DeKalb Times

The Northern Illinois University wrestling team has arrived in Fairfax, Va. and is ready to compete for a Mid-American Conference Championship. The action begins tomorrow (March 3) with the opening round at 11 a.m. CT while Saturday's action commences at 10:30 a.m. at EagleBank Arena on the campus of George Mason University.

Huskie head coach Ryan Ludwig has had the team working on the basics in preparation for the postseason tournament. Nothing fancy, just the core fundamentals of wrestling.     

"We're working on fundamentals; getting our basics down, our muscle memory, and having confidence in all of our positions," said Ludwig.

Ludwig wants his team to be on the attack and shoot first. A philosophy that the Huskies have held true all season long.

"That's really what it takes. We like to attack; we like to get up there and create action. I think in terms of waiting around versus going out and creating action, we're a better action team. So, we've just been working on our attacks first,"
 

When the action starts, each Huskie has the goal of having his hand raised. The team's goal? Winning its first MAC Championship since 1985.   

"Our guys set their goals at the highest level. They want to win a MAC Championship as individuals and as a team. I think if that's not your goal, then that's something you need to think about. Our guys have the right goal and the right mindset."

After placing at last year's championships, Jaivon Jones, Anthony Gibson, Bryce West, and Terrese Aaron will look to reach the podium again. NIU veteran and defending MAC Champion Izzak Olejnik has a similar mindset as he aims for back-to-back titles at 165 lbs.

"I definitely want to dominate," said Olejnik. "Last year, being able to win that MAC Championship, I want to one-up that. I want to dominate through the tournament, every match, every second. I want to come away with the MAC Championship again, a team championship, and ultimately one thing I'm striving for is to get that 'W' at the tournament."   

In anticipation of the complete bracket, which will be released tonight, five Huskies made the MAC's pre-seeds. Stay tuned to NIU Wresting on Twitter for bracket updates.

No. 5 Blake West - 125 lbs.
No. 4 Lucian Brink - 133 lbs.
No. 6 Anthony Gibson - 157 lbs.
No. 1 Izzak Olejnik - 165 lbs.
No. 6 Matt Zuber - 184 lbs. 
The semifinal round on Friday and finals on Saturday will broadcast live on ESPN+ while the rest of the action will stream live to the MAC's website. Click the links below to follow along. All times in this article are Central Time.

Friday, March 3
MAC Wrestling (Mat 2: 10:55 AM – 6:30 pm)

MAC Wrestling (Mat 3: 10:55 AM – 6:30 pm)
 
MAC Wrestling (Mat 4: 10:55 AM – 6:30 pm)

MAC Championship Semifinals live on ESPN+ (4 pm)

Saturday, March 4
MAC Wrestling (Mat 2: 10:25 AM – 6:00 pm)
 
MAC Wrestling (Mat 2: 10:25 AM – 6:00 pm)
 
MAC Wrestling (Mat 2: 10:25 AM – 6:00 pm)
 
MAC Championship Finals live on ESPN+ (2 pm)

A complete MAC Championship itinerary can be found below:

Friday, March 3
10:57 am | National Anthem
11:00 am | Opening Round (50 Matches, 4 Mats)
1:00 pm   | Championship Quarterfinals (40 Matches, 3 Mats)
                | Consolation Round 1 (10 Matches, 1 Mats)
4:00 pm   | Championship Semifinals (20 Matches, 2 Mat)
                  Consolation Round 2 (40 Matches, 2 Mats)
                  (Consolation Round 2 moves to all four mats once Semifinals are concluded)
 
Saturday, March 4
7:00 am   |  Facility Open / Open Mats (EagleBank Arena)
10:30 am | Consolation Quarterfinals (20 Matches, 4 Mats)
12:00 pm | Consolation Semifinals (20 Matches, 4 Mats)
1:50 pm   | Championship Finals Parade & Face off Introductions
1:57 pm   | National Anthem
2:00 pm   | Championship Finals
                  | 3rd Place, 5th Place, 7th Place Matches and 9thPlace matches where applicable (4 Mats) 
                 *NCAA Qualifying Spot Matches to follow if necessary

Original source can be found here.