MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team (1-1, 1-1 NSIC) hits the road for a conference dual meet at Minnesota State University on Saturday, Jan. 14, starting at 4 p.m. 
 
SMSU NOTES: SMSU last competed at the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis on Dec. 17-18 with Caden Steffen taking home first place at 184 pounds with a 5-0 record … Hunter Pfantz (133), Sean Howk (157), Lucas Hodges (165) and Jacob Dykes (285) all recorded two victories during the classic.
 
STEFFEN EARNS WEEKLY HONOR: Caden Steffen was named the NSIC Wrestler of the Week on Dec. 19 for his performance at the Midwest Classic. It's the second time this season and third time in his career he has earned the award.
 
MUSTANGS IN THE RANKINGS: SMSU has one wrestler ranked in the NWCA rankings (Dec. 23). Caden Steffen ranks second at 184 pounds. Steffen is 15-1 on the season and 2-0 in duals. Steffen was named NSIC Wrestler of the Week for the second time this season after placing first at the Midwest Classic. Steffen picked up victories over three of the NWCA top 10 at the Midwest Classic, No. 9 Cole Houser, No. 6 Daniel Beemer and No.4 Anthony Des Vigne. His only loss this season was a 3-2 decision to Billy Higgins, who is currently ranked first at 184 pounds. … SMSU has also been recognized for its team success, as the NWCA ranks the Mustangs at No. 24.  
 
SMSU Leaders: 
Caden Steffen (15-1)  
Sean Howk (11-5)  
Jacob Dykes (10-4)  
Luke Peterson (10-5)  
Lucas Hodges (8-7)  
 
MSU NOTES: The Mavericks (3-0 overall, 0-0 NSIC) have one wrestler in the NWCA rankings, No. 12 141 Brock Luthens … Minnesota State has won its three matches by an average of 25 points … MSU has five wrestlers with at least 15 wins, with Drake Hayward (21-3), Caleb Meunier (21-4), Kole Marko (20-2), Mike Smith (19-6) and Luthens (16-2) leading the way.  
 
MSU SERIES HISTORY: SMSU trails the all-time series 10-31 in a series that dates back to 1980. The Mustangs defeated the Mavericks in their last meeting 24-16. MSU has won the previous six meetings. SMSU is 4-18 in Mankato, and last won there on November 13, 1989, when the Mustangs defeated the Mavericks 22-17.  

SMSU Probable Line-Up
125 presented by Countryside Golf Club
- Ben Emrich (1-8)
133 presented by Laleman Construction
- Hunter Pfantz (7-8)
141 presented by Borch's Sporting Goods
- Open
149 presented by Marshall Auto Exchange
- Tyler Soltau (2-11) 
157 presented by Wendinger Travel
- Sean Howk (11-5) 
165 presented by Xcaliber Gunsmithing
- Lucas Hodges (8-7) 
174 presented by Cottonwood Oil Co-op
- Elijah Sterner (2-8)
184 presented by Borch's Sporting Goods
- Caden Steffen (15-1)
197 presented by Mustang Wrestling Club
- Carter Marx (6-7)
285 presented by Countryside Golf Club
- Jacob Dykes (10-4)