The University of Mary and Minot State, North Dakota’s two Division II wrestling programs, are again set to clash in two duals in the 2018-19 season.  The first, a non-conference bout at the University of Mary, is set for November 8.  The NSIC match will go down at Minot State January 24 with the Oil Barrel traveling trophy on the line.  Last season, Mary swept both duals against its in-state rival; the second of which was a 16-15 thriller at Mary.  In that match, both teams won five bouts, but Mary found the edge with a major decision from NSIC wrestler of the year Tate Barnhardt. Barnhardt returns for his senior season as a super-region favorite.

Both the Marauders and Beavers need to replace an All American this year.  Minot State loses a major cog in 285 Mitch Eull, but head coach Evan Forde has done a fantastic job of recruiting big men.  This includes North Dakota prospects Austin Moen and Jordan Will.  Will was 8-1 as a redshirt last season and is also a captain for the Beavers football squad.  Mary needs to replace 157 Jared Reis. Reis was fantastic in his one semester with the Marauders, finishing fifth in the country after advancing out of the region tournament in what was maybe the toughest weight class.  Though there is no current front-runner for the 157 spot, Mary has around 35 wrestlers in the room battling and head coach Adam Aho is confident they will fill each weight with a strong competitor this season.