Super Regional 3 site

INDIANAPOLIS- The Greyhound wrestlers will open the postseason this weekend, traveling to Sioux Falls, S.D. for the NCAA Super Regional 3 at Augustana. Wrestling is set to begin Sunday at 10 a.m. from the Elmen Center, with the finals starting at 7 p.m.

This year's tournament features 11 teams and more than 100 wrestlers. The Greyhounds are new this year to Super Regional Three, which includes No. 2 Augustana, Indianapolis, U-Mary, No. 8 Minnesota State, Minnesota State Moorhead, Newman (Kan.), Northern State, Southwest Minnesota State, No. 3 St. Cloud State, No. 10 Upper Iowa and Wisconsin-Parkside.

"Traditionally we have been grouped with more of the Midwest teams and our schedule this year still reflects that," UIndy head coach Jason Warthan said. "We have not seen most of the teams from our regional but know it goes both ways. Most of these teams belong to the Northern Sun Conference and have been beating up on each other since first semester."

UIndy will be sending a probable lineup of 125-pounder Alex Johns (16-3), Ethan Harris (18-12) at 133, Matt Irwin (21-5) at 141, Nick Walpole (35-3) at 149, David Lopez (10-4) at 157, Shelby Mappes (13-13) at 165, George Lopez (19-14) at 174, Cody Wittkamp (8-11) at 184, Taylor Scott (16-8) at 197 and Evan Wooding (21-19) at 285.

"George, Cody and Evan will be considered underdogs to make it out of regionals, but have had solid years for us so far and have stepped up and won big matches this year," Warthan said. "Hopefully they can pull a few upsets and score some points for us."

Both Johns (2010) and Irwin (2009) have made the trip to the NCAA Division II Championships before, with both bowing out after going 2-0 on day one of the event.

"Johns might have the most competitive weight class at the regional with several national qualifiers and a returning All-American," Warthan said. "He will need to wrestle well but he is capable of beating any of these guys. There are two returning All-Americans at 141, including last years national champion. The last time Irwin wrestled both guys he came out on top. He needs to wrestle his match and stick to what works for him.  If he is aggressive and physical he can come out on top this weekend."

Walpole is the lone Greyhound heading into the regional with an individual ranking, coming in at No. 3 in the 149 weight class.

"Walpole has a great chance to qualify for a trip to nationals this year," Warthan said.

The top four place winners in each weight class will advance to the NCAA Championship in Kearney, Neb., on March 11 and 12. Four of the 11 teams in this year's Super Regional Three Championship are nationally ranked, while 31 individuals are ranked in their respective weight classes.

This is a very tough regional with a lot of depth in every weight class," Warthan said. "At our regional tournament you about have to be All-American good to qualify for nationals in just about every class. Each bracket has at least one returning All-American and ranked wrestlers in the top eight. Our goal has always been to send as many wrestlers to the national tournament as we can, the goal hasn't changed because of the realignment."

Brackets will be updated throughout the day here. The finals will be webcast here.