neff have wrestled twice, each winning by pin.

“That’s what I was looking forward to,” Whitcomb said, “but Anderton separated his shoulder a couple weeks ago.”

The tone of the dual could be set early. Interesting matchups include Ricks’ K.C. Rock (14-9) versus NIC’s Shaun Williams (14-5) at 118 and Ricks’ Aaron Polkowske (27-9) against Jason McClanahan (10-7) at 126.

“Aaron controlled us last time but I think Jason’s come a long way,” Whitcomb said.

NIC’s only lineup change since its last home match is at 134. South African Brian Coats quit school and returned home at Christmas. He was replaced by freshman Jeremy Wynia.

Freshman Justin Springer, at 150, has NIC’s best record at 20-6.

Ricks visited Yakima for a dual match on Thursday night.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE MAT Tonight: Ricks College at North Idaho, Christianson Gym, 7:30.