Rutledge, ranked sixth in the recent National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III individual poll, opened with an 8-3 decision over Chase Campbell, from Wheaton College. He followed with a 4-1 victory over North Central College's Rod Knowlton. Against Wabash College, Rutledge won via forfeit for his 100th career collegiate victory. He ended his afternoon by pinning Nicholas Hagen (University of Dubuque) in 4:12.
Knox finished 0-4 at the Chuck Porter Duals. North Central won the six-team event with a 4-0 record.
Rutledge became Knox College's first wrestling All-American by placing third at the NCAA Division III Championships last year. He was the first Knox wrestler to compete in the National Wrestling Championships since Tom MacMillan reached nationals for the second straight year in 1980. Last year, Rutledge finished with a 36-5 record and won individual titles at the Central College Invitational, the Northern Wrestling Association Tournament and the Great Lakes Regional. Thanks to his efforts, Rutledge led Knox to a 25th-place national finish. The biology major placed third at regionals and was an alternate qualifier as a sophomore for the 2005-06 National Championships.
The Prairie Fire wrestling team returns to the mat Wednesday, January 9, at Augustana College. The dual meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
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