Independent file photo SMSU’s Ben Emrich sizes up his opponent during their meet against Upper Iowa University on Jan. 18. The Mustangs will begin their conference season today against St. Cloud State University.

MARSHALL — The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team will open the dual conference season traveling to St. Cloud State (3-0) today for a 7 p.m. start time in Halenback Hall.

Today’s dual against St. Cloud is the dual opener for SMSU while SCSU has earned three dual victories over non-conference opponents at the 2019 Northeast Duals in Troy, N.Y. on Nov. 9.

SMSU notes

SMSU competed in two opens prior to the conference opener in which SMSU placed four at the RCTC YellowJacket Open and Cole Hennen led the way at the Dakota Wesleyan Open, placing first and was one of seven SMSU wrestlers to place.

Robert Shields (149) placed at both opens with a fifth-place finish at the YellowJacket Open and a third-place finish at the Dakota Wesleyan Open.

SMSU Leaders

Robert Shields (10-3)

Hayden Voxland (7-4)

Hunter Pfantz (6-3)

Jordan Peterson (5-4)

Cole Hennen (4-0)

St. Cloud notes

The Huskies enter the dual at 3-0 after an opening weekend at the 2019 Northeast Duals. SCSU sophomore Garrett Vos earned NSIC Wrestler of the Week announced on Nov. 11. Vos, who wrestles at 133, opened the season with a 2-0 record and is a returning All-American who ranked fourth in the NCAA DII latest polls.

Vos is one of seven teammates ranked in the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association) polls with Jake Barzowski (157), leading the way with a first-place ranking. Other teammates ranked are Garrett Aldrich (141) who ranks 11th, James Pleski (149) who ranks second, Devin Fitzpatrick (165) at fourth, Kolton Eischens (174) at third, and Tyree Overton (184) who ranks seventh.

St. Cloud, as a team, is slated second in Division II with seven wrestlers in the rankings and 82 points. SCSU trails Pitt Johnstown, who ranks first with six wrestlers ranked and 88 points. SCSU has earned 68 consecutive NSIC matches dating back to Jan. 27, 2011.

Series history

St. Cloud State leads the all-time series 34-13-1 over SMSU. SCSU has won the past 13 matches against the Mustangs. SMSU’s last win occurred in the 2005-06 season with a 24-18 victory. SMSU dropped the last dual 35-6 on Nov. 29 in Marshall. SMSU earned two bout victories as returner Andrew Petersen earned a decision victory over Brady Reigstad.

Probable SMSU lineup

125: Patrick Baumgardner (1-4)

133: Brock Buysse (3-2)

141: Justin Sampson (2-2)

149: Robert Shields (10-3)

157: Nathan Moore (2-4)

165: Kevin Bostwick (4-4)

174: Hayden Voxland (7-4)

184: Cole Hennen (4-0)

197: Ben Thompson (1-2)

285: Andrew Petersen (3-1)

— Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications