BATTLE OF THE BURGS | FRIDAY, JAN. 30 | 7 PM
No. 1/2 Wartburg vs No. 3/3 Augsburg
Si Melby Hall | Minneapolis, Minn.
WATCH | LIVE RESULTS | LISTEN | TICKETS

The top rivalry in NCAA Division III wrestling takes center stage Friday night as the No. 1/2-ranked Wartburg men's wrestling team (12-1 overall, 6-0 A-R-C) travels north to square off against No. 3/3-ranked Augsburg University (8-2 overall) in the annual Battle of the Burgs. First whistle is set for 7 p.m. inside historic Si Melby Hall in Minneapolis, Minn.

Few matchups in Division III athletics carry the weight of Wartburg versus Augsburg. Since 1995, the two Lutheran institutions have combined to win every NCAA Division III wrestling national championship, with Wartburg owning 16 team titles and Augsburg close behind with 15.

At stake Friday night is the Swens-Milboy Trophy Belt, awarded annually to the dual winner. The belt honors the legendary coaches who elevated both programs to national dominance - Augsburg's Jeff Swenson (1980–84, 1986–2007) and Wartburg's Jim Miller (1991–2013). Each guided his program to 10 national championships, defining an era of Division III wrestling excellence.

Wartburg holds a 25-19 advantage in the all-time series and leads 17-11 in Battle of the Burgs duals, which began during the 1996-97 season. Augsburg has claimed the last two BOTB meetings, while the Knights last captured the Swens-Milboy Belt with a 22-14 victory on Jan. 23, 2023, inside Levick Arena.

The highly anticipated dual will be streamed live on the MIAC Sports Network. Tickets must be purchased online.
 
PROJECTED LINEUPS
No. 1/2 Wartburg

125: #9 Brett Birchman (12-4) OR James Levy (4-4)
133: #9 Patrick Mullen (17-4)
141: #5 Kade Blume (14-2)
149: #9 Caleb Olson (16-5)
157: #1 Charlie Dojan (21-0)
165: #10 Aiden Brosinski (16-3) OR Carter Martinson (14-4)
174: #12 Mike Slade (18-7) OR Hesston Johnson (18-7)
184: #2 Kasey Ross (18-0)
197: #10 Cal Dorota (17-4)
HWT: #1 Mitch Williamson (16-0) OR Jake Walker (9-2) OR Jaydn Cooper (4-1)
 
No. 3/3 Augsburg
125: Keno Vanier (12-11)
133: #13 Chance Suddeth (18-10)
141: #10 Cole Becker (22-5)
149: #3 Matthew Randolph (19-2)
157: #6 Karsen Otis (24-4) OR Lucas Jagodzinske (19-4)
165: #2 Cooper Willis (21-3)
174: Nick Alexander (13-13)
184: #4 Brandt Bombard (21-2)
197: #6 Ethan Winkelman (24-3)
HWT: #6 Tyler Raway (22-3)
 
LAST SEASON AT BOTB
Top-ranked Augsburg stayed unbeaten with a 22–13 win over No. 2 Wartburg. The Auggies opened the dual by claiming decisions in the first four bouts, building an early 9–0 lead before the Knights answered with a decision to cut the margin to 12–3. Augsburg then extended its advantage with a major decision at 165 and a pin at 174. Wartburg mounted a late push by taking the final three bouts, but the comeback fell short.
 
NATIONAL STATUS
The Knights remained the nation's top tournament team at No. 1, while slipping a spot to No. 2 in the latest dual team rankings (NWCA). Wartburg resides ranked wrestlers in all ten weight classes heading into Minneapolis on Friday.

125: Brett Birchman (#9)
133: Patrick Mullen (#9)
141: Kade Blume (#5)
149: Caleb Olson (#9)
157: Charlie Dojan (#1)
165: Aiden Brosinkski (#10)
174: Mike Slade (#12)
184: Kasey Ross (#2)
197: Cal Dorota (#10)
285: Mitchell Williamson (#1)

WEEKLY A-R-C HONORS
Charlie Dojan – Nov. 24
Patrick Mullen – Jan. 19
Kade Blume – Jan. 26
 
A-R-C MEN'S WRESTLING PRESEASON POLL 
1. Wartburg - 64 (8)   
2. Coe - 55 (1)   
3. Loras - 52    
4. Central - 39   
5. Luther - 37   
6. Univ. of Dubuque - 32   
7. Nebraska Wesleyan - 20   
8. Simpson - 17   
9. Buena Vista - 8