MANKATO, MINN --- After starting 3-0 against NSIC opponents so far this year, the Maverick wrestling team will face its biggest opponent yet as the team hosts the Vikings of Augustana on Thursday at 7 p.m. Augustana is also 3-0 in NSIC action this season.
The Mavericks come into Thursday's dual against Augustana following three wins last week. The team came out victorious over three Division III schools; St. John's, St. Olaf, and UW-Oshkosh. In their first dual last Thursday, they bested St. John's by a final score of 40-4. On Saturday, the team competed in a triangle dual with St. Olaf and UW-Oshkosh, it defeated the Oles 50-4 and the Titans 41-12.
Trevor Schultz (Jr., 125 lbs.),
Matt Mincey (R-Sr., 157 lbs.),
Scott VanDeLoo (Sr., 184 lbs.),
Darick Vancura (Jr., 197 lbs.), and
Malcolm Allen (R-Sr., 285 lbs.) all finished 3-0 on the week. Schultz, who moved to 12-11 on the year, picked up a fall and tech fall victory, to along with one forfeit victory as well last week.
Mincey continued his season of dominance last week, where he compiled two falls and one tech fall over his three opponents. Mincey is currently an unblemished 16-0, and ranks second in the nation at 157-pounds. VanDeLoo pinned all three of his opponents last week, and is 15-1 on the year. The Kaukauna, Wisconsin native is one of three Mavericks ranked nationally, where he sits eighth in Division II.
Vancura has been riding a solid winning-streak over the past few weeks. In the last three matches he has competed in, he has pinned all of his opponents in less than a minute. Allen has also been impressive in recent weeks. He has not lost a match since December 17, where he last lost to Travis Smith (U-Mary) by a 7-6 decision. Allen for the season has a record of 14-7 overall.
Augustana is currently receiving votes in the national poll, and has two wrestlers who are individually ranked. Aero Amo at 184-pounds ranks fourth in the nation, while Michael Lowman ranks eighth at heavyweight. Augustana is undefeated in conference action this season, with wins over Northern State, Southwest Minnesota State, and the University of Mary. The last time the Mavericks squared off against Augustana, the Vikings bested them by a final score of 19-18.
Following Thursday's dual, the team will head to Fayette, Iowa to take on the #8 Upper Iowa Peacocks. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
