Boilermaker wrestling on the rise

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Purdue wrestling team will close out the regular season on Monday when the Boilermakers host the Indiana Hoosiers. With a win, the gold and black would secure its first winning season in the Big Ten since 1998.

After taking over as head coach in 2007, Scott Hinkel has been determined to build a consistent team at Purdue. Finishing 5-3 in the Big Ten could help the Boilermakers take that next step as a program.

“I remember a couple of years ago when we were just trying to win one Big Ten match. That is how brutal the wrestling conference is,” said head coach Scott Hinkel. “We have come along way and it would just be nice finish and hopefully give us a lot of momentum and let people know that wrestling is going on here as well,” said Hinkel.

It hasn't come easy for the Purdue wrestlers. With 8 other Big Ten programs ranked in the top 25. The Boilermakers have earned every victory this season.

“We just look to establish Purdue as a dominant force. Everyone looks at Iowa wrestling like they are the defining factor and we want Purdue to become the defining factor in wrestling,” said Purdue RS Sophomore Brandon Nelson.

A win over the Hoosiers would also earn a coveted point in the Crimson and Gold Cup standings. An extra incentive in a rivalry that's all about setting the tone in the state of Indiana.

“I don't to a lot of talking for the other sports but I like to just control what we can control which is the wrestling part of it and hopefully we can take care of that for our program and our university,” said RS Junior Cashé Quiroga.

“They've got some tough individuals and they have nothing to lose coming in here. Hopefully it is a great atmosphere and a good environment so if we are not ready to go it would definitely be a big win for them. We just want to take the same approach and come out and wrestle how we are capable of wrestling,” said Hinkel.

The match is set for 6:30 inside Holloway Gymnasium. Purdue President Mitch Daniels will be serving as the honorary Captain for the Boilermakers.