MANHEIM, Pa. – After three open meets, the Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team has moved up a spot to No. 23 in the American Wrestling Coaches Association (AWCA) Division II Poll released on Friday.
SMSU is one of five NSIC schools ranked in the AWCA Top 25 with St. Cloud State leading the way, claiming the No. 1 spot in the rankings, Augustana placed No. 8, while Northern State and Minnesota State were tied at No. 20.
Caden Steffen retained his second-place ranking at 184. The junior wrestler was named the NSIC wrestler of the week after placing first at the Dakota Wesleyan Open. So far Steffen has claimed victories over Quayin Short, a Division I wrestler for the University of Wyoming, NAIA national finalist Tyson Beauperthuv and Hayden Wempen, a two-time NAIA All-American.
The Mustangs will compete in one more open, at MSU Moorhead on Saturday, Dec. 3. The Mustangs will open their NSIC dual season at home on Friday, Dec. 9, against Northern State at 7 p.m.
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