MINOT, N.D.- The last time the Beavers men's wrestling team took to the mat, they participated in one of the country's biggest wrestling events. The Beavers will be back on the mat for the first time since Nov. 20^th and the first time being back home in Minot since the intersquad scrimmage back on Halloween. They look to open NSIC action against the Northern State Wolves Friday Dec. 3^rd at 7 p.m. in the MSU Dome
 
The Beavers will look to build off some impressive performances at the Younes Hospitality Open in Kearney, Neb. Since there was such a large field the open was split amongst the elite (juniors and seniors) and the amateurs (freshmen and sophomores.) MSU had two wrestlers place in the top six; senior Brandon Meikel finished sixth in the elite 133-pound bracket including wins over wrestlers from the University of Wyoming, Baker University of Kansas, and Morningside University. 
 
In his first match of the season due to being a football player, freshman Jake Swirple won his amateur 285-pound bracket. Swirple went undefeated on the day gaining wins over wrestlers from Chadron State University, Concordia University of Nebraska, York College of Nebraska, Briar Cliff University, and Pratt Community College. 
 
Scouting the Wolves: Northern State already has one win on the year as they defeated NCAA division three Concordia College of Moorhead by a final score of 37-9. They also competed at the Jimmie Invite and Bison Open which the Beavers also participated in. In head-to-head individual matches between the Wolves and Beavers this year Northern State owns an 8-4 advantage. The Wolves are on a two-match winning streak over MSU with the last meeting this past January resulting in a 25-13 win for Northern State. Overall Northern State owns the 8-4 advantage in all-time meetings. 
 
Kolton Roth of NSU is ranked 12^th in the nation in the 141-pound weight class according to the NWCA top-25 poll. The Wolves had six wrestlers finish in the top-five at the Jimmy Invite. 
 
Following the dual against the Wolves Friday they continue their weekend at the Dragon Open in Moorhead, Minn. at Nemzek Fieldhouse on Sunday Dec. 5^th with a start time set for 10 a.m.