2021-22 NSIC Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll

11/4/2021 10:00:00 AM

St. Cloud State Picked in NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - St. Cloud State, the ten-time defending NSIC Champions, was the unanimous choice to win the league in the NSIC Preseason Wrestling Coaches' Poll. The Huskies had 81 points and all nine first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) to rank 12 points ahead of Minnesota State, which was second with 69 points and the other first place vote. Upper Iowa was third with 66 points while Augustana was fourth with 58 points. Northern State and Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP joined the NSIC in 2020-21 as an associated member) tied for fifth with 45 points.

St. Cloud State's Kameron Teacher was voted by the league coaches as the preseason wrestler of the year. Teacher was the 2020-21 NWCA DII Wrestler of the Year; the 2021 NCAA DII Individual Champion at 285; the 2020-21 NSIC Wrestler of the Year and 2020-21 Super Region V Wrestler of the Year.

NSIC Wrestling's non-conference schedule gets underway on Saturday, November 6 with the nine match NSIC duals starting in December and continue throughout the year.

2021-22_NSIC_Wres_PWOY_InfoGraphic_Teacher

Kameron Teacher (285 lbs., R-Sr., Columbus, Ohio / Central Crossing HS) - St. Cloud State University

2020-21 NWCA DII Wrestler of the Year
2020-21 NCAA DII Individual Champion at 285
2020-21 NSIC Wrestler of the Year
2020-21 Super Region V Wrestler of the Year

NSIC TEAM PREVIEWS & WRESTLERS TO WATCH

Augustana University

The Augustana Wrestling team enters the 2021-22 season with high expectations. Head coach Jason Reitmeier is entering his 19th season for the Augustana Vikings with a 38-man squad and an all-time record of 194-91. The Vikings are returning two national qualifiers from last season in Brandon Carroll (133) and Steven Hajas (285). Hajas received NCAA All-American honors after a third-place finish at the NCAA Division II National Tournament.

In addition to the two national qualifiers, the Vikings bring back a trio of All-NSIC honorees. Hunter Burnett (149), Kolby Kost (184) and Cade Mueller (174), along with Carroll, all earned Second Team All-NSIC accolades in the 2021 season. In all, the Vikings posted the second-most All-NSIC honorees last season and return all four.

Augustana held a record of 3-3 last season in the conference. The team placed fourth in the Super Region 5 tournament. Augustana was tabbed to finish third in the 2020-21 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Vikings add 13 freshmen to the squad this season and have 25 returners.

After opening the season with a pair of Open Tournaments, Augustana gets its dual season underway in Brookings, South Dakota, on Nov. 19. The home debut of AU is slated for Dec. 3 as the Vikings host Upper Iowa inside the Elmen Center. The following day, Augustana will face the Big 12’s North Dakota State inside the Sanford Pentagon, a dual that can also be viewed on Midco Sports.

Great mix of experience returning along with young talent.

Head Coach Jason Reitmeier

Steven Hajas (285, Jr., Delano, MInn. / Delano HS)

Earned NCAA All-America honors at 285 pounds after taking home third-place at the NCAA DII National Tournament
Qualified for nationals with a 3-1 record at the NCAA Super Region 5 Tournament
Overall, went 11-4 on the season and 4-2 in duals with two falls and one major decision.
A two-time national qualifier, also went to the national meet as a redshirt freshman in 2019-20

Steve has a work ethic that is unmatched. It doesn't matter if we are in the wrestling room, weight room or a conditioning run workout, Steve is always competing and pushing the guys around him. Steve leads by example, Steve is a fairly quiet guy who expects others to work as hard as him in all aspects of wrestling.

Head Coach Jason Reitmeier

University of Mary

The University of Mary wrestling team is ready to get back on the mats and begin the 2021-22 season taking part in the Copper Open in Moorhead, MN, on Saturday, November 6, at 9 am.

The Marauders are led by head coach Adam Aho, who enters his 9th season in charge of the UMary wrestling program. He will look to improve upon last season where UMary finished with a 2-3 record overall while going 1-3 in the conference, which placed them six in the NSIC.

Braydon Huber was the Marauders top wrestler last season as he earned All-American honors after finishing eighth at the NCAA Championships at 165 pounds.

Max Bruss also qualified for the NCAA Championships at 174 pounds but fell just short of All-American status, losing two matches by just one point.

Other notable returners include Dom Tudor and Matthew Kaylor, who both placed at the NCAA Division II Super Regional V tournament.

The Marauders bring in eight freshmen who will look to make an immediate impact in the 2021-22 season. Those nine include Reece Barnhardt, Chase Milligan, Preston Owens, Dante Roggio, Roddy Romero III, Ryan Scherber, Wyatt Schneider and Luke Tweeton.

What excites me about this program is the quality of depth and competition in the room has never been better. The energy and effort in practice has been the best I have seen in my coaching career. These young men are hungry to prove to themselves that they can compete with anyone in the country this year. Their focus is one score at a time, and I am excited to see the scores tally up throughout the season.

Head Coach Adam Aho

Braydon Huber (157 lbs, R-So., Post Falls, Idaho / Post Falls HS)

Finished 8th in the NCAA Championships at 165 pounds earning All-American Status
Placed third at the NCAA Division II Super Regional V tournament
Named Male Athlete of the Year for the second straight year by UMary Athletics

Braydon is true student of the sport and is a true mat rat, which translates to an extremely high wrestling IQ. His passion for the sport of wrestling drives him to live and breathe wrestling. He shows up every day trying to improve in every aspect, which includes his leadership development. Braydon was named a team captain for the second year in a row for his leadership on and off the mat. He is constantly challenging himself and his teammates to be better. Besides Braydon's wrestling ability and knowledge, he cares about this UMary Wrestling program more than anyone. He will be a Marauder for Life!

Head Coach Adam Aho

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State, a team that went 5-1 in dual action last year and turned in a 10th-place finish at the NCAA Division II national tournament, returns eight starters from the 2020-21 lineup.

Minnesota State expects to count on three returning All-American seniors to lead the way for a team that placed third at last year’s regional. Three-time All-American Kyle Rathman (149), who placed seventh at last year’s national tournament, enters the season with a 69-21 career mark. Trevor Turriff (174), who wrestled to a second-place finish at nationals last year, stands 42-14 for his career. Trenton McManus (125), who placed eighth at nationals last year after claiming a regional title, stands 33-21 for his college career.

Makovsky, who is in his 29th year in charge of the Mavericks, is closing in on the school wresting record for coaching wins. Makovsky, who spent four seasons at Valley City State where he posted a 23-19-1 mark prior to joining Minnesota State before the start of the 1993-94 season, stands 294-121-3 at Minnesota State. Rummy Macias was 299-207-12 in his 38 years with the Mavericks in a career that spanned from 1959-88.

“This is one of the older teams we’ve had. Everybody is back up to 184, so eight of our ten starters from a year ago return. 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. We have a number of individuals that were close to qualifying for the national tournament. Our veteran presence and our depth makes for a real competitive room.

Head Coach Jim Makovsky

Kyle Rathman (149 lbs, Sr., Burnsville, Minn. / Apple Valley HS)

Three-time All-American
7th at 2021 NCAA DII national tournament, 1st at NCAA Super Region V
12-2 overall last year, went undefeated in duals (6-0)
69-21 for college career
Three-time NSIC All-Academic honoree

Kyle is a humble, hungry, and smart young man. He has consistently been a rock in our wrestling program from the day he set foot on campus. He’s a great example for the rest of locker room to follow. Excels on-the-mat, in-the-classroom, in-the-practice room, and in-the-locker room.

Head Coach Jim Makovsky

Minnesota State University Moorhead

MSUM is led by junior Cole Jones, a two-time national qualifier who was All-American at 125 pounds in 2018-19. He was a national qualifier a year ago. Jones is 55-24 as a Dragon. Senior Braden Ortloff returns at 165 pounds, who was a national qualifier in 2019-20. Ortloff has a 35-26 career record.

Other returning starters for MSUM include seniors Mason Schulz (141), sophomore Angel Rios (149), sophomore Gage Roaldson (174) and senior Steven Abbott (197). The Dragons are looking also looking to a group of freshmen to push for time in the lineup, along with transfer Peyton Ringling. The Dragons are entering their 13th season under Head Coach Kris Nelson.

Returning 2019 All American Cole Jones will be back in the lineup along with National Qualifier Braydon Ortloff, both will provide leadership which will be essential for the 2021-22 season. We need our team to stay healthy to have a successful season and hope to push more individuals through to the National Tournament. We have freshman looking to push for starting spots in this year’s lineup: Clayson Mele(Green River, WY) 125lbs, Gunner Mogen(Velva, ND) 141lbs and Jacob Thomas(Fargo, ND) 149lbs. Peyton Ringling is a transfer from Western Wyoming Community College that will look to push for a starting spot at 157lbs. We are a scrappy team with some hungry individuals that, if we stay healthy, and continue to work hard and improve, could have the potential to surprise people at the Regional and National tournaments.

Head Coach Kris Nelson

Cole Jones (125 lbs, Sr., Grand Rapids, Minn. / Grand Rapids HS)

Two-time national qualifier, including last season at 125 pounds
Finished second at Super Region V in 2020-21
2018-19 All-American at 125 pounds
Career record of 55-24

Cole Jones is a 2X National Qualifier and a NCAA D2 All-American. He is a hardworking, hard nosed individual that leads by example in the wrestling room. Cole is an individual who gives 100% every time he steps on the wrestling mat!

Head Coach Kris Nelson

Minot State University

The Beavers return all 10 of their wrestlers who competed at last winter’s NCAA Super Region V Championship and are led by Oscar Nellis and Noe Garcia, each of whom came within seconds of earning a podium spot as both lost in the consolation semifinals in their weight class in sudden-victory overtime matches. Nellis (125 pounds) is a fifth-year senior from Carlsbad, Calif., with a 27-33 career record at Minot State. Garcia, a transfer from Cal State Bakersfield, is a senior in his third season with the Beavers and went 3-3 last season at 197 pounds. Also leading the way is senior Jordan Will (285), a 2019 NCAA National Championship qualifier in his sixth season with the Beavers who holds a 43-13 career record. A four-year starter in football, he will the wrestling team after the conclusion of the football season. Also boasting winning career records are returners Nathan Baca (157) and Keegan Berry (184), who each won a match at the Super Region last winter. Baca is in his fourth season at Minot State and holds a 32-31 career mark, while Berry is in his sixth year and is 54-47 at Minot State.

We return all 10 starters from last season and I am really excited about our Freshman class. We should have solid depth and great competition for varsity spots. I think we had a productive off-season, and we are excited to start competing.

Head Coach Evan Forde

Jordan Will (285 lbs, R-Sr., Minot, N.D. / Bishop Ryan HS) - Minot State University

43-13 career record
Qualified for 2019 NCAA National Championships
2020-21 CoSIDA 1st Team Academic All-American
2020-21 William Britton Scholar-Athlete for Academic Excellence Award from the NSIC

Jordan has been a leader for our program both on the mat and in the classroom throughout his career. He is a former Super Region champion and National Qualifier. We are looking for him to have a great season.

Head Coach Evan Forde

Northern State University

The 2021-22 Northern State University wrestling team is coming off their first NSIC Championship since the 2002 season in the spring of 2021. The Wolves went 5-0 in league action and saw both Caden Moore and Kolton Roth named to the NSIC All-Conference second team. In addition, the pair finished as the NCAA Super Region 5 runners-up in their respective weights. Due to the cut down field at the 2021 NCAA National Championships, Moore was the lone Wolf to advance to St. Louis. Moore enters the season as the team’s wrestler to watch, posting a 6-4 record as a junior. Northern returns 28 for last year’s roster and welcomes six incoming freshman and transfers. The Wolves return all ten starters from their conference championship team, as well as depth at multiple weight classes. Northern opens the season this weekend at the Jimmie Invite with a shortened squad and will kick off the home slate on November 11 in a 7 p.m. dual versus Concordia Moorhead, under the direction of seventh year head coach Rocky Burkett.

I am just excited about the work our team has put in this offseason. We just look forward for the opportunity to compete in a full season this year!

Head Coach Rocky Burkett

Caden Moore (165 lbs, Jr., O'Neil, Neb. / O'Neil HS)

Finished the 2021 season with a 6-4 record overall
NSIC All-Conference second team
2021 NCAA National Qualifier and Super Region 5 Runner-up

Caden is one of our leaders on our team. He has played a major role in our lineup since his freshman year. He has put in a lot of work this offseason in the weight room and on the mat so we are excited to see if he can build on his success from last year.

Head Coach Rocky Burkett

Southwest Minnesota State University

The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team will look to make a leap in 2021-22 under enthusiastic first-year head coach Chayse Jackson. The team returns eight individuals who competed in last season’s Super Region V tournament in Aberdeen, S.D., and has a roster featuring a total of 29 athletes, including four seniors, 12 juniors, nine sophomores, a redshirt freshman and three true freshmen. Headlining the list of returners is junior Caden Steffen, who was ranked No. 5 in the NWCA DII preseason rankings. Steffen ended up placing fifth at the NCAA Championships on his way to becoming an NCAA All-American. Steffen finished the season 11-5, including a 5-1 Super Regional record and 3-2 record in the NCAA Championships.

Alongside Steffen is Jacob Dykes, a junior heavyweight who finished last season 5-4 and 3-2 in NSIC matches. Dykes finished 2-2 in the super regionals, falling in the consolation finals. Junior Jackson Stauffacher returns after a 5-4 record in the 2020-21 season that also saw him go 2-2 in the NCAA Super Regional. He finished the season 2-0 in major decisions and 3-2 in decisions. Sophomore Luke Peterson returns after a 4-2 season that also saw him compete in the Super Regionals. Also returning from the Super Regional lineup is 125 Ben Emrich, 141 Luke Sampson, 157 Sean Howk, and 165 Carter Marx.

As a first year head coach, this year is truly special to me. Taking over a team with a rich history of wrestling that is coming off of a 17th place finish in the National Tournament is beyond exciting. These guys work hard day in and day out to become better. They are willing to put in the work to be successful, all we need to do as a staff is to help guide them. With 8 of our starters returning, this team already has a good amount of dual experience and success. This year, we are primed to continue our growth to the top of the conference and the country. Their work ethic is second to none. Mix that with a healthy dose of conditioning and a sprinkling of technique, and these guys will be good. You can expect SMSU to fight to the last in each match and every dual. They have the mentality and the experience. Now it’s time to put it all together. I can’t wait to see them hit the mats.

Head Coach Chayse Jackson

Caden Steffen (184 lbs, Jr., Zumbrota, Minn. / Zumbrota-Mazeppa HS)

5th place in NCAA Championships last season
NCAA All-American
No. 5 in the NWCA DII preseason rankings
11-5 last season
Second in the Super Regional with a 5-1 record

Caden is a phenomenal wrestler, leader, and person. He continually seeks out ways to improve his performance both physically and mentally. He pushes every guy in the mat room to become better and challenges his teammates to keep up with him every day. Whether we are running sprints or wrestling live, Caden is going hard and pushing everyone around him. On the mat, Caden is a truly explosive wrestler. His hard fought style and explosive skills make him one of a kind. He enjoys the fight and with his supreme conditioning, you can expect guys to wilt under his pressure. Combine that his personality and he is truly a fan favorite. I would highly recommend keeping your eye on Caden this year as he continues to make strides on the mat in an effort to become the second Steffen to be a National Champion for SMSU.

Head Coach Chayse Jackson

St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State Wrestling returns five All-Americans as they look to defend their run of ten consecutive NSIC Championships in 2021-22. Last season the program earned their third straight National Championship and extended their dual win streak to 69. Reigning NCAA Champion and fifth-year senior Kameron Teacher was named the team’s Wrestler to Watch and NSIC Preseason Wrestler of the Year as he anchors the lineup at 285, fresh off a 12-0 season that saw him earn NCWA National Wrestler of the Year honors. Garrett Vos and Joey Bianchini return at 133 and 141 after NCAA Finals appearances last year, while third place finisher Colby Njos (157), All-American Noah Ryan (197) and preseason No. 8 selection Billy Pitzner (184) round out the returning NCAA qualifying starters. The Huskies bring back two more starters from their Super Region V Championship team with Paxton Creese (125) and Devin Donovan (165/174) forming one of the most formidable lineups in the country.

SCSU’s roster features a host of redshirts hungry for their first opportunity in over a year with the altered 2020-21 NCAA Wrestling schedules providing limited chances for matches. The Huskies bring in an impressive recruiting class consisting of multiple high school state champions and a two-time junior college All-American, beginning their season at the Finn Grinaker Open this Saturday in Moorhead. St. Cloud State’s first dual is set for November 20 against No. 14 Lake Erie in Halenbeck Hall.

What excites me about this year's team is our senior leadership. We have a lot of experienced veterans in our room that do it the right way. I feel like our younger guys are definitely in good hands regarding what it takes to be a great student-wrestler and person. I am excited to compete with this group of young men and see how good they can be!"

Head Coach Steve Costanzo

Kameron Teacher (285 lbs, R-Sr., Columbus, Ohio / Central Crossing HS)

2020-21 NWCA DII Wrestler of the Year
2020-21 NCAA DII Individual Champion at 285
2020-21 NSIC Wrestler of the Year
2020-21 Super Region V Wrestler of the Year

Kameron Teacher is the our National Champion at 285-pounds. He is a tremendous leader in and out of the wrestling room and a role model for all to follow. He often stays late after practices and helps his teammates with technical issues. In addition, he is the one guy on the team that is compassionate and humble to all. Teacher is a true catalyst of what Huskies Wrestling is all about!

Head Coach Steve Costanzo

Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa returns all four NCAA Division II Championship qualifiers from a year ago in 2021-22. The Peacocks, who are ranked No. 9 in the NWCA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, placed 12th at the 2021 NCAA Division II Championships last March. UIU's finish was thanks to a pair of All-Americans including 197-pounder Zach Ryg (3rd) and 141-pounder Tate Murty (6th). Chase Luensman and Eric Faught both qualified and posted wins at the NCAA Championships coming up just one win shy of joining their teammates as All-Americans. All four national qualifiers are ranked in the preseason national rankings as well. Ryg is ranked No. 2 at 197 pounds after posting a 12-1 record last year and claiming third place at the 2021 NCAA Division II Championships. Following the season, Ryg was named the NSIC Rookie of the Year and the NWCA Division II Rookie of the Year. Murty comes in at No. 4 in the 141-pound rankings. Murty went 9-8 last season, but won seven of his matches in the postseason including a 5-1 record at the NCAA Super Region V Championships and a 2-3 mark at the NCAA Division II Championships to claim sixth place in St. Louis, Mo. Faught grabbed the No. 8 ranking at 149 pounds. Faught was 8-4 last season with four wins by major decision. Luensman is ranked No. 9 at 157 pounds going 9-3 last year. Luensman won the NCAA Super Region V Championship with a 3-0 mark joining Ryg at the top of their respective podiums. Upper Iowa finished the shortened season with a 3-3 dual meet record which included wins over Minnesota State University Moorhead, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Augustana University. The Peacocks will open their 2021-22 schedule at the Simpson College Open in Indianola, Iowa on Saturday, Nov. 6. Upper Iowa's first home action is slated for Sunday, Dec. 12; UIU will face the University of Central Missouri in Dorman Memorial Gymnasium at 2 p.m.

We return 9 starters from the Regional Championship last year. That group pushed us to a team runner up finish, and qualified 4 individuals to the NCAA tournament. This group of men work hard and believe they can accomplish great things!

Head Coach Heath Grimm

Zach Ryg (197 lbs, So., Plymouth, Iowa / Central Springs HS)

Ranked No. 2 at 197 pounds after posting a 12-1 record last year
Claimed third place at the 2021 NCAA Division II Championships
Scored a win by fall and two major decisions while his only loss came to the eventual NCAA Champion in the semifinals.
Ryg was named the NSIC Rookie of the Year and the NWCA Division II Rookie of the Year

Zach is farm tough! He's gritty and he loves to grind. He has established himself as a team leader by how he attacks each and every workout.

Head Coach Heath Grimm

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

The No. 17 ranked Parkside wrestling team is set to open the 2021-22 season on Nov. 6 at the UWSP Pointer Open under the direction of first year head coach Nick Becker, who was a 3-time National Champion for Parkside. The Rangers came in at No. 17 in the NWCA Preseason Poll and saw two individuals ranked as well in redshirt-senior Joe Arroyo (#3) and redshirt-junior Shane Gantz (#5).

The team welcomes back a pair of NCAA II qualifiers in Arroyo and Gantz. Last season, Arroyo was an All-American at 125-pounds after finishing in third place at the NCAA II Championships while Gantz was also a National Qualifier. Both were named to the All-NSIC team. The team also welcomes back Reece Worachek, who was in the individual rankings heading into the NCAA II Super Region V Championships. Other key returners include redshirt-junior Job Ayala, freshman Ben Durocher, senior Rodsean Graham, redshirt-junior Nathan Hensley, redshirt-sophomore Francesco Shiro, redshirt-sophomore Nate Lloyd and redshirt-sophomore Lucas Schevikhoven.

As a team, the Rangers finished 1-5 in the tough NSIC, which was their first full season as an associate member of the conference. The team finished in sixth place at the NCAA II Super Region V Championships.

What excites me most about this year’s team is that we will have an opportunity to compete for NSIC and NCAA team titles. On paper we are unproven as a whole but I’m proud of the effort and sacrifices these guys made since I was hired back in May. We have set our goals high and are looking forward to toeing the line and competing.

Head Coach Nick Becker

Joe Arroyo (125 lbs, Sr., Grayslake, Ill. / Grayslake North HS)

Two-time All-American at 125 pounds
2021 NCAA II All-American with third place finish
Ranked No. 3 at 125 pounds in 2021 NWCA Preseason Coaches' Poll
Was the 2021 NCAA II Super Region V Champion at 125 pounds
Finished 12-2 last season

Joe is one of our team captains and possesses a relentless work ethic that will help him achieve his personal goals on and off of the mat. He is the type of individual who always has a smile on his face and possesses a positive personality, which is contagious to our whole program. Down the road, Joe will be remembered by his teammates as someone who embraced adversity and offered guidance whenever needed.