ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference announced today that the Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team has been picked seventh in the 2009 Preseason Coaches' Poll.  SMSU received 12 points in the poll, as voted on by the conference's eight head coaches.  The Mustangs also landed four wrestlers in the top five in the individual rankings.

Minnesota State, Mankato received 54 points to take the top spot in the poll.

Points were assigned from the top five wrestlers in the individual rankings; No. 1 was worth 10 points, No. 2 was worth seven points, No. 3 was worth four points, No. 4 was worth two points and No. 5 was worth one point.

Individually, David Albrecht, who was a national qualifier last season, was the highest ranked Mustang.  The sophomore took the No. 2 spot at 149 pounds.  Brandan Schunk (141 pounds) and CD Johnson (184 pounds) were the No. 4-ranked wrestlers at their respective weights, while Demond Carter was No. 5 at 157 pounds.

SMSU finished the 2008-09 season 3-7 overall and 2-5 in the NSIC.

The Mustangs open the season on Nov. 14 in Fargo, N.D., at the Bison Open.  SMSU's first dual action is on Nov. 20 at St. Olaf.

2009-10 NSIC Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State; 54
2. Augustana; 48
3. Upper Iowa; 45
    St. Cloud State; 45
5. Minnesota State Moorhead; 18
6. Northern State; 16
7. Southwest Minnesota State; 12
8. Mary; 2

SMSU Ranked Individuals
125 pounds
6. Zak Lambert, RFr.
133 pounds
7. AJ Jenniges; RFr.
141 pounds
4. Brandan Schunk, Sr.
149 pounds
2. David Albrecht, So.
157 pounds
5. Demond Carter, Jr.
165 pounds
7. Wade Granger, Sr.
174 pounds
6. William Fate, Fr.
184 pounds
4. CD Johnson, Jr.
197 pounds
8. Todd Klemz, RFr.
285 pounds
8. Carter Ash, So.