By: Madie Brink
BURNSVILLE, MINN. – The University of Sioux Falls wrestling team is preparing for the 2026-27 season as the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced its Preseason Wrestling Coaches' Poll on Thursday. The Cougars enter the upcoming campaign under fifth year Head Coach
Matt Meuleners, with
Cooper Sanders earning recognition as USF's NSIC Wrestler to Watch.
A Look at the Cougars
Sioux Falls enters the new season with a renewed sense of excitement as the Cougars look to capitalize on increased depth and competition throughout their lineup. With a roster focused on continued development and improvement, USF will look to build momentum throughout the season while competing against some of the top wrestling programs in NCAA Division II.
Head Coach Matt Meuleners expressed optimism about the team's potential, emphasizing the competitive environment that has developed within the program.
"We are excited about the increased depth and competition in our room and to see how it translates to competition this season," said Meuleners. "Our guys have been pushing each other every day, and that internal competition is going to be important as we prepare for the challenges ahead. We are looking forward to seeing that hard work carry over into matches and continuing to grow as a team throughout the season."
Sanders Named NSIC Wrestler to Watch
Cooper Sanders will be a key contributor for the Cougars this season after being selected as Sioux Falls' NSIC Wrestler to Watch. Sanders has emerged as an important leader within the program, earning the respect of his teammates and coaching staff through his dedication, consistency, and commitment to improvement.
As the Cougars prepare for another competitive conference schedule, Sanders will look to set the tone both on and off the mat while helping lead a USF lineup eager to take the next step.
"Cooper has emerged as a leader for our team," said Meuleners. "He has a tremendous work ethic and leads by example. He brings the right mentality to the room every day and sets a great standard for the guys around him. We are really excited to see what he can do this year and how he continues to develop as a competitor and leader for our program."
Around the NSIC
Wisconsin-Parkside was selected as the preseason favorite in the NSIC Wrestling Coaches' Poll, receiving 93 points and five first-place votes. Minnesota State followed in second with 89 points and two first-place votes, while defending NSIC Champion St. Cloud State earned the third spot with 82 points and two first-place votes.
Augustana rounded out the top four with 75 points and the remaining two first-place votes, highlighting the competitive nature of the conference heading into the season.
University of Mary wrestler Jacob Strausbaugh was named the NSIC Preseason Wrestler of the Year following a dominant 2025-26 campaign that saw him capture the NCAA Division II National Championship at 133 pounds. Strausbaugh finished the season with a 25-2 record and is expected to compete at 149 pounds this year.
Looking Ahead
The 2026-27 NSIC wrestling season will officially get underway with non-conference competition beginning Saturday, November 7 for the Cougars. Conference dual competition is scheduled to begin December 4, with teams competing in a 10-match NSIC dual schedule throughout the season.
Postseason competition will begin Saturday, February 27, with the NCAA Super Region V Championships at the Barnett Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Qualifying wrestlers will then advance to the NCAA Division II National Championships, scheduled for March 12-13 at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
With increased depth, strong leadership, and a competitive mindset, Sioux Falls will look to continue its development and make strides throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
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