MANHEIM, Pa. – Southwest Minnesota State University senior wrestler Caden Steffen is ranked eighth at 197 pounds, while SMSU is receiving votes for the Top 25, in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II preseason rankings released on Monday.
Steffen, a native of Zumbrota, Minn., is a two-time NCAA All-American for the Mustangs at 184 pounds in both 2021 and 2022. He was 16-2 last season and twice was named NSIC Wrestler of the Week before suffering a season-ending injury in January. Steffen is moving up to 197 pounds for his final season at SMSU.
As a team, SMSU received six points for the NWCA Top 25 poll, ranking 30th overall. The NSIC has six teams ranked in the Top 25 with St. Cloud State leading the way at the No. 4 spot, with UMary and Parkside ranked No. 9, Northern State at No. 11, Augustana at No. 15 and Minot State tied at No. 25.
NWCA NCAA DII Rankings – October 30, 2023
SMSU opens the regular season this Saturday at the RCTC Yellowjacket Open in Rochester, Minn. The Mustangs will have their first dual of the season on Dec. 1 at UMary and will have their first home action on Dec. 8-9 with a tri-dual inside the PE Gym.
Check out Mustangs Wrestling at smsumustangs.com. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Buy Mustangs Tickets.