#5 Illini Hit the Road for Northern Iowa Open

Illini compete in fourth open meet of the season

Quick Hits

• Redshirt-senior B.J. Futrell has started his final season as one to remember, becoming the new school record holder in career pins. Futrell recently set the school record, and currently has 34 falls and counting. He is ranked No. 3 by W.I.N. Magazine. Futrell finished sixth at the NCAA Championships and earned his second career All-America honor. Futrell placed third at the Big Ten Championships and finished the season with a 30-9 record. 

• Sophomore Jesse Delgado will return as the starter at 125 after having a standout 2011-12 season. The Gilroy, Calif., native earned his first career All-America honor by placing seventh at the 2012 NCAA Championships and finished third at the Big Ten Championships. Delgado also went 6-2 during the Big Ten dual season and was the only wrestler to defeat No. 1 Matt McDonough of Iowa. Delgado also recorded eight tech falls last season and led the team in the category. 

• Currently, the Illini are ranked in every weight class but two, including 125 pounder Delgado being ranked the highest at No. 2 in the country. The squad will look to Caleb Ervin to add success at the 149 spot, as the redshirt-freshman has had early success this season, winning the Harris Open title a few weeks ago. Two Orange and Blue grapplers are in the ranks for the first time in their career, including 133 pounder Daryl Thomas (No. 10) and heavyweight Pat Walker (No. 15).