Maughan adjusting to D-I life

The Forum, Fargo, North Dakota

Bucky Maughan Bison wrestling coach Will lead NDSU into its first year of NCAA Division I wrestling

By Jeff Kolpack jkolpack@forumcomm.com
Sports - 11/04/2004

Bucky Maughan is entering his 41st year as the North Dakota State head wrestling coach. Yet, in one sense, he’s had to go back to school this fall.

NDSU’s transition to NCAA Division I has made for some tedious homework.

“It’s been an education,” Maughan said.

It’s been an education in recruiting, academic requirements and scheduling.

Gone is the annual goal of winning North Central Conference and NCAA Division II titles. Gone is the formula of wrestling Division I competition before Christmas, then taking that experience out on some Division II foes in Jan uary and February.

“I’m kind of looking forward to it,” Maughan said. “You don’t have to worry about seedings and national rankings. We’re just going to go out and get after it and do the best we can.”

NDSU will be eligible for the NCAA tournament in the 2006-07 season, so all longterm planning is pointing to that year. Several wrestlers -- no matter what year they are in school -- will most likely redshirt this season or next season.

“Everything is aiming for the ’06 season,” Maughan said.

For instance, sophomore Eric Sanders -- a national qualifier last year -- is redshirting this year.

Add to that the loss of All-Americans Paul Carlson, Brian Kraemer, Mike Fiedler and Thad Pike and the Bison would be hard-pressed to have an elite year even if they were still in Division II.

“We haven’t set any big goals,” Maughan said. “We’re just going to test the waters and see where we’re at and where we need to build on.”

NDSU opens Saturday at the Williamson Open in Brookings, S.D. The annual Bison Open is set for Nov. 13.

The Bison have five home duals highlighted by a Feb. 10 appearance by Northern Iowa.

Here is a look at NDSU’s probable starters: 125: Redshirt freshman Mike Meeger was 5-4 in unattached matches last year. 133: Senior Nick Magee is seeking his third straight 20-win season. 141: Senior Lucas Christianson is a two-time All-American who took a medical hardship last year. 149: Junior Zach Stevens was 25-12 last season. 157: Senior Collin Kelly was a national qualifier as a freshman. 165: Redshirt freshman Andy Pickar went 3-1 unattached last year and has been drawing good reviews in practice. 174: Junior Adam Dahlstrom is 11-11 in his career. 184: Sophomore Matt Hermann was a Division II national runnerup last year and finished 25-13. 197: Sophomore Dustin Benz was 7-4 last year. Hwt: Seniors Tim Kraemer and Chris Tuchscherer will battle; Kraemer was 5-3 in open tournaments last year and Tuchscherer was 10-4.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Kolpack at (701) 241-5546