Mystics wrestling to host inaugural match vs Blue Hawks

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Thursday marks the return of men's wrestling to the BSC campus after 26-year absence

Bismarck State College (BSC) Men's Wrestling makes its triumphant return to the BSC Armory on Thursday, Dec. 12, as the Mystics face the Dickinson State University (DSU) Blue Hawks in BSC's inaugural dual. The action begins at 7 p.m. (CST).

"We could not be more excited to finally bring wrestling back to our campus," said Myron Schulz, BSC Director of Athletics. "Wrestling has a storied history of success here at Bismarck State and in North Dakota. Bringing it back to campus provides great opportunities for athletes and a great environment for students and fans alike. Our continued athletic growth, with the construction of the Bavendick Center and our transition to the NAIA next fall, help shape a bright future for Bismarck State College."

The roots of wrestling run deep at BSC. Before this season, Feb. 28, 1998, was the last time a Mystic wrestled. That day, Brock Lesnar won the NJCAA Heavyweight Championship at the now Bismarck Event Center. From BSC, Lesnar went on to the University of Minnesota, where he won the NCAA Heavyweight Championship two years later. He finished with a record of 106-5 during his four years in college before carving out an illustrious, decorated career in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts, including a preseason stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Lesnar was inducted into the BSC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

Prior to Lesnar, wrestling at BSC dates back to 1961. It has produced 10 National Champions: Roger Keller (1964), Gary Hoffman (1973-74), Rhett Hilzendeger (1974), Robin Ayres (1976), Dale Anderson (1977), Ken Ness (1978), David Reimnitz (1978), Marc Larson (1979), Mike Blaske (1982), and the aforementioned Lesnar. The program has also yielded 106 All-Region wrestlers, 104 All-Conference wrestlers and 64 All-American wrestlers.

One former Mystics All-American wrestler is Jeff Schumacher, who currently serves as the head coach for the program's return to the mat. Schumacher wrestled at BSC, then Bismarck Junior College, from 1980-81 before leading the program from 1988-93 and being named NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 1992. Schumacher went on to spend 27 years as the head coach at Bismarck High School, compiling the most wins and state team titles in North Dakota Class A wrestling history.

Prior to the first home dual, the Mystics Wrestling team will have competed six times- three at open tournaments and three duals.

Tickets for the dual against DSU are available at the door. Admission is free for all college and high school students and BSC will provide a free live stream at bscmystics.com. For additional event information, visit bismarckstate.edu/mysticswrestling.