Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs

‘Feels like yesterday’: Steffen inducted into NSIC hall of fame

Link Steffen has taken plenty of his experiences and used them as tools to help the wrestlers on the Zumbrota-Mazeppa team. He said he’s not sure many of the wrestlers know he won a national championship during his collegiate career.

They might be aware now as Steffen was inducted into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame last month. Steffen, along with six other individuals, was inducted in the hall of fame Class of 2022.

One of the biggest messages he sends to the team is to enjoy every moment. Steffen felt he did so during his career and wants others to savor the ability to compete.

“Enjoy each day to the best of your ability,” Steffen said. “Enjoy the most of it you can while you have it.” Continue reading at republicaneagle.com →

SMSU announces three signings for 2022-23

MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State University head wrestling coach Chayse Jackson announced today three high school student-athletes have signed letters of intent to continue their academic and wrestling careers at SMSU.

Joining the program for the 2022-23 season include Jackson Esping from Minneota, Minn., Alex Ibanez from Grafton, N.D., and Jake Messner from Northfield, Minn.

“With only a few seniors graduating this year, this class reloads the weight classes where a senior has moved on,” Jackson said. “Each of these recruits have shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level and perform consistently. Between the three of them, SMSU brings in six state places, 10 state qualifications, and a host of Freestyle and Greco accolades.”

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Link Steffen to be inducted into the NSIC Hall of Fame

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Former Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling standout Link Steffen will be inducted into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Hall of Fame on Tuesday, July 12, the league announced on Wednesday. The induction ceremony will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Moorhead, Minn., at the NSIC’s annual Summer Kickoff event. A social begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by the ceremony at 6 p.m.

Joining Steffen in the class of 2022 include: Maggie McNamara, Concordia University, St. Paul; Jim Kapitan, Minnesota State University Moorhead; Amanda (Madden) Mahlke, Northern State University; Matt Schneck, St. Cloud State University; Katie Wilson, Wayne State College; Ben Barrone, Winona State University.

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Steffen earns No. 8 seed for World Team Trials Challenge

MARSHALL, Minn. – USA Wrestling has announced the seeds for this weekend’s freestyle competition at the World Team Trials Challenge with current Southwest Minnesota State University wrestler Caden Steffen earning the No. 8 seed at 86 kilograms.

The tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday inside Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa, with FloWrestling hosting all tournament coverage throughout the weekend.

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Mustangs wrap up US Open Championships

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Mustangs completed competition in Las Vegas at the USMC U.S. Open Championships on Saturday and Sunday, as Caden Steffen finished fourth in the 86-kilogram Freestyle to lead SMSU.

Steffen rattled off an impressive weekend of competition, going 4-2 on the weekend including a win over former DI NWCA All-American and SoCon Champion Andrew Morgan and DI NCAA Qualifier and SoCon Champion Caleb Hopkins in the tournament. With the performance, Steffen now locks in his spot for the Senior World Team Trials later this month in Coralville, Iowa as he continues to pursue the opportunity of making a World Team.

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Nine Mustangs prepare for US Open in Las Vegas

Nine current SMSU wrestlers are heading to Las Vegas this weekend for the US Open in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Seven Mustangs will be wrestling in both the Freestyle and Greco-Roman events. Two-time All-American and Super Region V Champion Caden Steffen (86kg, 87kg) headlines the list, with Hunter Pfantz (57kg, 60kg), Sean Howk (70kg, 72kg), Tyler Soltau (70kg, 72 kg) Tallin Johnson (74kg, 72kg), Carter Marx (86kg, 82kg), and Kevin Bostwick (86kg, 87kg) competing in each event, beginning with Freestyle on Friday, April 29.

Justin Sampson (61kg) is the lone Mustang competing in Freestyle only. Ben Emrich (55kg) is wrestling in just Greco-Roman, which begins Saturday, April 30. Graduate assistant coach Dylan Buschow (97kg) will also be competing in Greco-Roman.

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