NSIC Wrestling All-Conference Release
March 24, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC Wrestler of the Year
Tommy Abbott (149 lbs. So., Wilmington, Del. / St. Mark’s HS)
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Tommy Abbott was the NSIC Wrestler to win a 2009 NCAA II National Championship. Abbott became the 28th National Champion to wear the Minnesota State singlet. He won a 6-5 decision against fourth-ranked Christopher Freije of Western State University to claim his first national championship. Abbott’s win helped the second-ranked Mavericks to a third-place finish at the 2009 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships with 71.5 points. MSU has now finished in the top-5 the last five years and produced three national champions in the last two seasons. Wrestling at 149 pounds, Abbott also won the 2009 Super Region #3 Champion, the 2009 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship (149 pounds) as he finished with a 31-4 record. He has a career record of 56-9 as he finished as a 2008 NCAA II All-American (5th place).
NSIC Rookie of the Year
Tad Merritt (165 lbs. R-Fr., Canby, Minn. / Canby HS)
St. Cloud State University
Tad Merritt finished the 2008-09 season with a 38-6 record, which was an individual SCSU team record for wins in a season. He had 17 pin-falls, also a SCSU individual team record, and recorded an 11-2 dual meet record for the Huskies. He claimed three tournament championships throughout the season and placed in a total of seven tournaments. He qualified for his first NCAA Championships by placing 3rd in the North Region Championships. He was outstanding in the NCAA Championships as he went 5-1 in the tournament and placed 3rd in the Nation. Merritt defeated four All-Americans along the way to earn his first All-American honors. Merritt was named NSIC Wrestler of the Week on January 27th of this year.
NSIC Coach of the Year
Jim Makovsky (16th Season)
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Finishing his 16th season at the helm of the Minnesota State wrestling team, Jim Makovsky reached his 200th career win last season as he currently sits at a 227-86-5 (.725) overall record after leading the Mavericks to a 12-4 dual record this season. This season the Mavericks finished 3rd in the NCAA II Championships, 3rd in the Cliff Keen National Duals, won their first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championship and won their third consecutive region championship.
Since taking over the MSU wrestling program in 1993-94, Makovsky’s teams have placed in the top eight at NCAA tournament twelve times. Makovsky led the Mavericks to two second-place finishes (1993-94, 2007-08), third-place finishes in 2004-05 & 2008-09, a fourth-place finish in 2006-07 and a trio of sixth-place finishes (1994-95, 1998-99 and 2000-01). Under his tutelage, Makovsky has coached ten individual national champions in his career and 74 NCAA II All-Americans.
Makovsky, a Wahpeton, N.D., native is a 1989 graduate of Valley City state University where he served as head wrestling coach for four years before coming to MSU. Makovsky currently serves on the National Wrestling Coaches Association board of directors and is a past-president of the NCAA II Wrestling Coaches Association.
| NSIC ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM | ||||
| Name | Wt. |
Yr. |
School | Hometown |
| Andy Forstner | 125 |
So. |
Minnesota State | Madelia, Minn. |
| Trevor Franklin | 133 |
R-Fr. |
Upper Iowa | South New Berlin, N.Y. |
| Gabe Suarez | 141 |
So. |
St. Cloud State | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| Tommy Abbott | 149 |
So. |
Minnesota State | Wilmington, Del. |
| Travis Elg | 157 |
Jr. |
Minnesota State | Mountain Lake, Minn. |
| Tyler Tubbs | 165 |
Sr. |
MSU Moorhead | Chokio, Minn. |
| Mitch Norton | 174 |
Jr. |
Upper Iowa | Waverly, Iowa |
| Brad Padgett | 184 |
Sr. |
St. Cloud State | Buckley, Wash. |
| Pat Mahan | 197 |
So. |
Minnesota State | Owatonna, Minn. |
| Brady Wilson | 285 |
Jr. |
Minnesota State | Faribault, Minn. |
| NSIC ALL-CONFERENCE SECOND TEAM | ||||
| Name | Wt. |
Yr. |
School | Hometown |
| Corbin Surat | 125 |
Jr. |
Northern State | Aberdeen, S.D. |
| Josh Williams | 133 |
Sr. |
St. Cloud State | Banks, Ore. |
| J.R. Baker | 141 |
R-So. |
Upper Iowa | Clermont, Iowa |
| Jacob Roberts | 149 |
Jr. |
St. Cloud State | Jordan, Minn. |
| Travis Eggers | 157 |
Jr. |
Upper Iowa | Monona, Iowa |
| Tim Matheson | 165 |
Sr. |
Minnesota State | Circle Pines, Minn. |
| Derek Skala | 174 |
So. |
St. Cloud State | Owatonna, Minn. |
| Nick Henning | 184 |
So. |
Augustana College | Fulda, Minn. |
| Tyler Copsey | 197 |
So. |
Augustana College | Glenwood, Iowa |
| Lance Peters | 285 |
So. |
Augustana College | Le Roy, Minn. |
MSU Ranked Fourth in the 16th Annual DII All-Academic Wrestling Team Selection
March 23, 2009 | Full Release
The Minnesota State wrestling squad finished fourth with a team grade point average of 3.274 in the NWCA’s Division II All-Academic Wrestling Teams Top Twenty list. The Mavericks are the highest ranked team in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and are accompanied by fellow NSIC teams Minnesota State University-Moorhead (16), Augustana College (17), Northern State University (18) and St. Cloud State University (19).
The Team GPA is calculated by averaging the cumulative grade point averages of ten wrestlers from each team of which eight of those wrestlers must have competed in their team’s NCAA II National Qualifying tournament.
Truman State is the top ranked school on the list with a cumulative GPA of 3.467 followed by runner-up Colorado School of Mines who posted a 3.424 cumulative GPA.
The Minnesota State wrestlers finished the 2008-2009 season with an overall record of 12-4 and earned third in the nation with 71.5 points. The Mavericks also won conference and regional titles. Sophomore Tommy Abbott (Wilmington, Del.) earned his first national title at 149.
2008-2009 DIVISION II ALL-ACADEMIC WRESTLING TEAMS TOP TWENTY TEAMS
Rank University Team GPA
1. Truman State University 3.467
2. Colorado School of Mines 3.424
3. The University of Findlay 3.366
4. Minnesota State 3.274
5. Gannon University 3.270
6. University of Central Missouri 3.237
7. University of Indianapolis 3.218
8. University of Nebraska at Omaha 3.211
9. Fort Hays State University 3.192
10. University of Wisconsin-Parkside 3.176
11. University of Nebraska at Kearney 3.163
12. West Liberty State College 3.154
13. American International College 3.153
14. Chadron State College 3.148
15. Carson-Newman College 3.132
16. Minnesota State University-Moorhead 3.131
17. Augustana College 3.129
18. Northern State University 3.120
19. St. Cloud State University 3.088
20. Mercyhurst College 3.078
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 17
March 17, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC ALL-AMERICANS
Weight Name (School) Place
125 Andy Forstner (MSU) 6th
141 John Putman (MSU) 4th
141 Jay Sherer (Augie) 7th
149 Tommy Abbott (MSU) 1st
157 Travis Eggers (UIU) 2nd
165 Tad Merritt (SCSU) 3rd
165 Tyler Tubbs (MSUM) 6th
165 Tim Matheson (MSU) 7th
174 Mitch Norton (UIU) 5th
174 Derek Skala (SCSU) 7th
184 Brad Padgett (SCSU) 3rd
184 Tony Gehling (UIU) 8th
197 Ty Copsey (Augie) 7th
285 Brady Wilson (MSU) 3rd
MSU's Abbott Wins National Championship - UIU's Eggers Runner Up
March 14, 2009 | Full Release
Houston, Texas - Second-ranked Tommy Abbott (So., 149 lbs, Willmington, Del.) became the 28th national champion to wear the Minnesota State singlet. Abbott won a 6-5 decision against fourth-ranked Christopher Freije of Western State University to claim his first national championship. Abbott’s win helped the second-ranked Mavericks to a third-place finish at the 2009 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships with 71.5 points. MSU has now finished in the top-5 the last five years and produced three national champions in the last two seasons. The University of Nebraska-Omaha were crowned national champions for the sixth time in its history with 146.5 points.
“Our team goal will continue to be winning a national championship,” said head coach Jim Makovsky. “I’m proud of our guys. We have a lot of new guys and at the beginning of the season it was a blank sheet of paper, but we ended up having a successful season. I’m proud of Tommy (Abbott). He’s gone through a lot of adversity and he made a lot of improvements this season, both as a person and as a wrestler. He has a chance to do something that has never been done in school history - win three national championships.”
The championships were held at the NCAA Division II National Championships Festival on the campus of the University of Houston.
Upper Iowa's Travis Eggers took his shot at the 157 pound title tonight at the NCAA Championships in Houston, Texas. Eggers toed the line against Todd Meneely of Nebraska-Omaha. Meneely claimed the title at 149 pounds in the last two NCAA Championships before moving up a weight class this year.
Near the end of the first period Meneely scored a takedown, but Eggers picked up an escape before the period ended. The only other point scored in regulation was an escape by Eggers in the third period after opening the period on bottom. The match moved to its first sudden victory period where both wrestlers were unable to score. Both wrestlers then rode the other out during the tie breaker periods to send the match to a second overtime. In the second sudden overtime period Meneely picked up his third National Championship title thanks to a takedown. Eggers was defeated in the end 4-2.
Eggers' season ends with the junior's second All-American honor and second top three finish at the National Championships in as many years. The 157-pounder finished the year with a 22-9 record on the year.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 16
March 2, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC CHAMPIONS MOST
OUTSTANDING WRESTLER
Travis Elg
157 lbs. Jr.
Mountain Lake, Minn.
Mountain Lake HS
Minnesota State
Travis Elg (157, Jr.,) ranked sixth in the nation, defeated his first opponent, University of Mary’s Taylor Nagel by decision, 7-1. Elg then went on to win his next match versus Tallen Ward of MSU-Moorhead by pin-fall in 1:39. Elg won the championship match over Travis Eggers of Upper Iowa, 14-7 by decision and will be making his third appearance at nationals. Elg earned All-American honors at the national championships last year with a sixth-place finish. Elg has twice been named NSIC Wrestler of the Week this season. For his efforts, Elg was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.
NSIC/NCAA Super Region #3 Championships Results
March 1, 2009 | Results 
MARSHALL, Minn. - Minnesota State University, Mankato qualified 10 for the NCAA Championships--one in each weight class--and had five individuals crowned champions to take home the team title at the NCAA Super Regional Three Sunday in Marshall, Minn.
The Mavericks compiled 135.5 points in the final team standings to take home the title. St. Cloud State checked in with 112 points to take home second.
MSU's Travis Elg was named outstanding wrestler for the tournament. He took home the crown at 157 pounds.
The NCAA Championships are in Houston, Texas, on March 13 and 14.
Team Standings
1. Minnesota State - 135.5
2. St. Cloud State - 112.0
3. Upper Iowa - 97.0
4. Augustana - 89.0
5. MSU Moorhead - 79.0
6. Northern State - 67.5
7. Southwest Minnesota State - 36.5
8. Mary - 25.0
Individuals Results
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 15
February 23, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Travis Elg
157 lbs. Jr.
Mountain Lake, Minn.
Mountain Lake HS
Minnesota State
Minnesota State sixth-ranked junior and 157-pounder Travis Elg finished the weekend undefeated winning matches at #10 St. Cloud State and at Truman State. Elg’s first match came against the seventh-ranked 157-pounder John Sundgren in which Elg won by pin-fall, 5:30 into the match. Elg continued his dominate week in the regular season finale when he grappled with Chadd Griesmer of Truman State and pinned him 2:28 into the match. Minnesota State wrapped up the season finishing 2-0 on the week and earned the NSIC championship with their win against #10 St. Cloud State. The Mavericks finished the regular season 12-4 overall, including a 7-0 NSIC dual record. This marks the second time this season Elg has been named NSIC Wrestler of the Week.
#3 Minnesota State Wins Wrestling Championship
February 19, 2009 | Live Stats
St. Cloud, Minn. - The third-ranked Minnesota State wrestling squad defeated 10th-ranked St. Cloud State, 24-15, Thursday evening clinching the 2008-09 NSIC Regular Season Championship. This marks the third conference title the wrestling team has earned in Minnesota State University history.
The meet began with a forfeit victory from MSU sophomore Andy Forstner (Madelia, Minn.) at 125.
In the 141-pound match, second-ranked senior John Putman (Oak Lawn, Ill.) defeated Gabe Suarez by decision, 9-7.
Second-ranked sophomore Tommy Abbott (Wilmington, Del.) was upset by Jake Roberts in a loss by decision, 7-6 in the 149-pound match.
In the 157-pound match, #6 junior Travis Elg grappled with seventh-ranked John Sundgren with Elg earning the victory by fall, 5:30 into the match.
St. Cloud State earned victories at 174 and 184 pounds to tie the match at 15 before sixth-ranked 197-pounder Pat Mahan earned a 5-4 decision over Luke Munkelwitz. The night concluded when junior 285-pounder Brady Wilson, ranked #2 in the nation, won by fall in 4:32.
#3 Minnesota State 24, #10 St. Cloud State 15
125: Andy Forstner (MSU) wins by forfeit - 6-0 MSU
133: Josh Williams (SCSU) over Tim Haneberg (MSU), 6-3 – 6-3 MSU
141: #2 John Putman (MSU) over Gabe Suarez (SCSU), 9-7 – 9-3 MSU
149: Jake Roberts (SCSU) over #2 Tommy Abbott (MSU), 7-6 – 9-6 MSU
157: #6 Travis Elg (MSU) over #7 John Sundgren (SCSU), Fall-5:30 – 15-6 MSU
165: #7 Tad Merritt (SCSU) over Tim Matheson (MSU), 12-5 – 15-9 mSU
174: Derek Skala (SCSU) over Ben Becker (MSU), 6-3 – 15-12 MSU
184: #2 Brad Padgett (SCSU) over Aaron Norgren (MSU), 8-7 – 15-15
197: #6 Pat Mahan (MSU) over Luke Munkelwitz (SCSU), 5-4 – 18-15
285: #2 Brady Wilson (MSU) over Bobby Ross (SCSU), Fall-4:32 – 24-15 MSU
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 14
February 16, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Keith McCleary
285 lbs. Sr.,
Napoleon, N.D.
Napoleon HS
University of Mary
Keith McCleary was victorious in his first match since earning NAIA All-America honors as a freshmen, defeating Lance Peters of the Augustana Vikings 7-4 in a heavyweight battle. After a scoreless first period, McCleary scored on an escape and a takedown to lead 3-0 after two. In the final period, Peters used a takedown to pull within 3-2. McCleary then had an escape and a takedown to rebuild his lead at 6-2. Peters pulled close on a reversal but McCleary added another escape to clinch the win.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 13
February 9, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
John Putman
141 lbs. Jr.,
Oak Lawn, Ill.
Marish HS
Minnesota State
Fourth- ranked John Putman finished the weekend with a 2-0 record overall. Putman started the weekend off with a huge victory in which he defeated #2 Mario Morgan of Nebraska-Omaha by decision, 5-3. Putman then defeated Joe Hirt of Northern State in his last home dual of his career by tech-fall, 5:13 into the match. Putman is now 15-5 on the season and 9-2 in dual action. Minnesota State finished the weekend 1-1 losing a hard fought match to #1 Nebraska- Omaha 17-15 and defeated follow NSIC squad Northern State 43-3.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 12
February 3, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Dusty Vliem
197 lbs. Sr.,
Lodgepole, S.D.
Hettinger HS
University of Mary
Dusty Vliem faced wrestlers from two nationally ranked teams and pinned both his opponents this weekend. On Saturday at #9 Upper Iowa, Vliem dominated the 197 pound match. He built a 7-1 lead in the first period before pinning Matt Norton at 1:07. Vliem followed with more of the same the next day at #11 St. Cloud State. Vliem picked up the Marauders first win of the dual when he pinned Luke Munkelwitz just 1:18 into the match. For Vliem, it was the third straight match he has won by pinfall.
#3 Mavericks Upend #9 Upper Iowa
January 29, 2009 | Full Release
Mankato, Minn. --- The #3 ranked Minnesota State wrestling squad downed the ninth-ranked Upper Iowa Peacocks 29-12, in their first home meet of the year. The Mavericks earned their eighth win of the season upping their dual record to 8-3 on the season, including a 4-0 Northern Sun record.
Sophomore and second ranked 149-pounder Tommy Abbott (Wilmington, Del.) gave the Mavericks their first victory of the night with a major decision victory over Derek Stolarzyk. Junior Travis Elg (Mountain Lake, Minn.) continued the winning, earning his own major decision win in the 157-pound match.
The next grapplers to earn victories were senior Tim Matheson (Circle Pines, Minn.) and freshman Aaron Norgren (Good Thunder, Minn.); both picking up wins by decision in the 165-pound and 184-pound matches.
In the upper weight classes, 197-pound Sophomore Pat Mahan (Owatonna, Minn.) and 285-pound, third-ranked junior Brady Wilson (Faribault, Minn.) both finished off their matches with wins by pin fall. With Brady Wilson’s win this evening, his career record now sits at 98-19. Sophomore Andy Forstner (Madelia, Minn.) picked up the Mavericks final win of the evening in the 125-pound match. Full Results
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 11
January 27, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Tad Merritt
165 lbs. R-Fr.,
Canby, Minn.
Canby HS
St. Cloud State
Tad Merritt defeated Division II’s top ranked wrestler at 165 pounds in Aaron Denson of Nebraska-Omaha by fall at 5:31. He then went on to record a second fall over Wisconsin-Eau Clarie’s Keith Dawson in 1:14 on Saturday. With the 2-0 weekend, Merritt, ranked #8 in the nation at 165 pounds, improves to 24-3 with 14 falls, holding team leading marks in wins and falls.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 10
January 20, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Gavin Nelson
165 lbs. So.
Missouri Valley, Iowa
Missouri Valley HS
Augustana College
Gavin Nelson went 2-0 last week to lead Augustana to a pair of NSIC dual wins over No. 19 Minnesota State Moorhead and Southwest Minnesota State. Against MSU Moorhead, Nelson knocked off fourth-ranked Tyler Tubbs 6-5. The win was key as it gave Augustana a 16-10 lead in the team score. The next night Nelson scored a 17-5 major decision over SMSU’s Wade Granger to help cap off Augie’s win over the Mustangs.
#18 Augie Earns First NSIC Dual Victory over #19 MSUM
January 15, 2009 | Full Results
Gavin Nelson upset fourth-ranked Tyler Tubbs to help Augustana
defeat MSU Moorhead 26-10 Thursday night. (File Photo)
Sioux Falls, S.D. –Augustana captured six of the nine contested matches, including two over nationally-ranked opponents to defeat Minnesota State University Moorhead 26-10 in a battle of top 20 teams Thursday night at the Elmen Center.
Augustana, ranked 18th in the nation, improved to 5-2 on the season and 1-0 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference with its fifth-straight victory while the 19th-ranked Dragons slipped to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the NSIC. (Read More)
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 9
January 13, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Trevor Franklin
133 lbs. Fr.
South New Berlin, N.Y.
Unadilla Valley HS
Upper Iowa
Trevor Franklin registered a 5-0 record at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals. His wins included a fall, a technical fall and three decisions by a combined 20 points. The final victory, a 10-3 decision, came over Michael Baxter of Mercyhurst, who is ranked #5 in the nation. Franklin now has a 19-4 record and is currently carrying a 10-match win streak. During the winning streak, Franklin has posted wins by fall in five of the matches. Upper Iowa finished in seventh place at the National Duals this past weekend.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 8
January 6, 2009 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Tony Gehling
184 lbs. Sr.
Grand Meadow, Minn.
Stewartville HS
Upper Iowa
Tony Gehling won his third tournament title in a row on Saturday at the Pat “Flash” Flanagan Open hosted by Loras College. Gehling went 4-0 in the 184 pound weight class including three wins by fall (:14, :45, 2:43) and a major decision (14-1). The senior’s record improved to 18-3 on the season and he currently is riding an 14 match win streak. During the streak, Gehling has recorded 9 wins by major decision, technical fall, or by fall.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 7
December 23, 2008 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Brady Wilson
285 lbs. Jr.
Faribault, Minn.
Faribault HS
Minnesota State
Minnesota State junior 285-pounder Brady Wilson finished fifth at the 2008 Reno Tournament of Champions this past weekend. Wilson, who was the highest-finishing Maverick in the event, wrestled to a 5-2 record on the day, beating five NCAA Division I wrestlers. Wilson opened his day with a 4-3 decision over #5 Justin Dobies of North Carolina. He then earned a 10-1 major decision over Cal State Fullerton’s Kurt Klimek before dropping a 2-0 decision to #4 Mitch Monterio of CSU Bakersfield in the semifinals.
In the wrestlebacks, Wilson earned a 8-0 major decision over Oregon State’s Clayton Jack. Dobies then forfeited in the next match before Wilson lost a 5-2 match to Scott Steele of the Navy. In the fifth-place match, Wilson earned a 4-2 victory over Rick Acala of UC-Davis.
Minnesota State finished 12th in the event with 41.5 points.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 6
December 16, 2008 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Travis Elg
141 lbs. Jr.
Mountain Lake, Minn.
Mountain Lake HS
Minnesota State
Travis Elg repeated his success from last season at the St. Cloud State Husky Open with four pin falls and a victory by major decision to win the championship at 141 lbs. The only wrestler that Elg did not pin was Tony Valek of Augustana, but Elg took the major decision (16-4) in the semifinals before pinning teammate John Putman (2:24) in the championship match.
Northern State Upsets #11 Chadron State 21-20
December 10, 2008 | Full Results
ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University wrestling team knocked-off #11 Chadron State College Thursday at Wachs Arena by a final score of 21-20. The Wolves improve to 2-0 in dual action for the year.
This is the Wolves first dual win against a top-25 opponent since defeating #7 Minnesota State University Moorhead on January 23rd of this year by an 18-13 final.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 5
December 9, 2008 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
John Sundgren
So., 157
Blaine, Minn.
Blaine HS
St. Cloud State
John Sundgren won his second consecutive tournament title by going a perfect 4-0 at the Dragon Open. Sundgren used three falls and a major decision to take home the title in the Red Division’s 157 lbs. bracket. Sundgren beat three Northern Sun Conference opponents and topped Concordia-Moorhead’s Lane Lunde in the title bout. Sundgren is now 12-2 on the season with seven falls.
The NSIC has five teams ranked in the December 2nd NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 Poll. Minnesota State ranks #2, Upper Iowa #8, St. Cloud State #12, MSU Moorhead #15 and Augustana College #18.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 4
December 2, 2008 | Full Release
St. Paul, Minn. - Augustana College was the only NSIC team in action last week. The Vikings opened the dual portion of its schedule last Friday by squaring off against a pair of Division I powers. The Vikings lost 40-3 to Oregon State and 50-0 to sixth-ranked Nebraska. Augie’s lone win came from 141-pounder Jay Sherer, who defeated OSU’s Ryan Harold 8-6. This week, Augustana travels to Blair, Neb., on Thursday for a triangular with Dana and Morningside. Then on Saturday, Augustana will compete in the MSU Moorhead Open.
Also in this week's release is updated NSIC team and individual rankings. National rankings will come out Wednesday, December 3rd. Full Release
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 3
November 25, 2008 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Tyler Johnson
Sr., 184,
Harrisburg, S.D.
Harrisburg HS
SMSU
Tyler Johnson was crowned co-champion at 184 pounds in the gold division at the Auggie-Brute-Adidas Invite on Saturday after posting a perfect 3-0 record on the day. Johnson began the day by taking a 6-0 decision from William Penn’s Jordaryl Logan. He then defeated Nic Barclay of Luther 7-3 and finished the day with a 6-1 victory over Morningside’s Joe Lockett. Johnson is now 12-4 on the season.
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 2
November 18, 2008 | Full Release
NSIC WRESTLER OF THE WEEK
Derek Skala
So., 174,
Owatonna, Minn.
Owatonna HS
St. Cloud State
Derek Skala captured first place at 174-pounds at the Bison Open tournament on Nov. 15, 2008, in Fargo, N.D. Skala went 5-0 on the day, which included two major decisions along the way. To start the day, Skala posted a 13-4 major decision over Lance Piatz of NSIC rival Mary. In the second round, Skala gained a 9-2 win over Ross Dankers of Concordia Moorhead, and then defeated NDSU’s Trent Sovde in a 12-3 major decision win. In the semi’s, Skala collected a 3-2 win over unattached U of Minnesota wrestler Kaleb Young. In the title bout, Skala posted a 5-4 win over unattached U of Minnesota wrestler Cody Yohn. Skala is now 5-0 on the season for the Huskies. Full Release
NSIC Wrestling Weekly Release No. 1
November 12, 2008 | Full Release
The NSIC wrestling season is underway with many of the teams already competing at invitationals around the region. SMSU starts the dual season off on Wednesday, Nov. 12 when they take on the University of Sioux Falls. Check out this week’s release for all the upcoming action as well as notes from last week's competitions. Full Release
Makovsky Named Honorary Coach At NWCA All-Star Classic
November 10, 2008
Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State head wrestling coach Jim Makovsky has been named an honorary coach for the November 24 NWCA All-Star Classic, held Columbus, Ohio at The Ohio State University.
“I am proud to be selected as an honorary coach for this event and grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this event," said Makovsky. I am looking forward to being in the company of some of our countries greatest wrestlers and coaches.”
This year's event is the 43rd annual All-Star Classic and is the fifth year that the United States Marine Corps has sponsored the event. This is Makovsky's first time being honored in an event of this nature. Other honorary coaches include: Tom Ryan (Ohio State), Mark Manning (Nebraska), Dave Malecek (Wisconsin- LaCrosse)
Makovsky reached the 200-win mark last season with a 20-1-1 duel record, which set the school's single season record for wins. Over his 16 years of coaching he is 215-84-5 (.720) and 190-65-2 (.740) at MSU. Makovsky has coached 69 All-Americans, 69 All-Academic wrestlers, and nine national champions over his career.
Minnesota State opens its 2008-09 campaign November 15, 2008 with the Harold Nichols Open in Ames, Iowa.
NSIC Ranks Five in Top 20
October 27, 2008 | Full Release
The NSIC has five schools ranked in the NCAA DII Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 Poll. Minnesota State was the topped ranked team in the number two spot. Upper Iowa (10) and St. Cloud (12) followed along with Augustana (14) and MSU Moorhead tied for 17th. Upper Iowa's Travis Eggers was also ranked tops in his 157 pound weight class.
Minnesota State fell agonizingly short of winning its first national championship since 1965 last year and the Mavericks will rely on four returning All-Americans in their attempt to be a prime contender again in 2009.
Two-time All-American Brady Wilson is the highest returning placer after finishing fourth at heavyweight last year, with MSU also counting on 133 John Putman (6th), 141 Travis Elg (6th) and 149 Tommy Abbott (5th) along with 174 qualifier Tim Matheson.
"Our main mission is to win a NCAA Division II national team championship,” said MSU coach Jim Makovsky, whose team went 20-1-1 in duals and won the NWCA Division II National Duals title last year. “That will always be our short-range, medium-range and long-range goal for our wrestling program.”
NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 Poll
School (1st Votes) |
Pts.
|
Last Yr
|
| 1. Nebraska-Omaha (6) | 158 |
3 |
2. Minnesota State (2) |
149
|
2
|
3. Nebraska-Kearney |
144
|
1
|
4. Adams State (Colo.) |
136
|
5
|
5. Western State (Colo.) |
126
|
7
|
6. Central Oklahoma |
121
|
6
|
7. Newberry (S.C.) |
106
|
8
|
8. Pittsburgh-Johnstown (Pa.) |
93
|
4
|
9. Chadron State (Neb.) |
91
|
T-9
|
10. Upper Iowa |
86
|
14
|
11. Ashland (Ohio) |
71
|
11
|
12. St. Cloud State (Minn.) |
70
|
12
|
13. Mercyhurst (Pa.) |
68
|
T-9
|
14. Augustana (S.D.) |
46
|
T17
|
15. Limestone (S.C.) |
40
|
15
|
16. Findlay (Ohio) |
22
|
13
|
T17. Gannon (Pa.) |
18
|
26
|
T17. MSU Moorhead |
18
|
27
|
T17. Truman State (Mo.) |
18
|
T20
|
20. Shippensburg (Pa.) |
15
|
16
|
NSIC Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll
October 23, 2008 | Full Release
St. Paul,
Minn. - The 2008-09 NSIC Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll has been released and Minnesota State University, Mankato received 55 points, good enough for first place in the poll. Points were assigned from the top 5 individuals in each of the ten weight classes using the following point system:
1st = 10, 2nd = 7, 3rd = 4, 4th = 2 , 5th = 1. MSU Moorhead received 42 points for second to narrowly edge Upper Iowa, who tallied 41 points.
1 |
Minnesota State (4) | 55 |
2 |
MSU Moorhead (1) | 42 |
3 |
Upper Iowa (3) | 41 |
4 |
St. Cloud State (1) | 39 |
5 |
Augustana (1) | 32 |
6 |
Northern State | 23 |
7 |
Southwest Minnesota State | 6 |
8 |
University of Mary | 2 |
NSIC WRESTLERS TO WATCH IN 2008-09
Augustana - Ty Copsey (197 lbs, So., Glenwood, Iowa) placed first at the NCAA North Regional at 197 pounds last season to qualify for Nationals. At Nationals Copsey finished in fourth place to earn All-American honors, one of two last year for the Vikings. He finished the season with a 31-7 overall record and was named the North Central Conference Freshman of the Year. He iis ranked atop all the NSIC wrestlers at 197 pounds in the individual preseason rankings.
University of Mary - Keith McCleary (285, Sr., Napoleon, N.D.) returns to the mat after a three-year hiatus. As a freshman, McCleary earned All-American honors after finishing seventh at the NAIA national tournament in 2005. When U-Mary began its move to NCAA Division II, McCleary concentrated on football. His career culminated last season when he earned First Team All-NSIC honors in 2007 as a nose guard and earned a spot in the Cactus Bowl all-star game. His brother Kevin also wrestles for the Marauders. Keith will be eligible to wrestle beginning in January.
Minnesota State - Brady Wilson (285 lbs, Jr., Faribault, Minn. / Faribault HS) enters this season a two-time All-American and two time NCAA National Qualifier. He holds a 77-16 career record at MSU including a 36-6 mark last season where he finished fourth in the nation. The year prior Wilson was a fifth place finisher at nationals. He has been named his conference’s Wrestler of the Week multiple times and is the NSIC topped ranked heavyweight in the 2008-09 preseason individual rankings.
MSU Moorhead - Tyler Tubbs (165 lbs, Sr., Chokio, Minn. / Chokio-Alberta HS) was the lone Dragon All-American in 2007—08 as she placed seventh at Nationals. He finished with a 23-6 record with a third place at the NCAA North Regionals. He was a first-team NWCA All-Academic selection the past two years and is the top ranked NSIC wrestler at 174 lbs in the preseason rankings.
Northern State - David Schiley (141 lbs, Jr., Webster, S.D. / Webster HS) is one of the headliners on a 2008-2009 Wolves squad that returns nine starters from a year ago. After a freshman season that saw him finish with less than a .500 record, Schiley exploded to a 21-11 overall record, including a 13-3 tally during dual meets. He put together a string of seven consecutive wins during last season. He finished fifth at the Northern Regional in a very strong 141 pound weight class, and looks to add to the successful foundation he built in 2007-2008. Schiley ranks fourth in the NSIC at 141 in the preseason individual rankings.
Southwest Minnesota State - Tyler Johnson (184 lbs, Sr., Harrisburg, S.D. / Harrisburg HS) enters his senior season with the Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team as the program’s lone returning national qualifier. Finishing his 2007-08 campaign with a 31-19 record at 184 pounds, Johnson ranks 12th at SMSU in wins in a single season. After losing in the first round of last year’s NCAA North Regional, Johnson rattled off three consecutive wins to finish third and qualify for the NCAA championships. He also placed in five of the six open meets he wrestled in last season. Johnson has a career record of 69-51. He ranks third at 184 pounds in the NSIC preseason individual rankings.
St. Cloud State - Brad Padgett (184 lbs, Sr., Buckley, Wash. / White River HS / Highline CC) is one of two returning All-Americans for SCSU, as the senior finished in fourth at the NCAA Division II Championships after winning the North Central Region Tournament in 2008. He emerged as the starter at 184 lbs., going 35-8 overall with an 11-3 dual record and three falls. His 35 wins were a team-best and his 11 dual victories were tied for second on the squad. In the tournament portion of the schedule, Padgett won the Dragon Open, took second at the Cobber Open and took third place at Husky Open and Midwest Classic. Padgett is the topped ranked wrestler at 184 pounds in the NSIC preseason individual rankings.
Upper Iowa - Travis Eggers (157 lbs, Jr., Monona, Iowa) was named the 2007-08 NSIC Wrestler of the Year as voted upon by the league coaches. Eggers finished the season with 30 wins in forty matches and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, gaining him All-American status. The red-shirt sophomore was the NSIC’s highest place winner at the National Tournament. Eggers took second at the NCAA North Regional to earn NSIC All-Conference honors and was twice-named NSIC Wrestler of the Week last season. Travis is going to start the season at 165 lbs, he will certify at 157 lbs, and see how the jump in weight class affects his style. He is the top ranked wrestler in the NSIC at 157 in the individual preseason rankings.
125 lbs |
||
1 |
Tyler Mumbulo, Sr, Upper Iowa | 2x AA, 3x NQ, 3x Rgional Finalist |
2 |
Joe Werner, Sr, MSU Moorhead | 07-08 - 26-11, 6th North Region |
3 |
Corbin Surat, Jr, Northern State | 07-08 - 12-10, beat Meger AC |
4 |
Cody Adams, RFr, Minnesota State | 07-08 - 3rd at NWCA Open |
5 |
Al Meger, So, Augustana | 07-08 - 13-12 |
6 |
Jordan Rozeboom, So, SMSU | Transfer - Michigan State U. |
7 |
Aaron Wilcox, So, St. Cloud State | 07-08 - 17-3, 4th Nichols Open |
8 |
Dan Sabin, Fr, U-Mary | 3rd Michigan State Tourn. |
133 lbs |
||
1 |
John Putman, Sr, Minnesota State | 08 - AA, Region Champion |
2 |
Josh Williams, Sr, St. Cloud State | 08 - National Qual., Region R-Up |
3 |
Jason Jeremiason, So, Augustana | 08 - National Qual., 3rd Region |
4 |
Kelly Janke, Sr, MSU Moorhead | 07 - National Qual. |
5 |
Trevor Franklin, RFr, Upper Iowa | 07-08 - 15-1 as Red-Shirt Fr. |
6 |
Michal Barrie, Sr, SMSU | 07 - 5th Region |
7 |
Rick Schiley, Jr, Northern State | 07-08 - 9-16 |
8 |
Cody Schmidt, Jr, U-Mary | N/A |
141 lbs |
||
1 |
Travis Elg, Jr, Minnesota State | 08 - AA, 2x Region Champion |
2 |
Gabe Suarez, So, St. Cloud State | 08 - National Qual., Region R-Up |
3 |
Jay Sherer, So, Augustana | 07-08 - National Qual., 4th Region |
4 |
Dave Schiley, Jr, Northern State | 07-08 - 23-9, 5th Region |
5 |
Jacob Pedersen, Sr, Upper Iowa | 07-08 - 15-10, 2x 5th Region |
6 |
Brandan Schunk, Jr, SMSU | 2x NJCAA AA |
7 |
Landon DellaSilva, Fr, U-Mary | 3rd Montana State |
8 |
Will Quinn, Fr, MSU Moorhead | N/A |
149 lbs |
||
1 |
Tommy Abbott, So, Minnesota State | 08 - AA, Region Runner-Up |
2 |
Mike Long, Sr, Augustana | 08 - AA, 4th Region |
3 |
Derek Bomstad, So, MSUMoorhead | 07-08 - 25-8, OW National Duals |
4 |
Chad Kubasch, So, St. Cloud State | 07-08 - 20-12, 5th Region |
5 |
Ryan Larsen, So, Northern State | 07-08 - 16-11 |
6 |
Derek Stolarzyk, Jr, Upper Iowa | 07-08 - 8-9, MN HS State Placer |
7 |
Shawn Sneva, Jr, U-Mary | N/A |
8 |
Tanner Skillings, RFr, SMSU | 07-08 - Med. Redshirt |
157 lbs |
||
1 |
Travis Eggers, Jr, Upper Iowa | 08 - AA, Region Runner-Up |
2 |
John Sundgren, So, St. Cloud State | 08 - AA, 3rd Region |
3 |
Tallen Wald, So, MSU Moorhead | 08 - 5th Region |
4 |
Darren Olsen, Jr, Minnesota State | 08 - NJCAA AA |
5 |
Luke Giese, Jr, SMSU | 2x 5th Region |
6 |
Taylor Nagel, RFr, U-Mary | Trans. NDSU, 2x MT State Champ |
7 |
Dustin Bonn, Jr, Norther State | 07-08 - 13-15 |
8 |
Brandon Kruger, Sr, Augustana | 07-08 - 3-6 |
165 lbs |
||
1 |
Mitch Norton, Jr, Upper Iowa | 2x National Qual |
2 |
Phil Downs, Jr, Northern State | 07-08 - 12-5, 5th Region |
3 |
Jarret Hall, Jr, MSU Moorhead | 2x NJCAA AA (3rd, 3rd) |
4 |
Tad Merritt, RFr, St. Cloud State | 07-08 - 25-3, Placed top 3 every Open |
5 |
Gavin Nelson, So, Augustana | 07-08 - 18-15 |
6 |
Tel Todd, RFr, Minnesota State | Trans. Old Dominion, two Brute AA |
7 |
Tony Klosterboer, RFr, SMSU | 07-08 - 4th Jamestown Open |
8 |
Nick Lopez-Prelle, So, U-Mary | 2nd SD State 2007 |
174 lbs |
||
1 |
Tyler Tubbs, Sr, MSU Moorhead | 07-08, 23-6, AA, Region R-Up |
2 |
Tim Matheson, Sr, Minnesota State | 2x National Qual., 3rd 08 Region |
3 |
Derek Skala, So, St. Cloud State | 07-08 - 30-11, National Qual. |
4 |
Casey Mouw, So, Augustana | 07-08 - 15-15 |
5 |
Donnie Bowden, So, Northern State | 07-08 - 9-16 |
6 |
Lance Piatz, So, U-Mary | 07-08 - Letterwinner |
7 |
Mitchell Schultz, Fr, Upper Iowa | 08 - IA HS State Placer |
8 |
Nick Wulf, RFr, SMSU | 07 - SD HS State Placer |
184 lbs |
||
1 |
Brad Padgett, Sr, St. Cloud State | 07-08 - 35-8, AA, Region Champion |
2 |
Cale Cornermann, Jr, NorthernState | 07-08 - 12-10, Nat Qual., Region R-Up |
3 |
Tyler Johnson, Sr, SMSU | 07-08 - National Qual. |
4 |
Ben Becker, Jr, Minnesota State | Beat Gehling last season in dual |
5 |
Tony Gehling, Sr, Upper Iowa | 07-08 - 6th Region, Placed 3x Region |
6 |
Nick Henning, Fr, Augustana | 07-08 - 4-1, Medical Year |
7 |
Dustin Nagel, Sr, MSU Moorhead | 07-08 - 10-16 |
8 |
Kurt Wiedrich, Jr, U-Mary | 07-08 - Letterwinner |
197 lbs |
||
1 |
Ty Copsey, So, Augustana | 07-08 - 31-7, AA, Region Champion |
2 |
Matt Norton, Sr, Upper Iowa | 07-08 - National Qual., Region R-Up |
3 |
Matt Nelson, Sr, MSU Moorhead | 07-08 - 26-14 |
4 |
Tom Block, Sr, Minnesota State | 07-08 - Starter |
5 |
Brent Fosheim, So, Northern State | 2x SD HS State Champion |
6 |
Erik Rogness, So, St. Cloud State | 07-08 - 8-10 |
7 |
Dusty Vliem, Jr, U-Mary | 07-08 - Starter |
8 |
Ethan Hoppe, Fr, SMSU | N/A |
285 lbs |
||
1 |
Brady Wilson, Jr, Minnesota State | 2x AA, 2x North Region Champion |
2 |
Tim Johnson, Jr, MSU Moorhead | 07-08 - 13-2 - NJCAA AA |
3 |
Lance Peters, So, Augustana | 07-08 - 17-18, 5th Region |
4 |
Keith McCleary, Sr, U-Mary | NAIA AA |
5 |
Arron Cramer, RFr, Upper Iowa | .500 as RS, 2x IA HS Placer |
6 |
Jared Little, Jr, Northern State | 07-08 - 6-18 |
7 |
Carter Ash, Fr, SMSU | 2x MN HS State Placer |
8 |
Logan Atkins, RFr, St. Cloud State | 07-08 - 1-4 |
