COMPLETE NOTES (PDF)

MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team moves to postseason action on Sunday as the Mustangs will wrestle in the Super Region Three Tournament at Northern State in Aberdeen, S.D. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.

Last week:  SMSU dropped its final two duals of the season at home last wekend, falling to Northern State on Friday and No. 9 Minnesota State, Mankato on Saturday.  NSU rallied from a 15-0 deficit to defeat the Mustangs 21-18, while MSU erased four-point difference and won the dual's final three bouts to top SMSU 22-15.

What it takes:  In order to qualify for the NCAA Wrestling Championships, wrestlers must capture at least a fourth-place finish at Sunday's Super Region Three tournament.  If necessary, true fourth-place matches will be held to determine the final qualifying spot for a weight class.

Region tournament updates:  There will be few ways to check in with the 2010 Super Region Three Tournament.  Host Northern State will be providing bracket information at www.nsuwolvesathletics.com.  The action will also be Webcast at www.pennatlantic.com.

Carter drops out:  Junior Demond Carter (East St. Louis, Ill.) fell out the national rankings released on Feb. 17.  Carter had checked in at No. 6 and No. 8 in previous rankings.  He is the only Mustang wrestler to crack the national rankings this season.

Mustangs drop to seventh:  SMSU is ranked No. 7 in the latest Super Region Three rankings released on Feb. 17.  Augustana took the No. 1 spot in the rankings.  Demond Carter is SMSU's highest ranked individual as he is No. 2 at 149 pounds.  For the complete team and individual rankings, turn to page 4.

In the books:  SMSU finished the 2009-10 regular season with a 4-6 overall record and 1-6 in NSIC action.  The Mustangs were seventh in the final conference standings, falling in ahead of Mary.  For the second consecutive season, SMSU notched an improved record, going from three wins last season to four in 2009-10.

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    45
    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 7-24 record at SMSU and has charted improved campaigns in each of his seasons with the Mustangs.  He is assisted by Jake Avre.

Mustang wrestling online: All of SMSU's home wrestling contests this season will be broadcast at www.pennatlantic.com.  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.