Mustangs picked second in GPAC preseason poll

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Bolstered by 10 individual preseason rankings, the Morningside men's wrestling team was tabbed No. 2 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference preseason poll released Wednesday.

The Mustangs collected 146 points, trailing only conference favorite Doane.

Morningside dominated the 165-pound division, claiming the top two preseason spots with Zander Ernst and Carson Turnis. Ernst went 10-2 last season at 184 pounds, while Turnis, who also competed at that weight, finished 14-11.

Here's a look at other Mustang preseason rankings:

125: Noah Thorsen, fourth (13-11 in 2024-25, primarily at 141).

133: Christian Ahren, sixth (14-14 at 149).

141: Hunter Steffans, third (18-17 at 149).

149: Caden Eggleston, second (team-high 22 wins, 2025 national qualifier at 157).

174: Braedyn Rakes, third; Kaden Street, sixth (combined 18 wins).

184: John McGill, fifth (nine wins as a freshman).

197: Bryce Kwiecinski, fourth (eight wins).

Morningside opens its season Nov. 1 at the Falcon Open in Park City, Kansas. The 2026 GPAC Men's Wresting Championship will be on Feb. 20-21 at Northwestern.