DSU men's wrestling opens its first major tournament of the season on Saturday, Dec. 6th when the Blue Hawks travel to Crete, Neb., for the Conner Oppenheim Open hosted by Doane University. The event marks the team's first competition weekend outside of the Blue/Gray Dual and serves as an important early checkpoint for a roster that features several nationally and conference ranked athletes.
Dickinson State enters the weekend ranked No. 19 in the latest NAIA poll and fifth in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. With a field loaded with nationally ranked teams, top-tier individuals and multiple Heart of America programs, Friday is expected to provide the Blue Hawks with a strong early-season measuring stick.
Nationally Ranked NAIA Teams in the Field
The Conner Oppenheim Open features one of the strongest early-season lineups in the NAIA. More than two dozen teams are expected to compete, including powers from the latest national poll. Below is a complete breakdown of the nationally ranked teams.
Top-25 Ranked Teams
#1 Grand View (IA)
#8 Doane University (NE)
#11 Embry-Riddle (AZ)
#12 Cumberlands (KY)
#14 Providence (MT)
#16 Saint Mary (KS)
#17 Arizona Christian (AZ)
#19 Dickinson State University (ND)
#20 Friends (KS)
#20 Missouri Baptist (MO)
#22 Eastern Oregon (OR)
#23 Morningside (IA)
#25 Baker (KS)
#25 Wayland Baptist (TX)
#25 Montana State Northern (MT)
Blue Hawks to Watch
Dickinson State will rely heavily on its experienced upper weights as the team begins its national schedule. Several Blue Hawks enter the weekend with NAIA or Heart of America rankings.
Conference Rank: Fourth
Engwicht leads the DSU lightweights and begins his final season with an opportunity to work through a deep early-season bracket. His experience provides important leadership in the lower weights.
Gonzalez is nationally ranked No. 15, but he will not compete this weekend due to an injury. His absence opens the door for younger Blue Hawks to gain tournament experience.
National Rank: Ninth
Conference Rank: First
King is the highest ranked competitor on the roster and a key presence in the middle of the lineup. The senior is expected to face a field that includes multiple national qualifiers and ranked opponents.
Conference Rank: Sixth
Simons adds depth at one of DSU's strongest weights. He will look to continue his progress against one of the most competitive fields on the early schedule.
National Rank: Eighteenth
Conference Rank: Sixth
Giangregorio has continued his upward trend from last season and enters the weekend ready to compete against a deep group of upper weights from across the NAIA.
National Rank: Fifth
Conference Rank: Second
Suvak is the highest returning placer on the roster and a 2024-2025 All-American, and Suvak's performance will be a key indicator for DSU as the season begins.
A Strong Early-Season Test
The Conner Oppenheim Open offers Dickinson State a valuable opportunity to evaluate both depth and competitiveness. With eight Heart of America teams scheduled to compete and dozens of nationally ranked individuals in the field, the Blue Hawks will get an early look at the type of talent they will see later in the season.
The event also provides match volume for younger wrestlers who are adjusting to the collegiate level. For a roster blending senior leadership with developing underclassmen, Saturday's results will help shape early-season adjustments and preparation for the December competition slate.
Blue Hawks Outlook
The weekend in Nebraska represents an important step for Dickinson State as the program continues to build momentum in the early stages of the season. With nationally ranked veterans at several upperweights and a growing group of young contributors, the Blue Hawks will look to establish a strong foundation as tournament competition begins.
