Harper dominates North Central District meet, wins team title over Joliet
Harper College flexed some serious muscle at the North Central District Meet, winning the team title by more than 40 points on February 11 at Triton College. The Hawks, ranked #15 in the NJCAA Poll, collected 134.0 total points to place one spot better than Joliet Junior College at 92.5 points.
The Hawks won three individual titles, and qualified ten wrestlers for the NJCAA Wrestling Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on February 23 and 24. Tristen Guaman (157), Michial Foy (165), and Dominic Gallo (184) all stood atop their respective weight classes. The Wolves earned a pair of championships (Dearion Stokes - 133; Bryan Ditchman - 285) to lead their seven-wrestler contingent to nationals. The host Trojans matched Harper with three individual titles (Tyree Johnson - 141; Asher Eichert - 174; Ryan Cone - 197) and will send six wrestlers in all.
Harper College's Dan Loprieno was named Coach of the Year.
The meet also marked the final home meet for Triton College's Harry McGinnis, who is retiring after 29 years as head coach of the Trojans.
Team Standings
1. Harper College (134.0)
2. Joliet Junior College (92.5)
3. Lincoln College (89.0)
4. Muskegon College (88.0)
5. Henry Ford College (84.0)
6. Triton College (80.5)
7. Ancilla College (50.5)
8. St. Claire College (20.5)