THIS WEEK IN BLUE HAWK MEN'S WRESTLING
The Blue Hawks return to Scott Gymnasium for a pair of home duals this week, hosting the University of Jamestown Jimmies on Tuesday, Jan. 13, followed by Senior Night and the Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons on Friday, Jan. 16. Both duals are scheduled for 7:00pm (MST).
Dickinson State enters the week ranked 25th nationally in the NAIA and fifth in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Blue Hawks continue to show strength in the upper weights, where multiple individuals carry national and conference recognition. Jackson King leads the lineup at 184 pounds with a No. 15 national ranking and sits second in the conference, while Donivan Giangregorio is ranked 14th nationally at 197 pounds. Heavyweight Seth Suvak enters the week ranked 11th nationally and third in the conference, giving Dickinson State a proven anchor at the back end of the dual.
Depth throughout the lineup has also been a factor for the Blue Hawks. Wyatt Engwicht at 125, Marcus Mireles at 141 and Bradlee Shaw at 174 all hold conference rankings, while Jack Simons provides additional options at 184 pounds as the Blue Hawks continue to refine their dual lineup moving deeper into January.
Tuesday's matchup features a meeting with Jamestown, now competing at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The Jimmies are in their first season in Division II. Jamestown enters the dual at 0-3 on the season, with losses coming against nationally ranked opponents including St. Cloud State and the University of Mary, along with Minot State.
Jamestown is led by head coach Gresh Jones, a former Blue Hawk and two-time NAIA All-American at Dickinson State. Jones is in his second season at the helm of the Jimmies program after guiding Jamestown to a seventh-place finish at the KCAC Championships a year ago. While the Jimmies do not feature any nationally ranked individuals, the dual provides a familiar storyline with Jones returning to Dickinson to face his alma mater.
Friday's contest brings a more battle-tested opponent to Scott Gymnasium in Minnesota State Moorhead. The Dragons are receiving votes in the NCAA Division II national poll and compete in the NSIC, widely regarded as one of the most competitive conferences in Division II wrestling. Moorhead is 2-5 overall this season and has faced a demanding schedule that includes duals against multiple nationally ranked opponents.
The Dragons are led by longtime head coach Kris Nelson, who is in his 17th season at MSUM. Nelson has built a consistent program, producing an NCAA finalist, multiple All-Americans and numerous national qualifiers during his tenure. Last season, Moorhead posted eight dual wins and sent multiple wrestlers to the NCAA Championships, highlighting the program's depth and development.
With two home duals against Division II opponents, the week presents Dickinson State an opportunity to continue building momentum, test its depth and gain valuable dual experience at home. Both matchups serve as important measuring sticks as the Blue Hawks progress through the heart of the dual season.