This week: Augustana (3-0), ranked No. 3 in NCAA Division II, competes in the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s (NWCA) Cliff Keen National Duals this Saturday and Sunday at the Northern Iowa Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Last time out: The Vikings blanked Northwestern 42-0 in Orange City, Iowa. Gavin Nelson (165) and Ty Copsey (197) registered pins, while Austin Carmichael (157) earned a technical fall. Posting decisions were Al Meger (125), Cody Lensing (133), Jason Jeremiason (141), Nate Herda (149),Brian Schultz (184), and Mike Roberts (285). Carl Serck (174) won by forfeit.
Loaded division: Joining Augustana in the Division II class at the Cliff Keen National Duals are Central Oklahoma, Central Missouri, Findlay (Ohio), Grand Canyon (Ariz.), Limestone (S.C.), Minnesota State, Minnesota State Moorhead, Newberry (S.C.), San Francisco State, St. Could State, North Carolina-Pembroke, Nebraska-Omaha, Wisconsin-Parkside, Upper Iowa and Western State (Colo.). Nebraska-Omaha holds the No. 1 ranking nationally, while St. Cloud State is No. 2, Western State No. 4, Newberry No. 5, Findlay No. 7, Upper Iowa No. 10, Grand Canyon No. 11, Central Oklahoma No. 12, UW-Parkside No. 13, San Francisco No. 19, and North Carolina Pembroke No. 20. To view the national duals home page, clickhere.
The great unknown: Augustana will not know who it faces at the NWCA National Duals until late in the week. The pairings are determined by national rankings and who is invited to participate. The Vikings’ matchups will immediately be posted here when they are determined.
Dominating: Augustana has tossed shutouts in two of its three dual wins this season and has outscored its opponents 114-6.
Back in action: The Vikings return to the mat after nearly a month-long hiatus for the holiday break. Augustana’s last competition was its 42-0 rout of Northwestern (Iowa) on Dec. 9.