Mavericks Aim For Regional Title
The Mavericks will compete in the NCAA II North Regional Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 27 in Marshall, Minn. A total of 40 wrestlers, the top four in each weight class, will advance from the regional meet to the March 11-12 NCAA II tournament in Omaha. The tournament's first session will begin at 11 a.m., with the finals slated to start at 6 p.m. UNO is one of seven teams competing in the regional, along with Northern State, Minnesota State-Moorhead, St. Cloud State, Minnesota State, Mankato, Augustana and host Southwest Minnesota State.
Records & Rankings
The Mavericks ended the dual season with a 9-2 record and are ranked No. 2 in the latest NWCA Division II poll. Seven Mavs are ranked among the top eight in their weight classes, led by JD Naig, 165 pounds, and Les Sigman, heavyweight, both No. 1.
Last Year
The Mavericks finished second in last year's regional tournament in St. Cloud, Minn., while advancing eight to the national meet. Dustin Tovar, 125 pounds, and heavyweight Les Sigman each won titles. Sigman was named the wrestler of the year and Mike Denney the coach of the year at the meet.
The Coach
Mike Denney is in his 26th season as the Maverick head coach. The Dakota Wesleyan graduate has a 252-101-5 career mark. He has twice been named the NCAA II National Coach of the Year and led the 1991and the 2004 Mavericks to NCAA II national championships.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks who qualify will get 11 days off before competing in the NCAA II nationals, which will be Mar. 11-12 in Sapp Fieldhouse in Omaha.
The Lineup
125 Dustin Tovar (Sr., Abilene, Kan.; 19-9; ranked No. 3)
133 Dan Hilario (Jr., Omaha; 10-6; ranked No. 5)
141 Eli Dominguez (Sr., Omaha; 29-7; ranked No. 4)
149 Shane Unger (RF, Madison, Neb.; 33-8; ranked No. 3)
157 Patrick Allibone (So., Sioux City, Iowa; 28-7; ranked No. 5)
165 J.D. Naig (So., Emmetsburg, Iowa; 17-4; ranked No. 1)
174 Steve Conlin (So., Omaha; 24-11)
184 Nate Oviatt (So., Whitewood, S.D.; 22-15)
197 Ben Strandberg (So., Emmetsburg, Iowa; 14-18)
Hwt Les Sigman (Jr., Sturgis, S.D.; 45-3; ranked No. 1)
Records & Rankings
The Mavericks ended the dual season with a 9-2 record and are ranked No. 2 in the latest NWCA Division II poll. Seven Mavs are ranked among the top eight in their weight classes, led by JD Naig, 165 pounds, and Les Sigman, heavyweight, both No. 1.
Last Year
The Mavericks finished second in last year's regional tournament in St. Cloud, Minn., while advancing eight to the national meet. Dustin Tovar, 125 pounds, and heavyweight Les Sigman each won titles. Sigman was named the wrestler of the year and Mike Denney the coach of the year at the meet.
The Coach
Mike Denney is in his 26th season as the Maverick head coach. The Dakota Wesleyan graduate has a 252-101-5 career mark. He has twice been named the NCAA II National Coach of the Year and led the 1991and the 2004 Mavericks to NCAA II national championships.
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks who qualify will get 11 days off before competing in the NCAA II nationals, which will be Mar. 11-12 in Sapp Fieldhouse in Omaha.
The Lineup
125 Dustin Tovar (Sr., Abilene, Kan.; 19-9; ranked No. 3)
133 Dan Hilario (Jr., Omaha; 10-6; ranked No. 5)
141 Eli Dominguez (Sr., Omaha; 29-7; ranked No. 4)
149 Shane Unger (RF, Madison, Neb.; 33-8; ranked No. 3)
157 Patrick Allibone (So., Sioux City, Iowa; 28-7; ranked No. 5)
165 J.D. Naig (So., Emmetsburg, Iowa; 17-4; ranked No. 1)
174 Steve Conlin (So., Omaha; 24-11)
184 Nate Oviatt (So., Whitewood, S.D.; 22-15)
197 Ben Strandberg (So., Emmetsburg, Iowa; 14-18)
Hwt Les Sigman (Jr., Sturgis, S.D.; 45-3; ranked No. 1)
