CHADRON, Neb. -- November 24, 2016 -- The Chadron State College wrestling team will launch its dual schedule by meeting Colorado Mines at noon Sunday in Golden.

Chadron State coach Brett Hunter noted that the dual is earlier in the season than usual, but said it was the only time it could be arranged.

Both teams were expected to be improved from a year ago and that's especially true for the Orediggers.  Chadron State won last year's dual with Mines 32-12, but this year's D2 Wrestle.com preseason rankings for Super Region III that includes all the RMAC teams had Mines pegged for fifth place and the Eagles for ninth.

Mines grapplers were ranked among the top eight in nine of the 10 weight classes while six Eagles received top eight rankings.  Unfortunately for Chadron State, three of the six who were ranked are injured and won't be able to compete Sunday. 

"We've been hit hard by injuries," Hunter said.  "Four of our projected starters are probably out for the season. But our depth is pretty good in most of the weights. It's next man up.  We still expect to be competitive."

After competing in the massive open tournaments at the University of Wyoming and Nebraska- Kearney, six Eagles have at least six wins.

Sean Glasgow is 7-0 at 149 pounds and Taylor Summers is 7-3 at 133 to lead the way.  Eagles with six victories apiece are Brandon Kile at 125, Chance Helmick at 174, Matt Kindler at 197 and Cooper Cogdill at heavyweight.  Willy Cogdill at 184 has four wins.