SIU Edwardsville's three-time national qualifier Justin Ruffin (Photo/SIUE Sports Info)SIU Edwardsville Cougars
“We are looking at our best team in the Division 1 era. We believe we can compete with all the teams in the conference. We have a couple of tough duals early with Indiana/Bellarmine and Northwestern that will show us where we are at. - Head Coach Jeremy Spates
TOP RETURNERS
The Cougars are returning six MAC placewinners, led by the following wrestlers:
Aaron Schulist - MAC placer
Saul Ervin - NCAA Qualifier
Cardy Wilson - MAC placer
Justin Ruffin - 3x NCAA Qualifier
Ryan Yarnell - MAC placer
Colton McKiernan - NCAA Qualifier
KEY DEPARTURES
Coach Spates stated, “We return all starters from the MAC tournament. We graduated Tommy Helton at HWT but we are excited to have the rest of the team back.â€
NEWCOMERS
“We had a smaller recruiting class this year, but we are excited about the guys we have coming in. All three were state finalists. Unfortunately, due to injury Caine Tyus had to forfeit in the state finals. Both Caleb Tyus and Dan McKiernan were state champions. Many people will notice those last names, as Caine and Caleb's dad Sean is an alumni who wrestled for the Cougars in the 90's. Dan McKiernan is the 3rd brother to come to SIUE following Jake and Colton†said Coach Spates.
WRESTLER TO WATCH
The Cougars have one wrestler in particular who is looking to make an impact in the MAC conference this upcoming wrestling season. Coach Spates stated, “Saul Ervin took a big jump last year. He went from a 10-18 record as a freshman to being an NCAA qualifier last year. He had another great off season of work and we are excited to see him continue in his goal to be an All-American.â€
POTENTIAL LINEUP
125: Austin Macias (Sr)
133: Aaron Schulist (Jr)
141: Saul Ervin (Jr)
149: Max Kristoff (Jr)
157: Justin Ruffin (Sr)
165: Chase Diehl (Jr)/Cardy Wilson (Sr)
174: Kevin Gschwendtner (Sr)
184: Sergio Villalobos (Sr)
197: Ryan Yarnell (Sr)/Austin Andres (Jr)
285: Colton McKiernan (Sr)
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