118-pound freshman gets solid start at history-laden position

The Forum, Fargo, North Dakota

02/17/1996

Nelson builds on tradition, 118-pound freshman gets solid start at history-laden position
By Jeff Kolpack

There were many days at Lisbon High School when Kris Nelson would win a wrestling match before it started. Just his reputation was worth a near fall.

Therein lies a big difference between North Dakota Class B and North Dakota State. It ain't that easy anymore.

But Nelson is making gains. Heading into tonight's North Central Conference home dual against the University of North Dakota, the true freshman has a 13-7 record and the distinction as one of the most improved wrestlers in the Bison camp. He lives in one of the more important spots in the Bison lineup.

NDSU coach Bucky Maughan likes a good leadoff hitter at 118 pounds.

"When you go out and get a big win, the rest of the team usually follows," Nelson said. "And if you're down, the rest of the team might be down." Nelson is following some impressive names at 118 at NDSU. Brian Kapusta won four NCC titles from 1992 through last year. Bret Maughan was an All-American in 1990 and '91. Dave Calliguri won the NCC in '87 and '88. Before him were All-Americans Steve Werner and Guy Kimball.

"We've won the NCC at '18 a bunch of times," Bucky Maughan said. "It's a vital spot. That to me is a key spot on the team. It sets the tone. If you look at the history of Bison wrestling, we've had great '18 pounders." The history of Bison-Sioux matches is decidedly tilted toward NDSU. The Bison lead the series 35-6-1, including a 41-3 non-conference win earlier this year.

Maughan expects a different Sioux team this time. "It won't be a 41-3 blowout, I'll tell you that," he said.

Nelson, for one, will get a different look. UND senior Adrian Simmons wrestled at 126 in the first meeting. He'll be at 118 tonight, where he's currently top-ranked in the NCC.

The Sioux took the redshirt off 126-pounder Scott Braun. Maughan recruited the Bismarck Century wrestler hard. A key for the Sioux is the injury status of 167-pounder Jason Wagner.

"He's capable of winning the NCC and nationals if he's healthy," Maughan said.

Nelson came to NDSU with that same potential. He fared well in the Asics Junior Nationals freestyle tournament at the Fargodome and the high school national championships in Pittsburgh.

"Kris is in a tough situation," Maughan said, "being a freshman and having to contribute right out of the chute. He has a great work ethic. In high school, once you build up a reputation, people are afraid of you. In college, they don't go down so easily." In college, Nelson is making a smooth transition. He likes his classes.

"I like NDSU a lot," he said. "I like the school a lot and I like the group of guys here." Nelson has been working with Kapusta in the Bison practice room. Having a three-time NCAA Division II national champion as tutor is pretty tough to beat. Meanwhile, at this time last year, Nelson was getting ready for the big test in Class B.

"Right now they're getting ready for state," he said. "We have a whole another month left. There's a lot more practice."