Wrestling releases 2012-13 schedule

For the complete 2012-13 CUW wrestling schedule, click here.

MEQUON, Wis. – Corey VanGroll, the second head coach in Concordia University Wisconsin wrestling history, announced Monday afternoon the schedule for the 2012-13 season, one that is highlighted by the 20th Annual CUW Open and six home dual contests.

CUW opens the season on November 10 at 9 a.m. at the Luther College Open, an event it didn't attend last season. The Falcons then host Triton College in a dual meet on November 16 at 6 p.m. for their first home event of the season. A year ago, CUW defeated TC, 42-6, behind four wins by fall.

The 20th Annual CUW Open returns to the R. John Buuck Field House on Nov. 17 beginning at 9 a.m. The field features 28 teams, including six nationally ranked teams, including No. 1-ranked Wartburg College. Last Nov., freshman Greg Sanders (San Antonio, Texas) became the first Falcon wrestler to become a champion after capturing the 141-pound weight class.

CUW then travels to the MSOE Invite on Dec. 1 prior to competing at the North Central College Invite on Dec. 8. A season ago the Falcons fared well as team finishing sixth and 10th, respectively. CUW placed three wrestlers at both events last season, with Sanders taking third in the 141-pound weight class at each tournament.

The Second Annual Florida Gulf Coast Duals returns to Fort Myers, Fla., hosted by CUW. Programs attending will be Augustana College, Central College, Alma College, King's College, North Central College and SUNY Oneota. The duals have increased by two teams from last year to eight programs.

The Falcons will host St. John's University, UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh in a quadrangular on Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. inside the R. John Buuck Field House. Lakeland College will also be in attendance, but will only wrestle SJU and UW-EC. Last season the Falcons defeated UW-EC, 23-22, behind victories in the five lightest weight classes.

CUW then travels to the Al Hanke Invitational, hosted by Elmhurst College, on Jan. 19 and the Pete Wilson Invitational, hosted by Wheaton College, on Feb. 1-2. Sanders was voted Outstanding Wrestler at the Al Hanke Invitational last season after winning the 141-pound division with three victories by decision and one by technical fall. Sanders and freshman Sean Ambrocio (San Antonio, Texas) placed seventh and eighth, respectively, at the Pete Wilson Invitational last year.

The month of February will test the Falcons, as they battle Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Lakeland College and MSOE in Northern Wrestling Association dual meets. CUW went 2-1 versus its league opponents in 2011-12.

The NWA Tournament will be on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. in Watertown, Wis. The Falcons finished third as a team last season behind Ambrocio, Sanders and junior Marcus Lubner (Fredonia, Wis.) who won titles, respectively. Former head coach, now in an assistant role, Bret Corner won NWA Coach of the Year honors for his guidance last season.

The season will conclude with the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional (Minneapolis, Minn.) on March 2 and National Championships (La Crosse, Wis.) on March 15-16. Ambrocio starred for the Falcons in the national spotlight last season at Nationals posting a 3-2 record and barely missing out being named an All-American.

For the complete 2012-13 CUW wrestling schedule, click here.