(Sioux Falls) As defending NSIC champions, the Augustana wrestling team has its sight set on a trip to Pueblo, Colorado in 2012 for the Division II National Championships. The Vikings have placed second and third in the last two years at the Division II National Championships, and hope that this year they can finally get over the hump, and take home their first national title.
"We're to a point now to where our expectations are to win conference, win regions, and win nationals," coach Jason Reitmeier said. "We don't sit there and go "well I hope we finish in 3rd or 2nd." We're here to win a national title."
"The goal is to win a national title," senior wrestler Marcus Edgington said. "We keep that in mind everyday from practice here to a simple dual."
Despite starting 9-1, it will be difficult to maintain success in the tough Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
"You got all this competition during the year, and you're not wrestling slouches every time," senior wrestler Jason Jeremiason. "You get a lot of competition during the season and then, at nationals, you've wrestled the best."
This team is chock full of talent. Edgington and Jeremiason, as well as junior Nate Herda are all ranked amongst the top of their respective weight classes.
"I don't have to be around all the time to get the boys motivated," Reitmeier said. "They can do that for me. The other guys watch by example and see what they're doing, and they want to emulate that. So they're a good bunch to follow."
But the Vikings' lineup is anything but top-heavy. It's Augie's depth, that makes it a strong contender week in and week out.
"You know, I get a kid that goes down at a weight, and I can throw another one in there I think can be an All-American," Reitmeier said. "Years ago it wasn't like that. If we lost someone we were in big trouble."
It's guaranteed that there will be a new Division II national champion this year. Three-time defending champion University of Nebraska-Omaha cut its wrestling program, and Augie hopes to take the top spot.
