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MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team (1-0, 0-0 NSIC) will  travel to Minnesota State Moorhead on Saturday to wrestle in the Dragon Open beginning at 9 a.m.

Follow the Mustangs:  For updates on this weekend's Dragon Open, be sure to check out MSUM's official athletics Web site at www.msumdragons.com.

Opens to open:  SMSU will wrestle in three open tournament to usher in the 2009-10 season.  The Mustangs placed wrestlers at the Bison Open and Augsburg Open in November, placing a healthy number of individuals in each of those events.  SMSU has one more open on the slate after this weekend as the Mustangs will travel to St. Cloud, Minn., on Dec. 12 for the Husky Open.

Victory begins dual season:  The Mustangs earned  34-7 dual victory in their season opening contest with St. Olaf on Nov. 20.  SMSU posted three wins by fall and another my major decision to move to 1-0 on the season.  Brandan Schunk pinned SOC's Leo Juarez in 4:10 at 149 pounds, while 197-pounder Todd Klemz added another six points to the Mustangs' total by pinning James Noreman in 2:29.  C.D. Johnson had the most decisive win by fall for SMSU, pinning Andrew Rudd in 1:27 at 184 pounds.  Demond Carter notched a 17-8 major decision over SOC's Joey Waples at 157 pounds.  A.J. Jenniges, Robert Morris, William Fate and Carter Ash all picked up wins by decision.

Veteran personnel:  Wade Granger (North Bend, Neb.) and Brandan Schunk (Wabasso, Minn.) are this year's two seniors on the squad and will lead the Mustangs through the 2009-10 campaign.  Both joined the SMSU wrestling program after spending time in the junior college ranks.

According to the coaches:  The NSIC's head coaches tabbed SMSU seventh in the 2009 Preseason Coaches' Poll.  SMSU received 12 points in the poll.  Minnesota State received 54 points and took the top spot.
    Team            Points
    1.     Minnesota State    54
    2.     Augustana    48
    3.     Upper Iowa    45
            St. Cloud State    5
    5.     Minnesota State Moorhead    18
    6.     Northern State    16
    7.     Southwest Minnesota State    12
    8.     Mary    2

The coach:  Jesse Nelson enters his third year as head coach of the SMSU wrestling program.  Nelson owns a 3-18 record at SMSU and has charted improved campaigns in each of his seasons with the Mustangs.

Up next:  The Mustang will host Sioux Falls (S.D.) in their home opener on Dec. 9.  Wrestling will start at 7 p.m. in the P.E. Gym.

Mustang wrestling online:  All of SMSU's wrestling contests this season will be broadcast at www.northernun.tv.  The Webcasts are free of charge, but users must set up an account with Penn Atlantic to view the matches.

Stay connected:  Stay connected with SMSU wrestling all season long at www.smsumustangs.com.  The Mustangs are also on Facebook and Twitter; just log onto www.facebook.com/smsumustangs and www.twitter.com/smsumustangs.  For the latest video highlights and new episodes of the Mustang Minute check out SMSU's official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/smsuathletics.