St. Cloud State Huskies

#3 St. Cloud State Update

Upcoming Matches:
Feb. 4 – Northern State at SCSU, 7 p.m.
Feb. 5 – Mary at SCSU, 2 p.m.

www.stcloudstate.edu

HUSKIES HEADLINERS: 

  • #3 St. Cloud State University (15-2) will offer a special Youth/Prep Wrestling Weekend on Feb. 4-5. All youth (12th grade and under) will be admitted for just $1 to the SCSU wrestling matches on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5. The #3 ranked Huskies will battle NSIC rival Northern State University at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 in Halenbeck Hall. The weekend of wrestling will be completed with a 2 p.m. home match against NSIC rival University of Mary. This special price to attend the matches is an excellent way for youngsters to check out some excellent NCAA wrestling action in Halenbeck Hall this weekend. As always, all SCSU students are admitted FREE to all regular season home wrestling matches in 2010-11.
  • WATCH ON THE WEB! The upcoming matches vs. NSU and Mary can be viewed on the web by going to this website:http://pennatlantic.com
  • Over 50 alumni wrestlers were on hand to celebrate Husky Wrestling Alumni Day at SCSU on Jan. 30. SCSU responded to the big crowd in Halenbeck Hall with a big 38-3 win over visiting MSU Moorhead. The victory tied a team record for dual wins in a season, as the Huskies are now 15-2 in 2010-11. The 15-win record was originally set by SCSU during the 1964-65 season. Wrestlers from all eras of SCSU wrestling were on hand for the event, which concluded with an evening social at DB Searle’s in downtown St. Cloud. SCSU opened its week with a tough 18-13 loss to #2 Augustana in Sioux Falls. A well-played match, Augie relied upon two OT victories in the dual to gain the edge. A highlight of that match was SCSU’s #5 John Sundgren win over #2 Marcus Eddington at 157-pounds. SCSU’s #1 Jake Kahnke gained a major decison win at heavyweight, while #2 Tad Merritt won at 165-pounds and Mic Berg won at 184-pounds.
  • The Huskies were ranked #3 in the latest DII Coaches’ Poll behind Nebraska Omaha. Here is a rundown of SCSU’s nationally ranked wrestlers in 2010-11: Jacob D. Horn (#4 at 149-pounds), John Sundgren (#5 at 157-pounds), Tad Merritt (#2 at 165-pounds), Shamus O’Grady (#7 at 174-pounds), and Jake Kahnke (#1 at 285-pounds). The poll was released on Jan. 19.
  • Junior Tad Merritt continues to lead the Huskies this season with 27 victories (27-3) and 11 pins. Merritt is ranked #2 in the nation.
  • At 285-pounds, #1 ranked Jake Kahnke is 19-1 this season for SCSU.
  • SCSU placed 3rd at the 2011 NWCA Division II National Duals on Jan. 8-9. The third place finish is the best in team history for the Huskies at the DII National Duals.
  • The St. Cloud State University wrestling team (14-7, 5-2 NSIC/3rd) captured 7th place at the 2010 NCAA Division II wrestling championships on March 12-13, in Omaha, Neb. This marks the Huskies best NCAA finish since capturing 7th place in 1983. This also marked the best finish for the Huskies at the NCAA tournament since Steve Costanzo took over as head coach in 2006-07. This marked the 8th time since 1975 that SCSU has charted a top-10 place at the NCAA championships. The 7th place finish is the best ever for the Huskies at the NCAA DII level. SCSU placed eighth at the nationals in 2009, 1986 and 1976. SCSU also placed third at nationals during the 1963 and 1965 seasons as an NAIA affiliate.
  • The Huskies qualified 8 wrestlers for the NCAA championships in 2010. SCSU wrestlers earning All-America status at the meet were Jacob Kahnke (4th place at 285), Tad Merritt (5th place at 165), Shamus O’Grady (6th place at 174) and Gabe Suarez (8th place at 141). This marked the first All-America finish for Kahnke, O’Grady and Suarez, while Merritt is now a two-time All-America award winner for the Huskies. The four All-Americans ties a team record for the Huskies, as SCSU also brought home four NCAA All-America honors in 1983 and 1975.
  • The Huskies will have two major targets on the wrestling room wall this season. First up is the 2011 NCAA Regional championships on Feb. 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the other big date – March 11-12, which is the 2011 NCAA DII championships.

St. Cloud State 38 MSU-Moorhead 3

#3 St. Cloud State rolls to a 38-3 win over Minnesota State Moorhead

Huskies tie team record for wins in a season!

St. Cloud, Minn. – The #3 St. Cloud State University wrestling team tied a team record for dual meet victories with a 38-3 win over Minnesota State, Moorhead on Jan. 30 at Halenbeck Hall. Before a large Alumni Day gathering at the match, the Huskies tallied their 15th win of the season, which ties the team record for dual match wins in a season that was set in 1964-65.

SCSU is now 15-2 on the season, and the Huskies will next host Northern State on Feb. 4 at 7 p.m., and Mary on Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. Both matches will be held in Halenbeck Hall and tickets can be purchased at the gate. As always, all SCSU students are admitted FREE to all regular season home matches with a valid SCSU student ID.

MSUM’s lone points were tallied in the opening match of the day as Corey Ulmer posted a 7-0 win over SCSU’s Dylan Wright at 125-pounds.

The Huskies turned on the pressure after that setback with a 13-4 major decision win by Eric Ellington over MSUM’s Evan Forde at 133-pounds. SCSU charted a pin by Gabe Suarez at 141-pounds. Suarez took care of business at 4:20 against MSUM’s Connor MacGregor.

Jacob D. Horn added another major decision win for SCSU at 149-pounds with a 12-3 victory over MSUM’s Tyler Steinwand. At 157-pounds, John Sundgren scored a 7-2 decision over MSUM’s Tallen Wald.

SCSU’s #2 ranked Tad Merritt joined the major decision crowd with a 13-2 victory over Tyler Kivel of MSUM at 165-pounds. The Huskies then iced the match at 174-pounds with a big 21-6 tech fall win (7:00) by Shamus O’Grady over MSUM’s Jacob Bennett.

To complete the run, SCSU’s Mic Berg gained a 9-4 decision over MSUM’s Kody Kalkbrenner at 184-pounds. SCSU’s Lucas Munkelwitz added the Huskies’ second fall of the day with a 1:48 pin over MSUM’s Brian Woelfel at 197-pounds. At 285-pounds, SCSU’s Jake Kahnke (ranked #1 in the nation) coined a 6-2 decision win over MSUM’s Jon Swart to complete the score at 38-3 in favor of SCSU.

A highlight of the day was the introduction of the SCSU wrestling alumni in attendance at the match during intermission. This large contingent of SCSU wrestling alumni were spotlighted by the SCSU announcer and the day was completed with a post-match reception at D.B. Searle’s in downtown St. Cloud. This group included representatives from all eras of Husky wrestling dating back to the 1950s.

St. Cloud State 38 MSU-Moorhead 3
125 Corey Ulmer (MSU) DEC Dylan Wright (SCSU) 7-0
133 Eric Ellington (SCSU) MD Evan Forde (MSU) 13-4
141 Gabriel Suarez (SCSU) FALL Connor MacGregor (MSU) 4:20
149 Jacob D. Horn (SCSU) MD Tyler Steinwand (MSU) 12-3
157 John Sundgren (SCSU) DEC Tallen Wald (MSU) 7-2
165 Tad Merritt (SCSU) MD Tyler Kivel (MSU) 13-2
174 Shamus O’Grady (SCSU) TF5 Jacob Bennett (MSU) 21-6 7:00
184 Michael Berg (SCSU) DEC Kody Kalkbrenner (MSU) 9-4
197 Lucas Munkelwitz (SCSU) FALL Brian Woelfel (MSU) 1:48
285 Jake Kahnke (SCSU) DEC Jon Swart (MSU) 6-2

Augustana 18 St. Cloud State 13

No. 2 Augustana outlasts No. 3 St. Cloud State

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – No. 2 Augustana jumped out to a 12-0 lead and won six matches by decision to defeat No. 3 St. Cloud State 18-13 Thursday evening in a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference dual in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Augustana, which defeated the Huskies 18-15 in non-conference action earlier this month, moves to 10-1 (4-0 NSIC). SCSU is now 14-2 (1-1 NSIC).

The Vikings are now one of two teams in the NSIC with 4-0 conference marks; the other, Minnesota State, visits the Elmen Center tomorrow at 7 p.m. The Mavericks are ranked No. 7 in Division II.

Augustana wasted little time in front of a crowd of more than 1,000, winning the dual’s first four matches.

Al Meger began with a 6-0 victory over Zach Stewart at 125 pounds, and Jason Jeremiason added to the Viking lead with a 6-4 win against Westy Hanson.

At 141 pounds, Jay Sherer, ranked No. 4 nationally, used a takedown with six seconds left in the overtime period to edge Gabe Suarez 3-1.

No. 8 Nate Herda also picked up a win by sudden victory at 149 pounds. The sophomore knocked off Jacob D. Horn, who is ranked No. 4, with a takedown at the 31-second mark of the overtime period.

The Huskies dispatched No. 5-ranked John Sundgren at 157 pounds to pick up their first victory of the evening. Sundgren used a big first period to notch a 10-3 win over No. 2-ranked Marcus Edgington.

The 165-pound match also featured a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers. No. 2 Tad Merritt picked up a 7-4 victory over Augustana’s Gavin Nelson, ranked No. 6 in the country.

Carl Serck answered for the Vikings at 174 pounds, using two takedowns and a three-point nearfall in the first period to knock off No. 8 Shamus O’Grady 9-2.

Trailing 15-6, SCSU had a chance to significantly close the gap at 184 pounds. The Huskies’ Mic Berg nearly pinned Tom Davies in the first period. Davies, though, fought off the near-pin and worked Berg for the next two periods before dropping the 6-4 decision.

Ty Copsey’s ensuing win at 197 pounds sealed the victory for the Vikings. No. 2-ranked Copsey recorded a 4-0 win by decision over Luke Munkelwitz to put his squad ahead 18-9.

No. 1-ranked Jacob Kahnke closed the dual with a win for SCSU in the heavyweight tilt, beating Lance Peters 16-5.

Head coach Jason Reitmeier said he expected a close contest with the Huskies, whose two losses this season have been to his Vikings.

“It’s going to be tight every time,” said Reitmeier. “We need to find a way to finish matches a little better; we need to distance ourselves. (Our wins) are never going to be major decisions or pins–it’s always going to be dog fight.”

Augustana has now won four straight duals.

Augustana 18, St. Cloud State 13
125: Al Meger (Augie) dec. Zach Stewart (SCSU), 6-0
133: Jason Jeremiason (Augie) dec. Westy Hanson (SCSU), 6-4
141: Jay Sherer (Augie) dec. Gabe Suarez (SCSU), 3-1 (SV1)
149: Nate Herda (Augie) dec. Jacob D. Horn (SCSU), 3-1 (SV1)
157: John Sundgren (SCSU) dec. Marcus Edgington (Augie), 10-3
165: Tad Merritt (SCSU) dec. Gavin Nelson (Augie), 7-4
174: Carl Serck (Augie) dec. Shamus O’Grady (SCSU), 9-2
184: Mic Berg (SCSU) dec. Tom Davies (Augie), 6-4
197: Ty Copsey (Augie) dec. Luke Munkelwitz (SCSU), 4-0
285: Jacob Kahnke (SCSU) major dec. Lance Peters (Augie), 16-5

#3 Huskies to Face #2 Augustana in Sioux Falls on Jan. 27

The Matches:

Jan. 27 – #3 SCSU at #2 Augustana, 7 p.m.
Jan. 30 – Minnesota State, Moorhead at #3 SCSU, 2 p.m. – ALUMNI DAY

HUSKY HEADLINES:

  • #3 St. Cloud State University (14-1) will match up against #2 ranked Augustana on Jan. 27, in Sioux Falls, S.D. This match between these two Division II titans will take place at 7 p.m. The Huskies will be looking to avenge an 18-15 loss to Augustana at the NWCA Duals on Jan. 9 in Cedar Falls, Iowa…SCSU will complete the weekend with its first home dual match of the season on Jan. 30 against Minnesota State Moorhead. The match in Halenbeck Hall will begin at 2 p.m. and it has been designated as SCSU Wrestling Alumni Day. All former SCSU wrestlers are invited to come back for this event, which will include a post-match social in downtown St. Cloud. Call Coach Costanzo at 320-308-2996 for more details.
  • WATCH ON THE WEB! The upcoming match at #2 Augustana will be available for free viewing on the web at this location:http://www.GoAugie.com/webcast

  • In one of SCSU’s biggest wins during the Steve Costanzo era, the Huskies posted a thrilling 19-18 win at #1 Nebraska Omaha on Jan. 21. Eric Ellington at 133-pounds scored a final match pin at 3:42 to secure the needed points to upset the Mavs. Jacob Kahnke (285-pounds) and Tad Merritt (165-pounds) scored wins for the Huskies in the dual, while 125-pounder Zach Stewart added six big points thanks to a UNO forfeit. The loss dropped UNO to 5-1 on the year in duals, and snapped UNO’s 13-match win streak. It also marked UNO’s first dual loss since Jan. 22, 2010, when Augsburg defeated UNO, 18-12, and first dual loss at home since a 22-15 loss to Division I Northern Iowa on Feb. 21, 2008. This was the first victory for the Huskies over UNO since a 23-16 win over the Mavs on Jan. 16, 1999.
  • SCSU completed its road trip on Jan. 22 with a 32-8 victory at Southwest Minnesota State.
  • The Huskies were ranked #3 in the latest DII Coaches’ Poll behind Nebraska Omaha. Here is a rundown of SCSU’s nationally ranked wrestlers in 2010-11: Jacob D. Horn (#4 at 149-pounds), John Sundgren (#5 at 157-pounds), Tad Merritt (#2 at 165-pounds), Shamus O’Grady (#7 at 174-pounds), and Jake Kahnke (#1 at 285-pounds). The poll was released on Jan. 19.
  • Junior Tad Merritt continues to lead the Huskies this season with 25 victories (25-3) and 11 pins. Merritt is ranked #2 in the nation.
  • At 285-pounds, #1 ranked Jake Kahnke scored a 5-3 win over #8 ranked Taylor Escamilla at the UNO dual on Jan. 21. Kahnke is 17-1 this season for SCSU.
  • SCSU placed 3rd at the 2011 NWCA Division II National Duals on Jan. 8-9. The third place finish is the best in team history for the Huskies at the DII National Duals.
  • The St. Cloud State University wrestling team (14-7, 5-2 NSIC/3rd) captured 7th place at the 2010 NCAA Division II wrestling championships on March 12-13, in Omaha, Neb. This marks the Huskies best NCAA finish since capturing 7th place in 1983. This also marked the best finish for the Huskies at the NCAA tournament since Steve Costanzo took over as head coach in 2006-07. This marked the 8th time since 1975 that SCSU has charted a top-10 place at the NCAA championships. The 7th place finish is the best ever for the Huskies at the NCAA DII level. SCSU placed eighth at the nationals in 2009, 1986 and 1976. SCSU also placed third at nationals during the 1963 and 1965 seasons as an NAIA affiliate.
  • The Huskies qualified 8 wrestlers for the NCAA championships in 2010. SCSU wrestlers earning All-America status at the meet were Jacob Kahnke (4th place at 285), Tad Merritt (5th place at 165), Shamus O’Grady (6th place at 174) and Gabe Suarez (8th place at 141). This marked the first All-America finish for Kahnke, O’Grady and Suarez, while Merritt is now a two-time All-America award winner for the Huskies. The four All-Americans ties a team record for the Huskies, as SCSU also brought home four NCAA All-America honors in 1983 and 1975.
  • The Huskies will have two major targets on the wrestling room wall this season. First up is the 2011 NCAA Regional championships on Feb. 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the other big date – March 11-12, which is the 2011 NCAA DII championships.

St. Cloud State 32 Southwest Minnesota State 8

#3 Huskies Continue Winning Ways With 32-8 Victory at SMSU

Marshall, Minn. – The #3 ranked St. Cloud State University wrestling team (14-1) continued its success in 2010-11 with a 32-8 victory at NSIC rival Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall on Jan. 22.

SCSU’s Dylan Wright opened the night with a 4-2 OT decision over SMSU’s Travis Borchert to give the Huskies a 3-0 lead. At 133-pounds, SCSU’s Westy Hanson gained a 4-1 win over SMSU’s Justin Reinsma to push the score to 6-0.

At 141-pounds, #7 Gabe Suarez added a 14-5 major decision win over SMSU’s Justin Reinsma to make it 10-0. The victories continued at 149-pounds as Jacob R. Horn chalked up a 9-6 winover Kyle Anderson of SMSU.

At 157-pounds, SCSU’s Josh Joriman posted a 10-0 major decision win over SMSU’s Kyle Anderson that gave the Huskies a big 17-0 lead.

SCSU iced the match with forfeit win at 165-pounds by #2 ranked Tad Merritt. In action at 174-pounds, #6 Shamus O’Grady added a 4:23 pin over SMSU’s Billy Fate to make the tally 29-0. The Mustangs’ CD Johnson posted a 15-0 tech fall win over SCSU’s Mic Berg but SCSU charged back at 197-pounds ith a 5-2 win by Luke Munkelwitz over Martin Hagen of SMSU.

In the final bout of the night, SMSU’s Brian Rodas gained a 5-1 decision win over SCSU’s Chris Brassell.

SCSU will return to action on Jan. 27 with a 7 p.m. match at NSIC rival Augustana. The Huskies will return to Halenbeck Hall on Jan. 30 for a 2 p.m. dual against MSU Moorhead. This match has been designated as SCSU Wrestling Alumni Day. Please call the Wrestling Office at 320-308-2996 for all the details on this exciting event. All former SCSU Wrestlers are encourage to attend this match.

St. Cloud State 32, Southwest Minnesota State 8
125: Dylan Wright (SCSU) def. Travis Borchert 4-2 decision OT (SCSU leads 3-0)
133: Westy Hanson (SCSU) def. Justin Reinsma 4-1 decision (SCSU leads 6-0)
141: #7 Gabe Suarez def. Ethan Hildebrandt 14-5 major decision (SCSU leads 10-0)
149: Jacob R. Horn def. Kyle Anderson 9-6 decision (SCSU leads 13-0)
157: Josh Jorniman def. Casey Field 10-0 major decision (SCSU leads 17-0)
165: #2 Tad Merritt by forfeit (SCSU leads 23-0)
174: #6 Shamus O’Grady def. Billy Fate by fall at 4:23 (SCSU leads 29-0)
184: CD Johnson def. #5 Mic Berg by technical fall 15-0 (SCSU leads 29-5)
197: Luke Munkelwitz def. Martin Hagen 5-2 decision (SCSU leads 32-5)
285: Brian Rodas def. Chris Brassell 5-1 decision (SCSU leads 32-8)

St. Cloud State 19, UN-Omaha 18

#3 St. Cloud State Stuns #1 Nebraska Omaha, 19-18

The No. 1 UN-Omaha wrestling team was upset by No. 3 St. Cloud State on Friday night, 19-18, after a quick turn of events in the night’s final match at the Sapp Fieldhouse.

With UNO leading 18-13 heading into the 133-pound final match, it looked like the Mavs were in position to win, as Trent Cox was in control over St. Cloud State’s Eric Ellington. Cox scored an early takedown and an escape to take a 3-0 lead, then rode Ellington for 2:43. But Ellington quickly turned the table, flipping Cox and earning the quick pin at 3:42, giving the Huskies the come-from-behind 19-18 win.

The victory moved SCSU’s record to 13-1 on the season, as the Huskies will travel to Southwest Minnesota State on Jan. 22 for a 7 p.m. dual match in Marshall.  The loss dropped UNO to 5-1 on the year in duals, and snapped UNO’s 13-match win streak. It also marked UNO’s first dual loss since Jan. 22, 2010, when Augsburg defeated UNO, 18-12, and first dual loss at home since a 22-15 loss to Division I Northern Iowa on Feb. 21, 2008.

The Mavs jumped out to a 9-0 lead, thanks to a draw that allowed UNO to throw its three top-ranked wrestlers onto the mat to start the dual.

Top-ranked Mario Morgan got the Mavs on the scoreboard to begin the dual at 141 pounds with a 4-0 victory over the Huskies’ Gabe Suarez.  At 149 pounds, No. 1 Esai Dominguez took a 6-5 lead over No. 4 Jacob D. Horn with a takedown late in the second period, then held off Horn in the third period for the win.

UNO’s third top-ranked wrestler, George Ivanov, recorded a takedown with eight seconds left in the match, then released No. 5 John Sundgren for a one-point escape to claim a 7-6 win and give UNO a 9-0 lead. Ivanov recorded three takedowns in the final period to take control of the match. Ivanov is 6-0 in dual matches this season.

SCSU got on the board at 165-pounds with a 13-5 major decision win by #2 ranked Tad Merritt over UNO’s Nathan Sigman.  UNO returned with a 9-3 win by Ryan Pankoke over #7 Shamus O’Grady at 174-pounds.  UNO added another win at 184-pounds with a 4-0 victory by #3 Aaron Denson over SCSU’s Mic Berg.  The final UNO win of the day was a close 3-2 decision by #8 Matt Baker over SCSU’s Luke Munkelwitz at 197-pounds.  The win gave the Mavs an 18-4 margin in the match.

At 285-pounds, SCSU’s #1 Jake Kahnke carded a big 5-3 decision over #8 ranked Taylor Escamilla to make it 18-7.  The Huskies and Zach Stewart took full advantage of a forfeit at 125-pounds that provided six important points for the Huskies.

The forfeit set the table for Ellington’s late round heroics at 133-pounds for the Huskies.

St. Cloud State 19, UN-Omaha 18
141 – No. 1 Mario Morgan (UNO) by dec. over Gabe Suarez (SCSU), 4-0 (UNO 3-0)
149 – No. 1 Esai Dominguez (UNO) by dec. over No. 4 Jacob D. Horn (SCSU), 6-5 (UNO 6-0)
157 – No. 1 George Ivanov (UNO) by dec. over No. 5 John Sundgren (SCSU), 7-6 (UNO 9-0)
165 – No. 2 Tad Merritt (SCSU) by major dec. over Nathan Sigman (UNO), 13-5 (UNO 9-4)
174 – No. 3 Ryan Pankoke (UNO) by dec. over No. 7 Shamus O’Grady (SCSU), 9-3 (UNO 12-4)
184 – No. 3 Aaron Denson (UNO) by dec. over Mic Berg (SCSU), 4-0 (UNO 15-4)
197 – No. 8 Matt Baker (UNO) by dec. over Luke Munkelwitz (SCSU), 3-2 (UNO 18-4)
285 – No. 1 Jacob Kahnke (SCSU) by dec. over No. 8 Taylor Escamilla (UNO), 5-3 (UNO 18-7)
125 – Zach Stewart (SCSU) by forfeit (UNO 18-13)
133 – Eric Ellington (SCSU) by fall over Trent Cox (UNO), 3:42 (SCSU 19-18)

#3 St. Cloud State to Face #1 Nebraska Omaha on Jan. 21

The Matches:
Jan. 21 – #3 SCSU at #1 Nebraska Omaha, 7 p.m.
Jan. 22 – #3 SCSU at Southwest Minnesota State, 7 p.m.

Huskies Headliners:

  • #3 St. Cloud State University (12-1) will battle #1 ranked Nebraska Omaha at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21 in Omaha, Neb. SCSU will complete the weekend with a trip to Southwest Minnesota State at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22.
  • WATCH ON THE WEB! The upcoming match at #1 Nebraska Omaha on Jan. 21 will be available for free viewing on the web at this location: http://live.upstreamnetworks.com/16345-70149
  • The Huskies were ranked #3 in the latest DII Coaches’ Poll behind Nebraska Omaha. Here is a rundown of SCSU’s nationally ranked wrestlers in 2010-11: Jacob D. Horn (#4 at 149-pounds), John Sundgren (#5 at 157-pounds), Tad Merritt (#2 at 165-pounds), Shamus O’Grady (#7 at 174-pounds), and Jake Kahnke (#1 at 285-pounds). The poll was released on Jan. 19.
  • St. Cloud State posted a 37-6 win at UW-Eau Claire on Jan. 15, and the Huskies also gained a 24-12 win at #6 St. John’s University on Jan. 14. Luke Munkelwitz enjoyed a strong weekend for the Huskies with a major decision win over UW-EC’s Luke Ortscheid and a 10-3 win over #10 ranked Tony Willaert of SJU at 197-pounds. Munkelwitz is now 12-3 on the season for the Huskies.
  • Junior Tad Merritt continues to lead the Huskies this season with 23 victories (23-3) and 11 pins. Merritt is ranked #2 in the nation. Of note, SCSU has 76 pins as a team this season.
  • SCSU is 280-154 in individual matches this season. The team individual match winning rate is an impressive 64.5% this winter.
  • At 285-pounds, Jake Kahnke held on to his #1 ranking this winter with a win against SJU. Kahnke now owns a 16-1 record this year. He is slated to meet up with #8 ranked Taylor Escamilla at the UNO dual on Jan. 21.
  • SCSU has 13 wrestlers with double-digit win totals this winter. Merritt leads the group with 23 wins, while Shamus O’Grady (174-pounds) has 19 wins this winter and Jacob D. Horn (149-pounds) has 17 wins in 2010-11.
  • Mark Jan. 30 on your calendars as the Huskies will return to Halenbeck Hall on that date for a 2 p.m. date against Minnesota State, Moorhead. The match has been designated as SCSU Wrestling Alumni Day with a special alumni reception to follow the match. Interested Alumni should contact Coach Costanzo at 320-308-2996 for more information on this event.
  • SCSU placed 3rd at the 2011 NWCA Division II National Duals on Jan. 8-9. The third place finish is the best in team history for the Huskies at the DII National Duals.
  • The St. Cloud State University wrestling team (14-7, 5-2 NSIC/3rd) captured 7th place at the 2010 NCAA Division II wrestling championships on March 12-13, in Omaha, Neb. This marks the Huskies best NCAA finish since capturing 7th place in 1983. This also marked the best finish for the Huskies at the NCAA tournament since Steve Costanzo took over as head coach in 2006-07. This marked the 8th time since 1975 that SCSU has charted a top-10 place at the NCAA championships. The 7th place finish is the best ever for the Huskies at the NCAA DII level. SCSU placed eighth at the nationals in 2009, 1986 and 1976. SCSU also placed third at nationals during the 1963 and 1965 seasons as an NAIA affiliate.
  • The Huskies qualified 8 wrestlers for the NCAA championships in 2010. SCSU wrestlers earning All-America status at the meet were Jacob Kahnke (4th place at 285), Tad Merritt (5th place at 165), Shamus O’Grady (6th place at 174) and Gabe Suarez (8th place at 141). This marked the first All-America finish for Kahnke, O’Grady and Suarez, while Merritt is now a two-time All-America award winner for the Huskies. The four All-Americans ties a team record for the Huskies, as SCSU also brought home four NCAA All-America honors in 1983 and 1975.
  • The Huskies will have two major targets on the wrestling room wall this season. First up is the 2011 NCAA Regional championships on Feb. 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the other big date – March 11-12, which is the 2011 NCAA DII championships.

SCSU Wrestling Ranked #3 in the Nation

Kahnke Earns Top Spot at 285-pounds

EDMOND, Okla. — The St. Cloud State University wrestling team (12-1) was ranked third in the nation in the latest NWCA Division II National Coaches’ poll, which was released on Jan. 19. This marks the first time this season that SCSU was not ranked among the nation’s top two NCAA Division II teams in the national poll.

The two-time defending national champion Nebraska Omaha, who edged Augustana (S.D.) 17-15 in the finals of the NWCA Division II National Duals on Jan. 9 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, received all eight first-place votes in balloting of coaches from around the country to top the poll with 160 points. UNO has been No. 1 in every poll the past two-plus seasons.

Augustana had 152 points and moved from third to second after its runner-up finish in the National Duals, switching places with St. Cloud State (Minn.). Newberry (S.C.) came in fourth in the rankings and Central Oklahoma was fifth.

In the individual rankings, SCSU sophomore Jake Kahnke (Shakopee/Prior Lake H.S.) was ranked first in the nation among 285-pound wrestlers for the second consecutive poll. Kahnke is 16-1 this season for the Huskies at 285.

Junior Tad Merritt (Canby) continued to hold a #2 ranking for the Huskies at 165-pounds in this poll. Merritt is 22-3 this winter with 11 pins to his credit.

Other Huskies to earn national rankings include Jacob D. Horn (Ephrata, Wash.) with a fourth place ranking at 149-pounds (his debut in the national rankings this year) and senior John Sundgren (Blaine), who was ranked 5th in the poll at 157-pounds. SCSU sophomore Shamus O’Grady (Coon Rapids) was ranked 7th in the nation at 174-pounds.

This will be a big week for the Huskies as they will travel to #1 ranked Nebraska Omaha on Jan. 21 for a 7 p.m. match. SCSU will finish the road swing with a visit to Southwest Minnesota State on Jan. 22 for a 7 p.m. dual against the Mustangs.

The top 20 poll, with points and the teams’ last ranking following by the top-eight rankings at each weight:

NCAA Division II Team Rankings
Rank  School (State) Points Last Ranking
1. Nebraska-Omaha  160 1st
2. Augustana (S.D.)  152 3rd
3. St. Cloud State (Minn.)  144 2nd
4. Newberry (S.C.) 136 5th
5. Central Oklahoma  128 9th
6. North Carolina-Pembroke 119 13th
7. Minnesota State  111 7th
8. San Francisco State (Calif.)  101 20th
9. Western State (Colo.)  88 4th
10. Upper Iowa  81 11th
11. Nebraska-Kearney  71 8th
12. Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.)  63 6th
13. Grand Canyon (Ariz.)  62 10th
14. Gannon (Pa.) 55 NR
15. Findlay (Ohio)  51 14th
16. Wisconsin-Parkside  43 12th
17. Ashland (Ohio) 34 18th
18. Adams State (Colo.)  27 17th
19. Fort Hays State (Kan.)  22 16th
20. Minnesota State-Moorhead 14 NR

Others receiving votes: Central Missouri, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State-Pueblo, Kutztown (Pa.) and West Liberty (W.Va.).

NCAA Division II Individual Rankings
125 Pounds
1. Russell Weakley, North Carolina-Pembroke
2. Andy Forstner, Minnesota State
3. Trevor Franklin, Upper Iowa
4. Josh Smith, Nebraska-Kearney
5. Connor McDonald, Newberry (S.C.)
6. Corey Ulmer, Minnesota State-Moorhead
7. Kyle O’Brien, Western State (Colo.)
8. Pierre Bondoc, San Francisco State (Calif.)
133 Pounds
1. Kyle Pedretti, Upper Iowa
2. Todd Wilcox, Grand Canyon (Ariz.)
3. Ryan Link, Pittsburgh-Johnstown
4. Cody Zimmerman, Wisconsin-Parkside
5. B.J. Young, Newberry (S.C.)
6. Michael Magaha, Limestone (S.C.)
7. Trison Graham, Central Oklahoma
8. Aldon Isenberg, Fort Hays State (Kan.)
141 Pounds
1. Mario Morgan, Nebraska-Omaha
2. Naveed Bagheri, San Francisco State (Calif.)
3. Brady Schneeberger, Minnesota State-Moorhead
4. Jay Sherer, Augustana (S.D.)
5. Andre Harrison, Fort Hays State (Kan.)
6. Dalton Jensen, Nebraska-Kearney
7. Kenny Jordan, Adams State (Colo.)
8. A.J. Milanek, Gannon (Pa.)
149 Pounds
1. Esai Dominguez, Nebraska-Omaha
2. T.J. Hepburn, Nebraska-Kearney
3. Nick Walpole, Indianapolis (Ind.)
4. Jacob Horn, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
5. Dale Debacco, Newberry (S.C.)
6. Josh Hensley, Adams State (Colo.)
7. Matthew Thomas, San Francisco State (Calif.)
8. Nate Herda, Augustana (S.D.)
157 Pounds
1. George Ivanov, Nebraska-Omaha
2. Marcus Edgington, Augustana (S.D.)
3. Dillon Bera, Wisconsin-Parkside
4. Seth Phalen, West Liberty (W.Va.)
5. John Sundgren, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
6. Sean Byrnes, Newberry (S.C.)
7. Cory Dauphin, Central Oklahoma
8. Justin Morris, Western State (Colo.)
165 Pounds
1. Mike Williams, North Carolina-Pembroke
2. Tad Merritt, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
3. Michael Lybarger, Findlay (Ohio)
4. Jake Varilek, Belmont Abbey (N.C.)
5. Joey Wilson, Nebraska-Kearney
6. Gavin Nelson, Augustana (S.D.)
7. Travis Budke, Fort Hays State (Kan.)
8. Derrick Adkins, Central Oklahoma
174 Pounds
1. Luke Rynish, Wisconsin-Parkside
2. Tony Petrella, Gannon (Pa.)
3. Ryan Pankoke, Nebraska-Omaha
4. Victor Carazo, Grand Canyon (Ariz.)
5. Tim Darling, Kutztown (Pa.)
6. Carl Serck, Augustana (S.D.)
7. Shamus O’Grady, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
8. Ben Becker, Minnesota State
184 Pounds
1. Bryant Blanton, Newberry (S.C.)
2. Charlie Pipher, Western State (Colo.)
3. Aaron Denson, Nebraska-Omaha
4. Cale Cornemann, Northern State (S.D.)
5. Aaron Norgren, Minnesota State
6. Mitch Schultz, Upper Iowa
7. Tanner Keck, Central Oklahoma
8. Casey Bradley, Limestone (S.C.)
197 Pounds
1. Donovan McMahill, Western State (Colo.)
2. Ty Copsey, Augustana (S.D.)
3. Mitch Knapp, West Liberty (W.Va.)
4. Luke McPeek, Adams State (Colo.)
5. Jarrett Edison, Central Oklahoma
6. Carl Broghammer, Upper Iowa
7. Daniel Stevenson, Findlay (Ohio)
8. Matt Baker, Nebraska-Omaha
285 Pounds
1. Jacob Kahnke, St. Cloud State (Minn.)
2. Matt Meuleners, Northern State (S.D.)
3. Charlie Alexander, Western State (Colo.)
4. Ben Hohensee, Nebraska-Kearney
5. Zach Rosol, Upper Iowa
6. Jacob Southwick, Ashland (Ohio)
7. Matt Clum, Findlay (Ohio)
8. Taylor Escamilla, Nebraska-Omaha