The first phase of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) men’s wrestling season has revealed key trends across the league, with established programs maintaining their status and developing teams gaining early experience. The competitive landscape is taking shape through both dual meet results and tournament performances, with factors such as bonus-point production, lineup depth, and consistency setting teams apart.
Augustana began its season with strong individual showings in tournaments but holds a 1-6 record in dual meets. The team’s only win came against Illinois Wesleyan at the Augustana Triangular on December 2. Jack Miller has contributed consistently at 174 pounds, while freshman Matt Lucansky won his division at the Luther Open and placed second at another event. Braiden Young secured a notable victory over a nationally ranked opponent.
Aurora University has seen positive individual results and recorded an early conference win but continues to seek consistency in duals. The Spartans are 1-4 overall and have one CCIW victory after defeating Carthage on November 13. Cameron Johnson and Zane Ely have provided momentum for Aurora, while Elijah Osit delivered crucial wins.
Carthage faced challenges in its opening conference matches but achieved a road victory over Concordia Wisconsin on December 5 by winning six consecutive bouts in the middle of its lineup. London Kiser, Zaren Anderson, and CJ Gilbert have been reliable contributors for the Firebirds.
Concordia Wisconsin remains winless in dual competition but has shown progress within individual matches. The Falcons narrowly lost to Illinois Wesleyan on December 5 despite winning five matches. Freshmen Samuel Smith and Elijah Torres have led podium finishes in tournaments, while senior Ruben Vasquez continues to provide leadership.
Elmhurst College started strong in dual competition with decisive wins over Augustana, Carthage, and Wheaton. National qualifier Rhenzo Augusto captured a tournament title at the Millikin Open, supported by consistent performances from Ryan Hinger and Mike Milovich.
Illinois Wesleyan picked up its first dual win of the season against Concordia Wisconsin on December 5 after facing several ranked opponents earlier in the schedule. Junior Austin Johnston has anchored production for the Titans with a tournament title and steady scoring during duals.
Millikin University remains unbeaten through three dual meets this season. After dominant victories over Westminster and Illinois Wesleyan, Millikin rallied from behind to defeat Aurora on December 4 by winning several upper-weight matches late in the contest. Mateo Casillas and Kody Marschner have claimed tournament titles for Millikin this year.
MSOE opened its campaign with three straight dual wins before falling narrowly to Lakeland. The Raiders’ lineup features both youth and experience; Toren Vandenbush repeated as champion at his weight class during their home invitational, while Lane Andersen has made an immediate impact as a freshman.
North Central College continues its dominance within the CCIW, remaining unbeaten through five matches this season—including significant victories over Wheaton, Illinois Wesleyan, Carthage, Augustana, and nationally ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater. “The Nov. 26 victory over Augustana pushed North Central’s CCIW dual winning streak to 61, with the program’s last league loss coming in 2017.” Depth throughout their roster has allowed North Central to control most contests from start to finish.
Wheaton College faced tough early-season tests against Elmhurst and North Central but looks toward tournament action moving forward. Taggert Kazmierczak delivered steady results for Wheaton alongside freshman Caleb Cox’s promising start.
As teams prepare for the heart of conference competition after the holiday break, each program’s development will be critical as they aim for success during the remainder of the CCIW wrestling season.
