Burnsville, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference released Thursday morning the 2019-20 Preseason Wrestling Coaches' Poll with the Northern State University Wolves picked sixth overall. Northern earned 29 points in the poll, after finishing the 2018-19 season in sixth overall.
Northern opens the 2019-20 season after a 6-5 record overall a season ago. NSU recorded their highest NSIC finish since the 2012 season going 3-5 overall, with league victories over Augustana, UMary, and Southwest Minnesota State. The Wolves return 18 wrestlers from the 2018-19 squad, while welcoming 13 freshman and transfers.
Northern returns eight starters including
Dayne Morton (125),
Kenny Jones (133),
Kolton Roth (141),
Caden Moore (149),
Walker Carr (157),
Billy Holtan (165),
Tanner Wiese (174), and
Diego Gallegos (197).
Kolton Roth and
Caden Moore both spent time ranked in the NWCA Individual polls, while the team landed at No. 25 twice. Moore was tabbed as the team's wrestler to watch for the upcoming season, after going 22-7 overall and 6-1 in the league. He ranked as high as No. 7 at 149-pounds a season ago, leading the Wolves in wins, decision wins, and major decision wins.
In addition, the Wolves will have some preseason battles in the wrestling room with eight newcomers placing at their respective state tournaments. Northern opens the season at the University of Jamestown Open on November 2.
NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll
| Rk. |
School |
Points |
| 1. |
St. Cloud State (8) |
64 |
| 2. |
Upper Iowa |
53 |
| 3. |
Minnesota State (1) |
52 |
| 4. |
Augustana |
41 |
| 5. |
University of Mary |
37 |
| 6. |
Northern State |
29 |
| 7. |
MSU Moorhead |
23 |
| 8. |
Minot State |
13 |
| 9. |
Southwest Minnesota State |
12 |
