UIU men's wrestling Head Coach
Heath Grimm has announced the team's schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Upper Iowa will look to ride the wave of success after boasting a National Champion in
Chase Luensman, three All-Americans (Luensman,
Tate Murty and
Colter Bye) and a national qualifier in
Eric Faught last season.
The Peacocks ignite competition on Nov. 11 as they head to familiar territory in Decorah, Iowa for the Luther Open. They return to action one week later at the Augsburg Open, held in Minneapolis, Minn. Both open duals have been staples on the UIU schedule for the past 20 years. The Parkside Open is new ground for the team this season, taking place on Dec. 2 in Kenosha, Wis.
"We have a nice balanced schedule this year," said Grimm. "The early opens provide a great opportunity for the entire team to compete and support one another at the same event. We will see some outstanding individuals and programs in attendance this year."
Dorman Memorial Gymnasium will circulate with wrestling fans on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. as the Peacocks host non-conference competitor, Davenport University, in their home opener.
Upper Iowa then heads to the Midwest Classic Dec. 16-17, held in Indianapolis, Ind.
"The Midwest Classic is the premier DII wrestling tournament in the country," noted Grimm. "It features 40-plus Division II teams; it's been coined 'December Nationals.'"
Competition continues for the Peacocks several weeks later, as they take time to prepare for the NWCA National Duals on Jan. 5-6 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
The remainder of the regular season is a concoction of GLVC opponents and former NSIC foes. The Peacocks see McKendree University, Maryville University, Drury University and William Jewell for conference duals, two of those being home events. They face NSIC affiliates Augustana, Minnesota State and Minnesota Moorhead in the mix of those GLVC contests.
"We were able to continue a dual meet with several former NSIC rivals this year," said Grimm. "We will travel to Sioux Falls to compete against Augustana and Moorhead on back to back days, and then will host Minnesota State in what is always a competitive dual. I believe it is the most heated Division II dual meet across the country, hands down."
Final site duals take place on the campus of William Jewell College on Feb. 1. The Peacocks are scheduled to face Quincy University and the University of Indianapolis.
Upper Iowa looks to round out their schedule in post-season style, with the NCAA Super Region held on March 2 in Minot, N.D. and the Division II Championships on March 15-16 in Park City, Kan.
