COMPLETE NOTES (PDF)

MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team (2-4, 0-4 NSIC) has a pair of duals this week, including its home opener.  On Thursday, SMSU will travel to Morningside (Iowa) for a 7 p.m. dual.  On Saturday, the Mustangs will host Mary in their 2009-10 home opener at 3 p.m.

Series record:  Thursday will be the third contest between SMSU and Morningside.  The Mustangs are 2-1 against MC, while head coach Jesse Nelson has yet to face the team that shares a nickname with SMSU.  Saturday marks the third meeting between SMSU and Mary.  The Mustangs are 1-1 against the Marauders, while Nelson is also 1-1 versus Mary.

Last time out:  Minnesota State Moorhead picked up four wins by major decision and another by fall to post a 32-6 win over SMSU on Friday in Moorhead.  CD Johnson (LeRoy, Mich.) and Andrew Rodas (Farmersburg, Iowa) both posted wins for the Mustangs.

Finally home:  SMSU is finally home at the P.E. Gym after after competing in six duals and several opens in enemy waters.  The Mustangs were scheduled to host Sioux Falls (S.D.) on Dec. 9, but poor weather conditions postponed that contest indefinitely.  The Mustangs have two more home dates on the slate after Saturday as Northern State and Minnesota State will make the trip to Marshall on Feb. 19 and 20.

Carter ranked nationally:  Demond Carter (East St. Louis, Ill.) jumped two spots and is ranked No. 6 at 149 pounds in the latest individual Division II national rankings released last Wednesday by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.  The junior, who debuted at No. 8 on Jan. 20, has compiled a 10-8 record this season.

Mustangs stay sixth:  SMSU is ranked No. 6 in the latest Super Region Three rankings released on Feb. 2.  Upper Iowa took the No. 1 spot in the rankings.  Demond Carter is SMSU's highest ranked individual as he is No. 2 at 149 pounds.

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 5-22 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.

SMSU Probable Line-Up...
125    Robert Morris
133    A.J. Jenniges
141    Brandan Schunk
149    Kyle Anderson
157    Wade Granger
165    Trent Molacek
174    Micah Larson OR William Fate
184    C.D. Johnson
197    Andrew Rodas
285    Brian Rodas


About This Week's Opponents...
Morningside...the Mustangs are members of NAIA and Great Plains Athletic Conference...own 7-1-1 record...only loss of year came to Minnesota State Moorhead...wil face second NCAA Division II opponent of season in SMSU...led by sixth-year head coach Tim Jager.

Mary...the Marauders are 2-8 (0-5 NSIC)...two wins came against Newman (Kan.) and Chadron State (Neb.)...led by second-year head coach Ben Berogan.