The Augustana wrestling team is competing at the 2010 NCAA Division II National Wrestling Championships Friday and Saturday, March  12-13 at the Sapp Fieldhouse in Omaha, Neb. GoAugie.com is following the progress of the third-ranked Vikings in their question for a national championship with live updates throughout the championships.

Augustana went 6-1 in first-round matches during Friday's first session. The Vikings had a couple of close matches. At 157 pounds, fifth-ranked Marcus Edgington scored a takedown in sudden victory to register a 6-4 decision over Andy Lamancusa.

At 149 pounds, fourth-ranked Nate Herda got down early before taking control of his match to earn a 17-12 win over Tyler Juby of Mesa State. 

The only blemish in the first round came at 125 pounds. Augie's Al Meger surrendered 5 points in the first period. He rallied late in the third period and nearly tied it before the end of regulation. He took a shot late in the period but was unable to get the tying takedown as time expired.

In the team standings, Augustana is in a three-way tie for sixth place. No. 1 Nebraska-Omaha is in the lead with 20 points. St. Cloud State is in second place with 12 points, while Upper Iowa is third with 9 points. Rounding out the top 5 are Adams State (8.5) and Wisconsin-Parkside (7). Augustana is tied with Minnesota State University, Mankato, and Pittsburgh-Johnstown with 6 points.

Friday's evening session begins at 6 p.m.

Augustana Results

125 pounds - Al Meger
First Round: Seth Wright (N.M Highlands) def. Al Meger (Augie), 10-8
Consolation First Round: Al Meger (Augie) vs. #5 Cody Zimmerman (Wis.-Parkside)

133 pounds - #7 Laramie Shaffer
First Round: #7 Laramie Shaffer (Augie) dec. Michael Magaha (Lewis), 4-2
Second Round: #7 Laramie Shaffer (Augie) vs. #8 Scott Berens (Central Okla.)

141 pounds - #7 Jay Sherer
First Round: #7 Jay Sherer (Augie) def. Joshua Falk (Findlay), 5-3
Second Round: #7 Jay Sherer (Augie) vs. Andre Harrison (Ft. Hays State)

149 pounds - #4 Nate Herda
First Round: #4 Nate Herda (Augie) dec. Tyler Juby (MSC), 17-12
Second Round: #4 Nate Herda (Augie) vs. #5 Latra Collick (Newberry)

157 pounds - #5 Marcus Edgington
First Round: #5 Marcus Edgington (Augie) dec. Andy Lamancusa (Mercyhurst), 6-4 (sudden victory)
Second Round: #5 Marcus Edgington (Augie) vs. #4 George Ivanov (Neb.-Omaha)

165 pounds - Gavin Nelson
First Round: Gavin Nelson (Augie) dec. Derrick Adkins (Central Okla.), 5-3
Second Round: Gavin Nelson (Augie) vs. #1 Josh Shields (Mercyhurst)

197 pounds - #2 Ty Copsey
First Round: #2 Ty Copsey (Augie) dec. Daniel Stevenson (Findlay), 6-2
Second Round: #2 Ty Copsey (Augie) vs. Mitch Knapp (West Liberty)