MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Minnesota State University Moorhead wrestling team resumes its 2013-14 season on Saturday when it competes at the Grand Canyon Duals in Phoeniz, Ariz.
The Dragons will face four nonconference opponents at the event: Colorado Mesa (10 a.m. Central time), Simon Fraser (11:30 a.m.), California Baptist (1 p.m.) and Grand Canyon (2:30 p.m.).
The duals will be MSUM’s first competition since the Dragons faced nationally-ranked Augsburg in a dual on Dec. 11, 2013. In that match, the Dragons got wins from senior Matt Lewellen and junior Michael Joseph before falling 34-9.
MSUM is led by Joseph, who is 19-8 at 174 pounds this season, and Lewellen, who is 18-7 at 184 pounds. Also having a solid start to the year are a pair of freshmen: Blake Bosch (9-5 at 125 pounds) and Garret Hoffner (8-3 at 149). MSUM’s young lineup has included six individuals who are either redshirt freshmen or true freshmen.
Kris Nelson is in his fifth season as MSUM’s head coach.
MSUM probable lineup
(subject to change without notice)
125-Blake Bosch (Fr., 9-5 record)
133-Shane Novak (Fr., 9-8)
141-Isaac Novacek (RFr. 3-3)
149-Garret Hoffner (Fr. 8-3)
157-Dan Murakami (RFr., 4-10)
165-Shawn Porter (Jr., 1-8) or Jesse Puncochar (So., 8-6)
174-Michael Joseph (Jr., 19-8) or Conner Monk (Jr., 4-8)
184-Matt Lewellen (Sr., 18-7)
197-Tyler Schlosser (Fr., 9-7)
285-Gerad Fugleberg (Jr., 2-1)
Grand Canyon Duals Information
Here is a look at MSUM’s opponents for the weekend:
Colorado Mesa: The Mavericks are 3-1 in duals on the year; they beat Bethany College, 36-9 in their last dual on Dec. 19. Colorado Mesa will face Embry-Riddle on Jan.2 prior to facing MSUM. The Mavericks’ lone loss came to Division I foe Northern Colorado. They are led by Chester Granard (7-0), who is ranked No. 8 in the nation at 174 pounds, and Jordan Passehl, who is 11-4 and ranked No. 8 at 285 pounds.
Simon Fraser: Simon Fraser is 1-4 in duals so far. The Clan earned a 44-0 win over Doane College on Nov. 23. Simon Fraser will face Embry-Riddle on Jan. 3 prior to competing at the GCU Duals. Senior Skylor Davis leads the way for the Clan with a 19-2 record at 125 pounds, while junior Brock Lamb is 15-8 at 165 pounds.
California Baptist: The Lancers are 4-1 in duals so far. They beat Division I Cal Poly, 19-18 in their last action on Dec. 16. Cal Baptist is led by Brady Bersano, who is 11-4 on the year at 157 pounds, and Bryden Lazaro, who is 9-6 at 125 pounds.
Grand Canyon: The Lopes, who are making the transition to Division I, are 2-1 in duals on the year. They beat Embry-Riddle, 42-9 in their last dual on Dec. 13. Freshman Austin Solari is 12-6 at 141 pounds for Grand Canyon while sophomore Chayse Jackson is 12-7 at 157 pounds. Freshman Austin Gaun is 11-5 at 184 pounds for the Lopes.