Jan. 18, 2007

Champaign, Ill. - The 16th-ranked Fighting Illini wrestling squad kicks off Big Ten action this weekend when they host No. 8 Northwestern on Friday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. at Huff Hall. Three top-ranked and undefeated grapplers will be fighting to keep their rankings and records intact. Illinois has Mike Poeta (157, 13-0), while Northwestern boasts Ryan Lang (141, 18-0) and Jake Herbert (184, 16-0). #10 Gabe Flores (125) is also undefeated for Illinois with a record of 13-0.

The Illini (4-0, 0-0), who closed out their non-conference schedule by sweeping a pair of ACC teams in North Carolina and Maryland, look to avenge last year¹s 19-16 loss to the Wildcats. #9 Jimmy Kennedy (133), #12 Cassio Pero (141), #12 Troy Tirapelle (149), #14 Roger Smith-Bergsrud (165) and #15 John Dergo (184), who join Poeta and Flores in the top-20, hope to defend Illinois¹ home turf.

Northwestern (10-3, 0-0), who went 2-3 and finished eighth at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals this past weekend, will counter with three other wrestlers in the top-20. They are #15 Nick Hayes (174), #2 Mike Tamillow (197) and #4 Dustin Fox (HWT).

Matchups to Watch:

141 pounds: #12 Cassio Pero vs. #1 Ryan Lang ­ The two All-Americans battle it out for Big Ten supremacy. Lang will be looking to stay perfect against Pero, who is undefeated in dual competition.

184 pounds: #15 John Dergo vs. #1 Jake Herbert ­ Illinois' freshman Dergo will have his biggest test so far this season when he faces the Wildcats¹ two-time All-American.

The Illini continue Big Ten competition when they host No. 13 Indiana at Huff Hall on Sunday, Jan. 21. Mat time is scheduled for 1 p.m.