MANHEIM, Pa. – Southwest Minnesota State University junior wrestler Caden Steffen is ranked second at 184 pounds in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II preseason rankings released on Oct. 21. 

During the 2021-22 season, Steffen became just the third wrestler in program history to win a Regional Championship. He then placed sixth at the NCAA Championships, earning All-American honors and finishing his season with a 22-4 record.  

The Mustangs came in at 24 in the NWCA Top 25 poll. The Mustangs round out the five NSIC schools in the NWCA Top 25, with St. Cloud State leading the way at the No. 2 spot, Augustana slotting in at No. 5, Northern State ranking No. 17, and Minnesota State sitting at No. 18.  

The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team will look to make a leap in 2022-23 under the direction of second-year head coach, Chayse Jackson. The team returns eight individuals who competed in last season's Super Region V tournament in Aberdeen, S.D., and has a roster featuring a total of 25 athletes, including two seniors, seven juniors, 10 sophomores, three redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen. 

SMSU will host its annual Brown & Gold dual on Oct. 29 before opening the regular season on Nov. 5 at the RCTC Yellowjacket Open. The Mustangs will have their first dual of the season on Dec. 9 vs. Northern State inside the PE Gym.