MOORHEAD, Minn. – Minnesota State University Moorhead junior Cole Jones has been named as Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Wrestler to Watch by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, it was announced on Thursday in the league’s preseason preview.
Jones is a two-time national qualifier, including in 2021-22, and was All-American at 125 pounds in 2018-19. He has a career record of 55-24.
The Dragons will open their season on Saturday by sending a small contingent to the Finn Grinaker Open at Concordia College. MSUM will send 10 wrestlers there with three wrestling attached: Peyton Ringling, Sam Grove, and Jake Erckenbrack. The remaining seven will wrestle unattached.
MSUM, entering its 13th season under the direction of Head Coach Kris Nelson, returns six starters from a year ago, including Jones. Senior Braydon Ortloff returns at 165; he was a national qualifier in 2019-20.
Also returning as starters from last season include senior Mason Schulz at 141, sophomore Angel Rios at 149, sophomore Gage Roaldson at 174, and senior Steven Abbott at 197.
MSUM’s first dual is set for Nov. 17 at Concordia College.
2021-22 NSIC WRESTLING PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL
1 St. Cloud State (9) 81
2 Minnesota State (1) 69
3 Upper Iowa 66
4 Augustana 58
t5 Northern State 45
t5 Parkside 45
7 University of Mary 33
8 Minot State 21
9 MSU Moorhead 17
10 Southwest Minnesota State 15
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