BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Augustana wrestling team was selected to finish fourth in the 2026-27 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, conference officials announced Thursday morning, while National Qualifier Coy Gunderson was selected as the NSIC Preseason Wrestler to Watch.

Parkside was named the NSIC preseason favorite, earning 93 points and five first-place votes, followed by Minnesota State with 89 points and two first-place votes. In third, St. Cloud State earned 82 points and two first-place votes, while Augustana rounded out the first-place votes with two, tallying 75 points. 

Head coach Jason Reitmeier enters his 24th season leading the Vikings, who return two National Qualifiers. They also return a total of seven regional starters from a team that placed fourth at the Super Region V tournament.

"I am really excited about the talented depth of this group. I think our mix of veterans with our young talent is going to surprise a lot of teams," said Reitmeier. "We are just excited to compete." 

Gunderson, a senior from Murdock, Minn., looks to build upon an impressive junior campaign, where he won the 174 lbs Region V title and qualified for the national tournament. Gunderson went an impressive 22-7 last season while boasting an 8-1 record in the NSIC.

"Coy has been the most improved wrestler on the team every year he has been at Augustana. Continues to grow in his sport while holding himself to a high standard in the classroom," said Reitmeier. "In Coy's first full season being healthy, he won a competitive 174 lbs Region V title to qualify for the national tournament. Coy is a two-year captain leading by example with his work ethic and commitment."

After opening the season at the DWU Open, the Vikings will challenge themselves with a trip to Edmond, Okla., to take on Central Oklahoma for a dual on Nov. 15. They open their home slate with Northern State on Dec. 3, beginning the NSIC stretch of the season.   

2026-27 NSIC Wrestling Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Parkside – 93 (5)

3. Minnesota State – 89 (2)

2. St. Cloud St. – 82 (2)

4. Augustana – 75 (2)

5. University of Mary – 70

6. Northern State – 56

7. MSU Moorhead – 42

8. Sioux Falls – 41

9. Minot State – 24

10. Southwest Minnesota State – 20

11. Jamestown - 13

-GoAugie.com-