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Page address: https://web.mnsu.edu/sports/hoopsclub/news/html/2007/12_04 MBB.Wres Reporter.html

Mavericks wrestling, men's basketball get set to compete back-to-back tomorrow at Taylor Center

by Tyler Buckentine
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Mens Sports

There's no need to check twice, because it's not a misprint.

Yes, the Minnesota State wrestling team is taking on Northern State at 5 p.m. tomorrow at the Taylor Center; and yes, the Mavericks men's basketball team also has a game that night, in the same arena.

After the Mavericks finish their match against the Wolves, members of the wrestling team will roll up the mat and sweep the basketball court. About 30 minutes later, MSU will tip off against Bethany Lutheran in a men's basketball game to form a rare, mutli-sport doubleheader.

"I'm not afraid to try anything new," said MSU wrestling coach Jim Makovsky. "It's got a lot of people in the community talking."

The match/game doubleheader puts two of MSU's top athletic programs back-to-back. Since the 2004-05 season, the wrestling team has gone 46-8 in duals, while the basketball team is 76-20 the past three years. That's a combined 122-28 between the teams.

Makovsky and MSU men's basketball coach Matt Margenthaler both hope that the event will compliment each other's program.

"It gives people in the community the chance to see two of the better programs on campus," Makovsky said.

"Wrestling and basketball fans typically don't mix, so hopefully some basketball fans will watch the wrestlers and see how competitive they are," said Margenthaler, whose team is currently 5-2 overall.

"Hopefully some of the wrestling fans will stick around and watch us play."

When the Minnesota State wrestling team unveiled its 2007-08 schedule earlier this fall, the Mavericks got seven home dual matches. There was a problem, however.

With Margenthaler's team already scheduled to play Bethany Dec. 5, Makovsky would have to reschedule his team's match vs. NSU, or set up a compromise since the teams share the same venue.

Makovsky and Margenthaler brainstormed ways to make the best of the situation. That's when it clicked. The two coaches decided to schedule a doubleheader.

"Rather than looking at another date, [Margenthaler and I] looked for a way to promote this as something different," Makovksy said.

"I think it's a great idea," Margenthaler said. "It's a win-win for both programs and the university."

The match itself

MSU opens its dual season at home Wednesday when the Mavericks and Wolves square off. Makovsky's team beat up on NSU last season when the Mavericks routed the Wolves 39-9 Jan. 7 in Aberdeen, S.D.

The Mavericks go into Wednesday riding a five-match win streak dating back to last season on Jan. 27, when MSU fell 19-17 at Western State.

MSU's match against NSU marks the first time the Mavericks hit the mat since Nov. 17, when they wrestled in the Brand-Kaufman at Nebraska-Omaha. MSU had Thanksgiving weekend off, then its trip to the Northern Iowa Open this past weekend was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Injuries are still going to be a factor in the way Makovsky draws the lineup. Andy Pickar and Tim Matheson (165 and 174 pounds respectively) will are doubtful for Wednesday's match after each got injured at the Pointer Open at Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Pickar tweaked his knee, while Matheseon suffered a rib injury.

Makovsky said that senior Nick Smith (125 pounds) and freshman Ben Becker (184 pounds) will also sit out.

"We're not going to risk anything at this point in the season," Makovsky said. "We're not going to rush guys back in there when they're not ready."

Tyler Buckentine is the Reporter assistant sports editor