SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – No. 8 Augustana wrestling is set for its first triangular of the season down in Lincoln, Neb. on Friday, with competition against No. 5 University of Nebraska-Kearney and No. 4 (DI) Nebraska set for 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.
 
Complete action can be followed on GoAugie.com/Live and the GoAugie app, presented by The Original Pancake House. The app can be downloaded in the App Store or Google Play.
 
The Lopers
Nebraska-Kearney is currently #5 in the most recent NWCA team standings and holds a 3-2 overall record so far this season. The last bout of action came on Dec. 14 in a 35-8 loss at Northern Iowa while the three wins of the season have come against Ouachita Baptist (42-2), Western Colorado (33-10) and Fort Hays Northwest Tech (34-13).
 
Six wrestlers are ranked in their respective weight classes by the NWCA, led by the #1 at 285 pounds, Crew Howard. Zach Ourada (125 pounds) and Jackson Kinsella (197 pounds) are each #3 in their respective weights, Joseph Airola sits #12 at 141 pounds, Trenton Munoz is #14 at 165 pounds and, rounding out the ranked, is #10 Kaden Hart at 174 pounds.
 
The Huskers
Nebraska currently has a 3-0 dual record following defeats of Utah Valley (32-7), Campbell (40-6) and #25 North Carolina (34-3), all of which happened in November. UNL's most recent time on the mat happened Dec. 6 and 7 at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, where the team finished 2^nd.
 
10 wrestlers are rated by Intermat, led with #3 Antrell Taylor at 157 pounds. Caleb Smith (125), Ridge Lovett (149) and Silas Allred (184) are all ranked fifth in their respective classes as Bubba Wilson follows within the top 10 at #7 in the 165-pound weight class. Lenny Pinto is 14^th at 174 pounds, Jacob Van Dee sits #20 at 133 pounds, Harley Andrews is #24 at 285 and, at 197 pounds, Camden McDaniel holds down at #26.
 
The Vikings
Following an upset road victory over No. 3 Parkside, No. 8 Augustana holds a 1-1 dual record overall and looks to continue with strong competition down in Lincoln. The last bout on the mat two weeks ago against the Rangers ended with a 22-15 victory and led to Jaxson Rohman earning NSIC Wrestler of the Week honors on Dec. 9.
 
In the action, Rohman pinned Shane Corrigan—the fourth-ranked wrestler at 125 pounds—in 1:54 to kick off the night. Cael Larson collected the next victory with a 4-3 decision over #4 Jalen Spuhler and Connor Simmonds followed suit with defeat of #5 Ben Durocher in a 7-2 decision. Coy Gunderson grabbed an 8-4 decision and Cade Mueller added in a sudden victory over #3 Reece Worachek to extend the lead. Max Ramberg sealed the victory by claiming a 19-9 major decision to clinch the win.
 
Four Vikings maintained individual rankings in the latest NWCA release. Jaxson Rohman remains in the top spot of the 125-pound weight class while Cael Larson sits sixth at 149 pounds. At 184, Cade Mueller is ranked seventh and Max Ramberg sits fifth at 197.
 
The 2024-25 roster of 36 is made up of 10 freshmen, eight redshirt freshmen, six redshirt sophomores, one junior, eight redshirt juniors and three seniors. Of the 36, six return after wrestling in the Super Regional last season.
 
Probable Starters
Wt.    Augustana Vikings
125 – Jaxson Rohman (Sr.) or Christian Olsen (RJr.)
133 – Owen Hansen (RFr.) or Braiden Kort (RFr.)
141 – Connor Whiteley (RFr.) or Alex Mentzer (RFr.)
149 – Cael Larson (RJr.) or Davin Rose (RFr.)
157 – Connor Simmonds (RJr.) or Kyle Boeke (RJr.)
165 – Payton Handevidt (RSo.) or Payton Anderson (RJr.)
174 – Coy Gunderson (RSo.) or Josh Wagener (RSo.)
184 – Cade Mueller (Sr.)
197 – Max Ramberg (Jr.) or Sam McEnelly (RJr.)
285 – Max Balow (RSo.)
 
Looking Ahead
Augustana will return to action on Friday, Jan. 3, with a 5 p.m. dual against Southwest Minnesota State for its first home competition of the season.