BISMARCK, N.D. – Though already deep into the season, the University of Mary wrestling team has had limited action in front of the home fans. All that changes this weekend when the Marauders start a stretch of three home duals at the McDowell Activity Center with matches against Southwest Minnesota State University and Augustana University on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27-28, in a pair of Northern Sun contests.
 
Mary hosts the SMSU Mustangs at 7 pm on Friday, Jan. 27. The Augie Vikings then visit at 2 pm on Saturday, Jan. 28.
 
The only home appearance thus far this season for the Marauders was a 25-10 win over Minot State in the Santa Claus Dual prior to Christmas. Otherwise Mary has spent nearly every weekend on the road since the season started in early November.
 
After reeling off five straight wins, the Marauders have dropped three straight matches and are 5-5 this season. In conference action Mary is 1-2.
 
A young squad, there are only two upperclassmen scheduled to compete for the Marauders this weekend. Both juniors, Paul Michaelson holds down the 157-pound slot while Dane Fischer follows right behind at 165.
 
The remaining eight slots in the lineup are filled by six sophomores and two freshmen. Both first year performers, Donnie Leuer (10-9) at 157 and Dom Tudor (12-10) have posted winning marks this season.
 
Sophomore Tate Barnhardt paces the Marauders on the mat this season. With a record of 19-6, the Bismarck, ND, native leads the team in wins. He is also 13-2 against NCAA Division II grapplers and 10-0 in duals. The 133-pounder is currently on a nine-match winning streak. His 36 takedowns are also a team-high. Rated seventh in Super Region 3, Barnhardt is the only Marauders grappler listed in the rankings. 
 
Josh Jensen has also been on a run recently at 125, teaming with Barnhardt to post a strong 1-2 punch at the top of the Marauders lineup. The sophomore captured 3-of-4 matches at the Midwest Duals and has won five of his last six matches.
 
PROJECTED MARAUDERS LINEUP
125 – Josh Jensen, (Soph., 9-6)
133 – Tate Barnhardt (Soph., 19-6)
141 – Reed Cronin (Soph., 5-8)
149 – Hunter Eckert (Soph., 5-4)
157 – Donnie Leuer (Fr., 10-9)
165 – Paul Michaelson (Jr., 9-13)
174 – Dane Fischer (Jr., 11-10)
184 – Jonathan Pelach (Soph., 8-15) or Jake Green (Soph., 5-8)
197 – Jonathan Pelach (Soph., 8-15) or Jake Green (Soph., 5-8)
285 – Dom Tudor (Fr., 12-10)
 
PROJECTED MUSTANGS LINEUP
125 - Brock Buysse (1-5) or Taylor Curtis (9-10)
133 - Jordan Biehn (8-13) or Cody Peter (4-3)
141 - Zach Beaumaster (9-10) or Trent Butcher (6-9)
149 - Cortez Arredondo (15-13)
157 - Jake Slocum (6-13)
165 - Kegen Fingalsen (16-13) or Cody Heitman (4-8)
174 - Griffin Osing (13-13)
184 - Cole Hennen (15-10)
197 - Jack Ryan (11-10)
285 - Quinn Bullard (1-3) or Andrew Petersen (3-11)
 
Southwest Minnesota State is 4-11 on the season and 0-3 in the NSIC. The lone Mustangs grappler ranked in the region is Cortez Arredondo (6^th at 149).
 
PROJECTED VIKINGS LINEUP
125 - Brandon Carroll (Fr., 15-7)
133 - Brandon Charbonneau (Sr., 13-9)
141 - Austin Jordan (Jr., 12-10)
149 - Colin Ayers (So., 17-8) -OR- Jacob Anderson (Sr., 11-8) -OR- Bailey Neises (RFr., 10-8)
157 - Tyler Nation (Sr., 10-8)
165 - Bruce Lemon (Jr., 9-9)
174 - Lukas Poloncic (RFr., 5-7)
184 - Aero Amo (Jr., 26-6)
197 - Ben Goodwin (Sr., 12-8)
Hwt - Michael Lowman (Sr., 18-7)
 
Augustana is receiving votes in the latest Top 25 coaches poll. Ranked nationally are Brandon Charboneau (11^th at 133) and Aero Amo (7^th at 184).  Regional rankings include Brandon Carroll (3^rd at 125), Charbonneau (3^rd at 133), Oscar Ramirez (4^th at 141), Bailey Neises (8^th at 149), Tyler Nation (4^th at 157), Reagan Bye (6^th at 165), Amo (3^rd at 184), Ben Goodwin (8^th at 197) and Michael Lowman (5^th at 285).
 
#marauders#