MINOT, ND – The 8^th annual Battle for the Barrel awaits the #11 University of Mary wrestling team (6-6, 4-3 NSIC) as the Marauders travel to Minot, ND, to challenge Minot State University on Friday, February 7 at 7 pm.

Fans can watch live or follow live stats at www.GoUmary.com/coverage

BATTLE FOR THE BARREL
A longstanding in-state rivalry between the University of Mary and the Minot State University wrestling programs gained additional significance with the introduction of the traveling Barrel Trophy. Introduced in 2018, the Marauders and the Beavers annual "Battle for the Barrel" takes place during the Northern Sun dual between the two teams. Just 100 miles apart and separated by Lake Sakakawea, Minot and Bismarck are in the Bakken oil formation, making an oil barrel traveling trophy a natural for the competing programs.

The first "Battle for the Barrel" on February 9, 2018, came down to the last match of the night. UMary's Phillip Springsteen earned a 10-8 decision over Carlos Tolendano at 165 to rally the Marauders to a 16-15 home victory. UMary retained the Barrel the next season when Ryan Stottler was victorious 6-4 in the final match of the Marauders 20-18 road win. UMary is undefeated in all seven meetings for the Battle for the Barrel.

PROJECTED UMARY LINEUP                                                                  
125 pounds – Mason Gutenberger
133 pounds - #1 Reece Barnhardt
141 pounds – #6 Sean Solis
149 pounds – Trae Thilmony
157 pounds – Kaden Renner
165 pounds – Leo Mushinsky
174 pounds - Wyatt Lidberg
184 pounds – Dante Roggio                                                        
197 pounds – Matthew Kaylor
285 pounds – #8 Luke Tweeton

LAST TIME OUT
The Marauders were dominant last weekend, going 2-0. UMary defeated Northern State 23-9 on senior night and took down Minnesota State University Moorhead 30-9.

Sean Solis was named NSIC Wrestler of the Week for his efforts against NSU and MSUM. Solis returned to the UMary lineup after missing over a month of competition. He defeated NSU's #12 Braydon Mogle and won via a 4-2 decision. Solis then wrestled MSUM's Pedro Velazquez. With the score tied at 1-1 in the third period, Solis landed a takedown with 30 seconds left in the match and went on to win 5-3.

OPPO RESEARCH – MINOT STATE UNIVERISITY
MSU is 7-6 overall and 2-4 in the Northern Sun. Jake Swirple is ranked #9 at 285 pounds by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

REECE BARNHARDT RANKED #1
For the first time in his career, Reece Barnhardt is ranked as the #1 wrestler in the 133-pound weight class according to the most recent National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) rankings. Barnhardt becomes the first University of Mary wrestler in the NCAA era to be ranked #1 by the NWCA.

NATIONAL RANKINGS – TEAM
The Marauders are ranked 11^th in the most recent National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Men's Coaches Poll released on January 20.

NATIONAL RANKINGS – INDIVIDUAL
The Marauders have three wrestlers listed in the most recent NWCA national rankings:

#1- Reece Barnhardt (133 pounds)
#6 Sean Solis (141 pounds)
#8 Luke Tweeton (285 pounds)

MARAUDERS PROJECTED TO FINISH 4^TH IN THE NSIC
Coming off a season that saw two wrestlers earn NCAA All-American honors, the Marauders are projected to finish 4^th in the NSIC.

"This year's team is comprised of some seasoned veterans along with some talented newcomers. They are a fun group of young men that everyone enjoys being around.
They are all team-first guys who care about one another and are willing to make investments in themselves to collectively help the program pursue excellence on and off the mat. It's going to be a fun year," head coach Adam Aho said.

YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The Marauders roster boasts three All-Americans: 133 Reece Barnhardt (2022, 2023, 2024), 197 Matthew Kaylor (2023), 285 Luke Tweeton (2024)
• Four Marauders are national qualifiers: 133 Reece Barnhardt (2022, 2023), 157 Leo Mushinsky (2022), 197 Matthew Kaylor (2021, 2023) and 285 Luke Tweeton (2023)
• Three returning All-NSIC performers: Reece Barnhardt (2023, 2024), Wyatt Lidberg (2023), Luke Tweeton (2023, 2024)
• Head Coach Adam Aho is in his 12th season leading the UMary wrestling program

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