BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) announced its preseason coaches' poll for wrestling on Thursday morning. Minnesota State Moorhead was selected seventh in the initial rankings while senior 141-pounder Pedro Velazquez earned 'wrestler to watch' distinction for the Dragons. 

The Dragons occupied the seventh spot in the poll thanks to 44 points. St. Cloud State topped the poll with 96 points and seven first-place votes with Augustana (3) and Parkside (1) earning the other first-place nods. 

"This year's team returns eight starters from last season's lineup, including regional place winners Pedro Velazquez (141), Mason Gode (174), and heavyweight Liam Babitt. The roster features 32 wrestlers, with 11 new recruits joining the program. Senior leadership is strong, highlighted by Clayson Mele (125), Pedro Velazquez (141), Beau Daily (149), Cody Wienen (149/157), Jacob Thomas (157), Jacob Reinardy (157/165), Mason Gode (174), and Wyatt Powell (197)," said head wrestling coach Kris Nelson, who enters his 17th season in 2025-26.

The Dragons are coming off an improved season in 2024-25, earning eight dual wins, including a trio of wins on NSIC bouts. The Dragons had a pair of national qualifiers in Velazquez and Ryan Henningson, both of which were Super Region V runners-up in their respective weight classes. Additionally, 11 student-athletes tallied 10 or more wins for Moorhead a season ago. 

"This veteran core has set the tone in the preseason, leading by example and holding teammates accountable as the group works toward building on last season's progress. The team's goals are clear: improve the dual record, qualify more wrestlers to the national tournament, and push for higher finishes at the regional level and national level," said Nelson. "Pedro Velazquez (141), Jacob Thomas (157), Mason Gode (174), Anthony Sykora (174), and Liam Babitt (285) have all proven they can compete with—and defeat—national qualifiers and All-Americans. The challenge now is to perform consistently and deliver when it matters most at the regional tournament."

Velazquez returns to the mat for his senior campaign following a 2024-25 season full of accolades. The Victoria, Minn., native was the regional runner-up at 141 pounds, upending the number one wrestler in the country on his way to the finish. Velazquez would qualify for the NCAA Championships and would complete the season with 12 wins, including five victories over NSIC competition. 

"Pedro returns at 141 pounds for MSUM after a standout 2024–25 season. He recorded four wins by major decision and capped off the year with a runner-up finish at the NCAA Super Region V, where he upset the nation's top-ranked wrestler to qualify for the NCAA Wrestling Championships. In addition to his success on the mat, Velazquez was recognized as an NWCA Scholar All-American and a CSC Academic All-District selection," said Nelson of the senior. "Since last year's national tournament, Velazquez has continued to raise his level through a strong summer of wrestling and lifting. Focused and motivated, he enters the season determined to build on his accomplishments and make a push to earn All-America honors."

The Dragons begin the 2025-26 regular season on Sunday, November 2 at the annual Jimmie Open in Jamestown, N.D. Action is set to begin at 9 a.m.