MANKATO, Minn. — The Minnesota State wrestling team will hit the mats for the first time in 2018 at Taylor Center on Saturday morning by taking part in the Maverick Duals.
Joining the Mavericks at the dual tournament will be Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opponent Southwest Minnesota State, UW-Parkside and Central Missouri.
The Mavericks enter the weekend ranked 20th in the nation in the latest NWCA Poll. Minnesota State has two wrestlers ranked nationally in Corey Abernathy and Matthew Blome. Both Wrestlers are rated fifth in their weight classes, 184 pounds and 197 pounds, respectively. Abernathy is tied for team-highs in major decisions (4) and technical falls (3) so far this season. At 149 pounds, Kyle Rathman leads the team in wins this season, 15, while Daniel Close has a team-high nine decision victories.
Central Missouri Mules are 2-2 this season with wins over Truman State and Ouachita Baptist. They are coached by Justin Ensign in his eighth season with the program. John Feeny is ranked 12th in the nation at 125 pounds and holds a 7-5 record for the Mules.
UW-Parkside will travel to Mankato as the second-ranked team in the nation. The Rangers are 2-0, with wins over UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater, and placed first at the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis. UW-Parkside boasts seven nationally ranked wrestlers including the #1 rated wrestler at 174 pounds, Noah Becker. The Rangers are coached by Corey VanGroll in his first season.
Southwest Minnesota State will face Central Missouri and UW-Parkside at the Maverick Duals. The Mustangs are 3-2 after competing at the Augustana Duals on December 9. SMSU went 3-1 at the duals with wins over Northwestern (Iowa), Morningside, and Drury. The Mustangs are coached by Jesse Nelson in his 11th season at the helm.
Minnesota State matches will be video streamed HERE.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will wrestle MSU-Moorhead at Taylor Center on Friday, January 12, at 7:00 pm.
Maverick Duals Schedule
11:00 am
Minnesota State vs. Central Missouri
UW-Parkside vs. SMSU
12:30 pm (approximately)
Minnesota State vs. UW-Parkside
Central Missouri vs. SMSU
2:00 pm (approximately)
UW-Parkside vs. Central Missouri