THIS WEEK IN UIU WRESTLING… The No. 7 Upper Iowa wrestling team opens their home schedule this weekend with a non-conference dual against the University of Central Missouri. The Peacocks enter the dual with a 1-1 record this season, while the Mules have competed in four open tournaments but no duals to this point.
LIVE OPTIONS… Friday night's dual will have live scoring and a webcast available through the links at UIUPeacocks.com/Live. The dual will also stream live on the new NSIC Network app through Roku and Fire devices, as well as Apple and Android TV. Search for "NSIC Network" to find the app on your relevant device. Locally, Sunday's action will be aired live on Eastern Iowa's CW 9.3.
DIGITAL GAMEDAY PROGRAM… Fans can access the interactive and digital gameday program for Sunday's dual at any time at UIUPeacocks.com/Programs. The digital programs are available to fans both at our events and those at home watching the action. QR Codes will also be located around the facility to scan with your cell phone's camera that will link you directly to that event's specific digital gameday program.
RANKINGS REVIEW… The National Wrestling Coaches Association released its first regular season poll for 2021-22 and the Peacocks have moved up to No. 7 in the Top 25 after their first three tournaments and a pair of duals. Upper Iowa boasts five wrestlers that are ranked in the top 12 of their respective weight classes.
Eric Faught pushed his way up to the No. 6 ranking at 149 pounds after a 9-0 start to the season. Faught has scored five bonus-point wins with two coming by fall and three by major decision.
Chase Luensman moved up to No. 7 at 157 pounds; the Monticello, Iowa native is 10-1 this season with four bonus-point wins including a fall, two tech falls and a major decision.
Donny Schmit is ranked No. 12 in the nation with a 9-2 record including three wins by fall and two major decisions.
Zach Ryg (197, No. 2) and
Tate Murty (141, No. 3) are both ranked, but have not wrestled yet this season due to injury. Both are on track to return soon and make another push toward NCAA All-American honors.
EARLY SEASON SUMMARY… Upper Iowa wrestlers (including unattached matches) have won 178 bouts claiming a win percentage of 65.7%. The squad has posted 82 bonus-point wins including 47 falls, eight tech falls and 27 major decisions. UIU has competed in three open tournaments and a pair of duals through the first five weeks of the season. In the open tournaments, Upper Iowa grabbed 13 weight class titles and 13 more runner-up finishes. The Peacocks are 1-1 in duals after a 23-15 win over Ouachita Baptist and a 29-9 loss at No. 15 Augustana.
UPPER IOWA PROBABLE LINEUP…
CENTRAL MISSOURI'S PROBABLE LINEUP… 125 - Trevor Wishne; 133 - Charles Hancock or Terrell Williams; 141 - Joel Ridle; 149 - Darick Lapaglia; 157 - John Ridle; 165 - Emmett Kuntz; 174 - Austin Morgan; 184 - Zach Hazen; 197 - Roger Carranco; 285 - Trevor Hankins. John Ridle led the team with an impressive 11-2 mark last season at 157 pounds; he went to the NCAA Super Region IV Championships with a perfect 9-0 mark, but suffered a loss in his first match and ended his day with a 2-2 record in the consolation semifinals.
ON THE HORIZON… After Sunday's dual with the Mules, the Peacocks will head to the Midwest Classic in Indianapolis, Ind. on Dec. 18-19. Upper Iowa will compete in one of the premiere national tournaments hosted by the University of Indianapolis. The event is UIU's final action before the holiday break. The Peacocks' first event in 2022 will be the NWCA Dual Meet Championships in Louisville, Kent. on Jan. 6-7.
