College News

No Matter What The Score Is The Mavericks Are Going To Fight

Minnesota State University, Mankato expects to win at the highest level.

By Matt Krumrie

Eight of 10 starters return, including three All-Americans. A top-10 national ranking.

It seems like business as usual for head coach Jim Makovsky and his Minnesota State University, Mankato Mavericks wrestling program.

"This is one of the more experienced teams we've had," said Makovsky. "Everybody from 125 to 184 returns, so eight of our ten starters from a year ago return."

But having experience and a lofty national ranking to start the season (the Mavericks are ranked No. 10 in the first NWCA Division II coaches poll of the season) doesn't produce results. There is plenty of work to be done to accomplish individual and team goals. And even those who had success last year have room to improve.

"We can expect the guys who were All-Americans a year ago to take a couple more steps on the ladder, and then we have other guys that are right on the edge," says Makovsky. "We have several individuals that were close to qualifying for the national tournament. Our veteran presence and our depth make for a real competitive room."

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Expect Every Bison To Wrestle Hard For 7 Minutes

North Dakota State strives to be a top-20 team with multiple All-Americans

By Matt Krumrie

Several experienced wrestlers return for head coach Roger Kish's North Dakota State University Bison wrestling team in 2021-2022. The team is looking to use that experience to achieve even greater success this season. The Bison finished 2021 35th at the NCAA championships, 6th in the Big 12 Championships, and sent four wrestlers to the NCAA tournament.

The good news?

All four of those wrestlers are back, including Jared Franek (157), Luke Weber (165), Owen Pentz (197), Brandon Metz (285). Also back are regulars Kellyn March (133), Dylan Droegemueller (141), Jaden Van Maanen (149), Austin Brenner (174), and Michael Nelson (184).

Weber won the 165-pound Big 12 Championships and went 3-2 in the NCAA Championships but lost in the blood round, coming up one win short of becoming an All-American. Jared Franek finished second in the Big 12 championships, went 3-2 in the NCAA championships, and lost in the blood round, coming one win short of earning All-American honors. Those two are hungry and ready for redemption this season.

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Auggies Women Bring Passion, Heart, and the Highest Level of Technique in the Country to the Mat

The Sky is the Limit for the Augsburg University Auggies Women

By Matt Krumrie

A new coach. Same high expectations.

That's a quick overview of what to expect with the Augsburg women's wrestling program heading into the 2021-2022 season.

In June, Jake Short, a former University of Minnesota wrestler who has served as a coach for an elite wrestling school for the past three years, was named head coach of the Augsburg University women's wrestling team. Short replaces Max Mejia, who resigned in March after leading the Auggie women's wrestling team in its first two years as a varsity program, the only varsity women's wrestling program in Minnesota. The Auggies have won three individual national titles and earned 12 All-American honors in their first two seasons, most recently finishing in fifth place as a team at the 2021 National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships (NCAA schools).

Short wasted no time setting the bar high for himself and his wrestlers.

"This year, we have a lot of new things coming to this program; with a new coach and five incoming freshmen, we are excited for what is to come," he said. "A lot of these incoming freshmen will have an instant impact in our lineup. The key for us is the development of not only our wrestling but the bond we have as a team and growing as individuals. I believe we are a top-three team in the country and, even in the past couple of months, have grown as wrestlers. These women learn fast and cling to new information. Their willingness to learn and take on new challenges is second to none. Women's wrestling has grown in the state of Minnesota, and we plan to demonstrate just that on a national level."

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Cobbers Have Very Big Goals

Concordia College Focuses on Constant Improvement

By Matt Krumrie

Quincy Osborn is excited about the upcoming Concordia Cobbers wrestling season for many reasons. The obvious is that the Cobbers and all DIII wrestling teams get to compete in a full season schedule is exciting in itself. Then, add in the fact that the Cobbers lineup features seven starters, and you know why Osborn is looking forward to the chance to compete.

Last season, the Cobbers were ranked No. 17 in the nation heading into March - just two votes outside the top 15. With an experienced lineup set to wrestle a full schedule, Osborn has high expectations this season. However, what's unique about this team is that of the ten projected starters, eight are underclassmen.

"This team is still relatively young by grade but veteran by experience," says Osborn. "Our team leadership is some of the best that I've ever been around as an athlete and coach. They have set some very big goals for the team this season, both academically and athletically."

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Meet The Gopher Freshmen: Jager Eisch

Freshman introductions roll on as we cross the border to highlight our next newcomer

Our “Meet the Freshman” series rolls on as we cross the border to introduce our next newcomer: Jager Eisch.

Eisch is a Kaukauna, Wis., native and graduated from Kaukauna HS with a 125-23 prep record and two state titles. He is also the reigning USAW Folkstyle National champion at 132 pounds.

GopherSports: First, just talk us through why you chose the University of Minnesota?

Eisch: There were two main points for me that made Minnesota my top choice. The first one was just the relationship that I built with every single one of the coaches right away. We got very close right off the bat and they still treat us like family. The other main point was that everybody wants to win, and I want to win too so it worked out well. Continue reading at gophersports.com →

Vikings Return a Lot of Experience

Augustana University Looking to Step It Up

By Matt Krumrie

Head coach Jason Reitmeier enters his 19th season coaching the Augustana Vikings wrestling program with high expectations. That's because the Vikings return ten wrestlers who have competed in the Super Region V tournament - arguably the toughest regional qualifier in Division II wrestling - and a lineup that boasts talent along with experience.

Others have also taken note. Augustana opened the season ranked No. 22 in the NWCA Preseason Division II coaches poll, with two wrestlers ranked - 2021 All-American Steven Hajas and 2021 national qualifier Brandon Carroll. Hajas finished third at 285 last season and is ranked fourth at 285 to start this season. Carroll is ranked 11th at 133. Other returning starters include Jack Huffman (141), Tyler Wagener (157), Dylan Schuck (165), Cade Mueller (174), Kolby Kost (184), Daniel Bishop (197), Keaten Schorr (149), Jacob Tvinnereim (165), and Jackson Sweeney (165). Schorr is moving up to 149 from 141, Tvinnereim is moving from 157 to 165, and Sweeney is moving from 165 to 184.

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