ANGOLA, IND.-- The Trine wrestling team is set to open their season this Saturday, Nov. 8 at Muskegon Community College's Ben McMullen Invitational.
The Thunder will be looking to a pair of national qualifiers, several other key returners, and a talented incoming class to reach their expectations for the season. Trine enters the season with two wrestlers ranked in the top 10 in the nation in their respective weight classes by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). All-American heavyweight Mack Green (Buchanan, Mich./Buchanan) is ranked third in his class, while two-time national qualifier Brandon Preston (Logansport, Ind./Logansport) enters the season ranked ninth in the nation in the 133-lb class.
Seniors Green and Preston headline the Thunder returners. Green placed fifth in the nation at the National Championships to earn All-American status in the heavyweight class last year, and will look to continue to build on last season's successful campaign. Green won 33 matches last year, tied for the fourth-most in a single-season in school-history.
Despite battling injuries last season, Preston qualified for the National Championships for the second-consecutive year. He has qualified nationally at both 125-lbs and 133-lbs, and will wrestle at 133 this season. After making a full recovery, Preston is expected to give Trine another formidable competitor at the national level.
Key returners for the Thunder also include 197-lb wrestler Michael Conner (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville). The senior finished the 2013-14 campaign with a 22-12 record. Cody Konieczki (Jackson, Mich./Michigan Center) missed most of last season with injury, but returns healthy and with high expectations in the 149-lb class.
The Thunder welcome a talented incoming freshman class, which includes three state qualifiers. Trine could have as many as five freshmen in their regular starting lineup.
The schedule includes three opportunities for the Thunder to wrestle in front of the home fans at Hershey Hall. Trine will host the Trine Open next Saturday, Nov. 15 and will host Manchester (Jan. 23) and Alma (Feb. 6) for dual meets.
For the complete schedule click HERE.