2001-02 College News -

January 20, 2002

Mavericks Win Both Home Duals; Two More Coming Up

Last Week: The Minnesota State wrestling team (3-2, 0-1 NCC) got back on the winning track with a pair of home wins over Minnesota State-Moorhead and Northen State. On Friday night, the Mavericks downed the Dragons of MSU-Moorhead by a score of 31-14. Freshman Paul Svien (Prescott, Wis.) made his debut as the heavyweight starter and earned a 4-3 decision over Don Hoonhorst. Juniors Hannon Hisek (Tyndall, S.D.) and Cory Beckman (New Hampton, Iowa) picked up falls for MSU. On Saturday, the Mavericks made it two in a row with a 38-13 over Northern State University. Senior Aaron Pyfferoen (Byron, Minn.) picked up a fall as well as sophomore Dustin Kulseth (St. James, Minn.) who pinned his opponent in 30 seconds. Kulseth has three dual matches to his credit and has won two of them by way of a fall. Beckman picked up six team points for the Mavericks but this time as a result of the disqualification of his opponent for unspotsmanlike conduct.

What's Next: The Mavericks will host North Central Conference opponents Augustana and South Dakota State on Friday and Saturday, respectively. South Dakota State is ranked seventh in the latest NCAA Division II rankings and Augustana is ranked 14th. However, Augustana eliminated SDSU from the national duals this weekend with a 26-21 victory over the Jackrabbits.

The Series: Minnesota State has wrestled the Jackrabbits more times than any other opponent. This will be the 48th meeting between the two, dating back to 1950-51. Minnesota State holds a trim 23-22-3 advantage in the all-time series. Last season, the two teams wrestled to a 20-20 deadlock in Brookings, S.D. The series with the Augustana Vikings stands at 14-11 in favor of the Mavericks. The Mavericks pulled out a 35-10 victory last season in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Coach Makovsky: Jim Makovsky is in his ninth season at the helm of the Minnesota State wrestling team. The Mavericks are 102-45-2 under Makovsky and his career record stands at 127-64-4. Makovsky is a 1989 graduate of Valley City State University where he served as head coach for four seasons prior to his arrival at MSU. Makovsky has tutored 30 All-Americans in his career and seven national champions, including Matt Petsinger last season.

The Tyndall Terror: Junior Hannon Hisek (Tyndall, S.D.) improved his dual record to 5-0 after a pin and a forfeit this weekend. He leads the team in wins with a 15-4 record that includes a perfect 6-0 record in matches determined by fall.

Mavericks In National Rankings: In the Division II national team poll, the Mavericks are ranked sixth, behind North Dakota State, Central Oklahoma, Nebraska-Omaha, Ashland and Pitt-Johnstown. Individually, senior Lester Berrios (Miami, Fla.) is fourth at 125, junior Hannon Hisek (Tyndall, S.D.) is rated eighth at 149 and two-time All-American senior Matt Gadient (Goodhue, Minn.) is third at 165.