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No. 4 Vikings prepare for rematch with No. 1 Nebraska-Omaha
February 16, 2005
THIS WEEK: The No. 4 Augustana College wrestling team competes in its final dual of the season on Friday when the Vikings, 13-2 in duals this season, travel to Omaha, Neb., to tackle No. 1 Nebraska-Omaha. The dual begins at 7 p.m. in the Lee & Helene Sapp Fieldhouse.
The dual between the Vikings and Mavericks is a rematch of the finals of the NWCA Cliff Keen National Duals on January 22. In that dual, Nebraska-Omaha claimed a 20-18 victory. The Vikings led 18-14 after nine matches, but were forced to forfeit the heavyweight match due to an injury to Cris Bietz. In addition, the two teams hooked up in a close dual last season. The Mavericks edged Augustana 17-16 in Sioux Falls.
LAST WEEK: Bolstered by the return of three starters, the fourth-ranked Vikings went 2-0 last week, defeating Chadron State 37-9 and No. 3 Nebraska-Kearney 27-14.
The Vikings won seven matches against Chadron State. Tom Meester, Tim Boldt and Cris Bietz put an exclamation point on the dual by recording first period pins.
Against Nebraska-Kearney, Augustana won both matchups featuring No. 1 and No. 2 wrestlers in earning the win. Aaron Graumann (125 pounds) knocked off top-ranked Bryce Abbey 5-4 by getting an escape with 9 seconds left in regulation. Tim Boldt (197 pounds) had an easier time, earning an 11-4 decision over defending national champion Jeff Sylvester.
GRAUMANN NOTCHES CAREER WIN NO. 100: Senior Aaron Graumann earned his 100th career victory over the weekend. By going 2-0 last weekend, Graumman improved his career record to 101-41.
BOLDT EARNS NCC HONOR: Tim Boldt has been named the North Central Conference Wrestler of the Week for the week ending February 12. He shared the award with Jason Rhoten of Minnesota State.
Boldt went 2-0 last week by pinning Chadron State's Jason Abell in 2:56 and recording a 11-4 decision over Nebraska-Kearney's Jeff Sylvester, the top-ranked wrestler and defending national champion.
NATIONAL POLLS: Augustana slipped two spots from No. 2 to No. 4 in the latest NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association rankings. Defending national champion Nebraska-Omaha has been the No. 1 team all season. Fellow NCC member Minnesota State-Mankato, who knocked off Augustana 20-14, jumped three spots to No. 2.
EIGHT VIKINGS NATIONALLY RANKED: Eight Vikings are nationally ranked in their respective weight classes, according to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association individual rankings. Tom Meester is ranked No. 1 at 184 pounds, while Ryan King is No. 1 at 149 pounds. Aaron Graumann is No. 2 at 125 pounds, while Tim Boldt is No. 2 at 197 pounds. Dusty Wilking is No. 5 at 174 pounds. Austin Scarset is No. 6 at 157 pounds, while Cody Henriksen is No. 6 at 165 pounds. Cris Bietz is No. 8 at heavyweight.