OPENING BOUT
The Southwest Minnesota State University (10-4, 4-1 NSIC) wrestling team returns to action with a busy slate this week when the Mustangs take on No. 4 St. Cloud State and Northern State on back-to-back nights. SMSU will grapple with the perennial force in the Huskies on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in St. Cloud, Minn., before a return home to host Northern State on Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.
SCOUTING ST. CLOUD STATE
St. Cloud State enters the weekend with an overall record of 15-1 and a perfect 4-0 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. SCSU's consecutive dual winning streak of 54 was halted by reigning NCAA Division II Champion and No. 1 ranked Notre Dame on Jan. 12, at the NWCA DII National Duals. Since then, SCSU has rebuilt its winning streak to eight, including the last four over NSIC opponents. SCSU has scored 30+ points in 10 of its 16 duals this season. St. Cloud State features five individually ranked wrestlers -- Andy Pokorny (2nd, 133), Matt Nelson (141, 4th), Clint Poster (157, 5th), Gabe Fogarty (165, 7th) and Austin Goergen (285, 3rd). Steve Costanzo is in his eighth season as head coach of the Huskies.
SCOUTING NORTHERN STATE
Northern State enters the week 3-8 overall, 0-4 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. NSU is coming off a tough stretch where the Wolves suffered losses of 41-3, 47-0, and 41-3 to No. 3 St. Cloud State, No. 8 Upper Iowa, and No. 17 Augustana, respectively. NSU has lost five straight duals and is still in search for its first NSIC win of the season. NSU's last victory came on Jan. 18, versus Newman at the Midwest Duals in Kearney, Neb. Pat Timm is in his 13th season as head coach.
