CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Results of the American Rivers Conference Wrestling Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches):
| 2021-22 American Rivers Conference Coaches' Preseason Wrestling Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2020-21 Dual Meet Record |
| 1. |
Wartburg (8) |
64 |
9-1, 8-0 A-R-C (A-R-C Champions) |
| 2. |
Coe (1) |
55 |
7-1, 7-1 A-R-C |
| 3. |
Loras |
52 |
6-4, 6-2 A-R-C |
| 4. |
Central |
41 |
5-3, 5-3 A-R-C |
| 5. |
Luther |
35 |
5-5, 3-5 A-R-C |
| 6. |
Dubuque |
32 |
4-4, 4-4 A-R-C |
| t-7. |
Buena Vista |
16 |
2-6, 2-6 A-R-C |
| t-7. |
Simpson |
16 |
1-8, 1-7 A-R-C |
| 9. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
13 |
0-8, 0-8 A-R-C |
*Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own teams.
The Wartburg College Knights are the coaches' choice to win the 2021-22 American Rivers Conference championship. Wartburg earned 64 points in the poll, recording eight first-place votes. After finishing the 2020-21 season in second, Coe College garnered 55 points and one first-place vote to take the number-two spot in this year's poll. Loras College, the league's third place finisher a season ago, is picked to finish third in 2021-22. The Duhawks totaled 52 points.
New Coaches: Sean White, Buena Vista University. White has been with the wrestling program at Buena Vista for the last seven seasons. Prior to joining the Beavers, White was an assistant coach at the University of Central Missouri for the 2013-14 campaign. From 2011-13, he served as an assistant coach at Neosho Community College in Kansas. He attended Wartburg College where he was a 2010 Iowa Conference Champion and national qualifier at 133 pounds. He was a member of two NCAA Championship teams and four Iowa Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (IIAC) team titles.
The Schedule: The 2021-22 season kicks off Thursday, November 4 with Simpson traveling to Mount Vernon to face Cornell. Saturday, November 6 will see five more league teams kick off their seasons. Buena Vista is traveling to Indianola for Simpson’s Luther Hill Invitational. Dubuque and Loras are traveling to Platteville, Wisconsin for UW-Platteville’s Invitational. Central will start their season at the UW-Stevens Point Open and Nebraska Wesleyan will compete at the RCTC Yellow Jacket Open in Rochester, Minnesota.
Wartburg unveils their 2021-22 line-up Wednesday, November 10 in an A-R-C dual at Simpson. Luther and Coe hit the mat for the first time in 2021-22 on Saturday, November 13. Coe will wrestle at the Luther College Open, a tournament that will also see Wartburg and Loras.
Dubuque’s first league dual of the year will be at Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday, November 13. Loras will travel to Buena Vista for their first A-R-C dual of the season on November 17. Central will host their first A-R-C dual of the season on November 18 against Coe. Luther’s first A-R-C dual of the year comes on December 3, when the Norse travel to Wartburg.
The annual Conference duals will bring the league’s nine institutions into action on Saturday, January 22. Five teams (Coe, Loras, Luther, Nebraska Wesleyan, Simpson) will face off against each other at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, while the other four teams (Buena Vista, Central, Dubuque, Wartburg) will compete at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa.
The path to the 2022 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships will begin with the NCAA Lower Midwest Regional on February 26 - 27 at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque, Iowa. The Lower Midwest Regional is hosted by Loras College. The top three wrestlers from each weight class earn the privilege to compete at the NCAA Championships. Additionally, the top three wrestlers at each weight class, from the American Rivers Conference, earn All-Conference honors.
2020-21 Season Review: A year ago, the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced the creation of the NWCA Division III Championships after the NCAA announced the cancellation of the 2020-21 NCAA Division III winter championships. The American Rivers Conference had twelve wrestlers reach the national championship and 37 receive All-American honors. The conference saw five wrestlers take home second-place in Coe’s
Brady Henderson (157lbs.) and Wartburg’s
Brady Kyner (125lbs.),
Kris Rumph (141lbs.),
Brady Fritz (149lbs.), and
Zane Mulder (165lbs.). The league saw seven national champions in Coe’s
Alex Friddle (125lbs.),
Brock Henderson (133lbs.), and
Josh Gerke (149lbs.), Loras’
Shane Liegel (184lbs.) and
Wyatt Wriedt (285lbs.), and Wartburg’s
David Hollingsworth (157lbs.) and
Kyle Briggs (174lbs.).
Wrestlers of the American Rivers Conference will look to fight their way back to the top of the national championship award stand in 2022. There will be no better stage for the league’s wrestlers to reclaim the top of the podium, as the American Rivers Conference serves as host of the 2022 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships. This year’s championship will be held March 11-12 at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
| 1st |
|
Wartburg College
Head Coach: Eric Keller (12th season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 9-1 overall, 8-0 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 1st
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 8
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 0
Eric Keller - "Wartburg wrestling is simply focused on getting better each and every day and reaching our full potential. The one thing we can control is our day to day focus, fight, and effort. Our goal is to enjoy the journey, which means having fun every step of the way. The American Rivers Conference is the best wrestling conference in the nation. We feel fortunate to be a part of a conference that understands, appreciates, and values this great sport." |
| Key Returners: |
| Brady Kyner - 125lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (2nd); 3x Scholar All-American: 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Joe Pins - 133lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (3rd); 2x Scholar All-American: 2020, 2021 |
| Kris Rumph - 141lbs. (Sr.) |
2x All-American: 2020, 2021 (2nd); #1 seed at 2020 NCAA Championships |
| Brady Fritz - 149lbs. (Sr.) |
2x All-American: 2019 (6th), 2021 (2nd); 3x Scholar All-American: 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Zayren Terukina - 149lbs. (Sr.) |
Undefeated in DIII |
| David Hollingsworth - 157lbs (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (Champion) |
| Zane Mulder - 165lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (2nd) |
| Kyle Briggs - 174lbs. (Sr.) |
3x All-American: 2019 (3rd), 2020, 2021 (Champion) |
| Cael Krueger - 184lbs. (So.) |
2021 NWCA Round of 12 |
| Kobe Woods - 197lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA Round of 12; #4 seed at 2020 NCAA Championships |
| Jordan Brandon - HWT (Sr.) |
2x All-American: 2020, 2021 (6th); #5 seed at 2020 NCAA Championships |
| 2nd |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: John Oostendorp (21st Season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 7-1 overall, 7-1 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 2nd
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 8
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 1
John Oostendorp - "We are excited and looking forward to a strong showing this season. With 9 returning starters back from our team that finished second in the American Rivers Conference and eight All-Americans from the NWCA National Tournament, I believe this can be one of our best teams here at Coe." |
| Key Returners: |
| Alex Friddle - 125lbs. (Jr.) |
2x All-American: 2021 NWCA National Champion |
| Brock Henderson - 141lbs. (Sr.) |
2x All-American: 2020, 2021 (Champion) |
| Riley Wright - 149lbs. (Jr.) |
2x All-American: 2020, 2021 (5th) |
| Brady Henderson - 157lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (2nd) |
| Will Esmoil - 157lbs. (So.) |
N/A |
| AJ Patterson - 157lbs. (Sr.) |
N/A |
| Ryker Kurimski - 165lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (8th) |
| Tristin Westphal - 174lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American |
| Ryan Schott - 184lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (6th) |
| Kole Kreinbring - 197lbs. (Jr.) |
N/A |
| Kaleb Reeves - HWT (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (3rd) |
| 3rd |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: TJ Miller (6th season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 6-4 overall, 6-2 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 3rd
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 8
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 0
TJ Miller - "We are excited about this group we have this upcoming season. We are excited about our conference schedule this year and the level of competition we have in the A-R-C. American Rivers is historically the best wrestling conference in the country and this year looks to be no different." |
| Key Returners: |
| Jared Hensley - 125lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (7th place) |
| Aiden Evans - 125lbs. (So.) |
2021 NWCA Scholar All-American |
| Mason McMillen - 133lbs. (Sr.) |
3x Scholar All-American: 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Jalen Schropp - 141lbs. (So.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (6th place) |
| Daniel Ruiz - 149lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (7th place); 2020 NCAA All-American |
| Daniel Meeker - 149lbs. (So.) |
2021 NWCA Scholar All-American |
| Zeke Smith - 149lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (3rd place); 2021 NWCA Scholar All-American |
| Gabe Fiser - 157lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (4th place) |
| Matt Connolly - 165lbs. (Sr.) |
2x Scholar All-American: 2020, 2021 |
| Drew Venteicher - 174lbs. (So.) |
2021 NWCA Scholar All-American |
| Jacob Krakow - 174lbs. (Sr.) |
3x All-American: 2019 (8th), 2020, 2021 (3rd) |
| Shane Liegel - 184lbs. (Jr.) |
2x All-American: 2020, 2021 (Champion); 2x Scholar All-American: 2020, 2021 |
| Abe Michel - 174lbs. (So.) |
2021 NWCA Scholar All-American |
| Brady Vogel - 184lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA Qualifier |
| Slade Sifuentes - 197lbs. (Sr.) |
2x Scholar All-American: 2020, 2021 |
| Wyatt Wriedt - 285lbs. (Jr.) |
2x All-American: 2020, 2021 (Champion) |
| 4th |
|
Central College
Head Coach: Eric Van Kley (15th season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 5-3 overall, 5-3 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 4th
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 2
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 1
Eric Van Kley - "We've got eight returners from a team that finished fourth in the conference last season, so we've got guys who can do it. We've just got to prove it and do it when it counts. It's a new year, and we're excited for a more normal season all around." |
| Key Returners: |
| Chase Poston - 125lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (8th) |
| Shandon Akeo - 133lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (7th); 4th place at 2019 Regionals |
| Rob Areyano - 149lbs. (Sr.) |
2019 NCAA Qualifier |
| Sam Zook - 285lbs. (Sr.) |
Career Record: 38-18 |
| 5th |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Dave Mitchell (26th season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 5-5 overall, 3-5 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 6th
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 3
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 1
Dave Mitchell - "The American Rivers Conference will again be the best NCAA Division III Wrestling Conference in the country. I am excited about some of the returning All-Americans we have to build around and feel good about their desire to establish themselves as some of the best in the country. We will need to keep developing every day to make a jump as a team." |
| Key Returners: |
| Christian Chavez - 125lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (6th) |
| Tyler DiFiore - 141lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (8th); 2x Scholar All-American: 2020, 2021 |
| Donovan Corn - 197lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (4th) |
| Marcus Mandler - 157lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 Scholar All-American; 2019 Regionals (5th) |
| Walter West - HWT (So.) |
2021 Record: 12-2 |
| Sage Nugent - 174lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 Scholar All-American |
| Isaiah Mitchell - 184lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 Scholar All-American |
| Ryan Cripe - 149lbs. (So.) |
2021 Scholar All-American |
| 6th |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Jon McGovern (19th season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 4-4 overall, 4-4 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 5th
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 0
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 1
Jon McGovern - "We have a great staff and team forming together this season. The upperclassmen that came back from last season are on a mission. It's been a great pre-season with a good mix of incoming motivation and talent mixed in with some of our veteran wrestlers experience. We are looking forward to the opportunity to have a regular NCAA and conference season ahead." |
| Key Returners: |
| Cade Hornback - 125lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA Academic All-American; 2021 NUWAY All-American; 2021 NWCA Round of 12 |
| Zarik Anderson - 165lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NUWAY All-American; 2021 NWCA Round of 12 |
| Robert Melise - HWT (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA Round of 12 |
| t-7th |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Sean White (1st season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 2-6 overall, 2-6 A-R-C
2020-21: Conference Finish: 7th
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 0
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 1
Sean White - "Excited for the year with strong leadership and young talent." |
| Key Returners: |
| Garret Bruce - 165lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 Scholar All-American |
| Axel Hernandez - 141lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 Scholar All-American |
| Byron Fleming - 125lbs. (Sr.) |
N/A |
| Jacob Hanssen - 157lbs. (Sr.) |
N/A |
| Diego Escarcega - 184lbs. (Jr.) |
N/A |
| t-7th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Dylan Peters (3rd season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 1-8 overall, 1-7 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 8th
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 1
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 0
Dylan Peters - "I am grateful for the opportunity to compete. Opportunities to wrestle last season were minimal. I know I have a great group of guys looking forward to competition season getting here - the American Rivers Conference has always been one of the best in college wrestling. I look forward to seeing where we stack up against the rest of the competition." |
| Key Returners: |
| Dylan McChesney - 125lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA All-American (5th); NWCA Academic All-American; 2020 Regionals Placer (6th) |
| Robert Silva - 157lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA Round of 16; NWCA Academic All-American |
| Shyler Langley - 174lbs. (Sr.) |
2021 NWCA Round of 12 |
| 9th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Brandon Bradley (6th season)
2020-21 Dual Record: 0-8 overall, 0-8 A-R-C
2020-21 Conference Finish: 9th
2020-21 Returning NWCA All-American(s): 1
2020-21 NWCA All-American(s) Lost: 0
Brandon Bradley - "We look to have another break out season while returning a 2x All-American and 7 starters from last season. With a big freshmen class, we look to make gains quickly this season. As always, we are excited to compete in the top conference in the nation." |
| Key Returners: |
| Eron Haynes - 133lbs. (Sr.) |
2x All-American: 2019 (8th), 2021 (4th) |
| Van Schmidt - 141lbs. (Jr.) |
2021 NWCA Qualifier; 2021 NWCA Scholar All-American |
