MINOT, N.D.- The Beavers men's wrestling team (0-3) heads back to the MSU Dome for the first time in 2022. The Beavers head back to face the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks (0-1) Friday September 28th with start time set for 7 p.m. The Beavers wrap up their weekend (and hopefully first full NSIC weekend) against the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (1-2) Saturday September 29th with start time set for 2 p.m.

Scouting the Mavericks: The Mavericks own a 9-0 record over Minot State dating back to 2013. The last matchup came almost exactly a year ago on January 7th, 2021 when the Mavs took home the 31-12 victory in the MSU Dome. The Mavericks are currently 10th in the country but have an 0-1 record thanks to a loss to Augustana by the score of 27-6 as their next two matches against St. Cloud State and Wisconsin Parkside were cancelled due to COVID issues. 

The Mavericks are led by undefeated Freshman Max Schwabe of the 141 pound weight class with a 4-0 record, Freshman Nicolas Leo of the 184 pound weight class with a 5-0 record, and Junior Darrell Mason of the 285 pound weight class with a 7-0 record. Others leading the Mavericks are Freshman Isaiah Mlsna of the 133 pound weight class with a 7-2 record, Freshman Drake Hayward of the 149 pound weight class with a 7-1 record, Senior Trevor Turriff of the 174 pound weight class with a 7-2 record, and Junior Gavin Christoffersen of the 184 pound weight class with a 6-2 record. 

Scouting the Mustangs: Southwest Minnesota State currently has a 8-3 record over the Beavers. However, the last matchup resulted in a Beaver win as MSU won in a tight 20-17 battle back on February 11th, 2021 in Minot. Southwest opened their NSIC season with a 24-19 loss to the Northern State Wolves, followed by a 39-6 setback to the Augustana Vikings. The lone win on the season for the Mustangs came last weekend against the Minnesota State Moorhead Dragons by a 32-8 final. 

The 'stangs are led by undefeated Junior Jackson Stauffacher in the 125 pound weight class with a 7-0 record. SMSU also is led by Junior Caden Steffen of the 184 pound weight class who has an 11-1 record, as well as sophomore Carter Marx of the 174 pound weight class who owns a 10-5 record on the year. 

MSU will follow their home weekend with a couple more home duals as their continue their NSIC action against the Augustana Vikings on Saturday February 5th at the MSU Dome at 2 p.m. They'll wrap up home action for the year with a nonconference showdown against the Dickinson State Blue Hawks Wednesday February 9th at 7 p.m. at the MSU Dome.