Upcoming Events In 2008

In a slow week for wrestling, here’s a look at some of the top events at the end of December and beyond.

December 29-30 Midlands Championship – The Midlands now has a sizable Division III contingent, led by UW-La Crosse, a team that has had several placewinners in the past few years.  Wartburg, Luther, Olivet, Elmhurst, and North Central are some other teams that enter athletes.  In 2005, Dustin Hinschberger of Wartburg defeated Iowa All-American Alex Tsirtsis.  Last year, placewinners included Tim Palmer, Josh Chelf, and Blake Gillis.

January 5 North/South Duals – Ursinus hosts this even that will have Delaware Valley, Wartburg, UW-Lax, and TCNJ among the competitors.  The event gives teams from different regions the chance to compete and helps with rankings and seedings come NCAA tournament time.

January 12-13 NWCA National Duals – The top teams will be in attendance going for the dual meet title.  Augsburg and Wartburg met in last year’s final and may do so again.  Augsburg won last year, but lost to Warburg later in the season for the first season split in the rivalry’s history.  UW-Lax, Luther, Delaware Valley, and Heidelberg will all be there as well, looking to spoil the anticipated finals matchup.

February 1-2 Pete Willson Invitational – Wheaton has hosted this tournament for over 60 years, and it brings in some of the toughest teams in the Midwest.  UW-Lax, Elmhurst, North Central, Heidelberg, and Olivet headline the field with Division II Indianapolis and UW-Parkside in the mix as well.

Some top dual meets include:
January 19 – Luther @ Wartburg
January 19 – Wilkes @ York
January 27 – Augsburg @ UW-Lax
Feburary 1 – Coe @ Luther
February 2 – Augsburg @ Wartburg
February 13 – Cortland @ Ithaca