ROSEMONT, Ill. – The 2014-15 Big Ten wrestling season begins this weekend, with six conference teams taking the mat. On Saturday, Nebraska will open its campaign in Philadelphia at the NWCA All-Star Classic. On Sunday, Maryland will travel to Clarion, Pa., for the Clarion Open, while Rutgers will host the Rutgers Duals. Michigan State will welcome Michigan and Ohio State to the Michigan State Open.
Six teams begin the season next weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 8, Indiana will compete at the Harold Nichols Open in Ames, Iowa, while Minnesota will compete in the Bison Open in Fargo, N.D. Northwestern will travel to Stanford for a dual meet, while Wisconsin begins its season at the Stevens Point Open. Illinois will host the Illini Quad on Nov. 9, while Penn State will welcome Lehigh to Rec Hall.
Iowa and Purdue will open the 2014-15 campaign later this month. The Boilermakers will face Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif., on Nov. 14, while the Hawkeyes will compete in the Luther Open in Decorah, Iowa on Nov. 15.
Nine teams enter the season ranked among the top 20 of the first InterMat College Dual Meet Rankings, including four in the top five and the top three spots in the poll. Minnesota leads the way at No. 1, followed by No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Iowa, No. 5 Penn State and No. 7 Nebraska. Michigan begins the season ranked No. 9, followed by No. 11 Illinois, No. 14 Wisconsin and No. 16 Northwestern.