By: Madie Brink
BURNSVILLE, MINN. – The University of Sioux Falls Men's Wrestling program will look to climb the NSIC rankings in their inaugural NCAA Division II season. USF currently sits 10th in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll released yesterday afternoon.
"I am excited to see this first team compete! We will be a young team with no seniors, which has been really fun to work with," stated head coach Matt Meuleners. "Our guys bring a great energy and attitude to practice every day and we can't wait to see what this team can do."
St. Cloud State was selected to win the league in the NSIC Preseason Wrestling Coaches' Poll. The Huskies had 79 points and seven first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) to rank 14 points ahead of Augustana, which was second with 65 points and one first place vote. The defending NSIC Champions, Parkside, was third with 62 points and the other two first place votes.
The Cougars also had Pauly Garcia named this year's preseason athlete to watch.
"Paul has been a great leader for our team on and off the mat," stated Meuleners. "He has a positive impact on those around him and has been tremendous in helping build our culture as a team here at USF."
Garcia helms from Bayard, Nebraska and is a 5'3", 125-pound redshirt freshman for the Coo this season. After transferring from the University of Wyoming, Garcia looks to build his own legacy here at USF. Prior to Wyoming, Garcia was a four-time Nebraska State Champion while recording 180 career wins.
Cougar Wrestling will open their season at the Yellowjacket Open in Rochester, Minnesota on November 4 and will host their season opener on December 1 against Northern State at the Stewart Center.
For all things USF Men's Wrestling, be sure to download the USF Cougars app as well as follow along on Instagram and Twitter!
