(LEBANON, Ill., Jan. 7)- The McKendree University wrestling team is set to compete at the National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals for the eighth time in program history this weekend.

The NWCA National Duals is an invitational team tournament that pits the top 16 teams from NCAA Divisions II, III, NAIA, NJCAA, and WCWA against each other in a dual format.

The Bearcats, who received votes in the last NCAA Division II ranking on Jan. 2, is currently 4-0 this season in dual competition and will open the tournament against No. 7 University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown at 11 a.m., on Friday, with the winner advancing to face the winner of No. 3 University of Nebraska-Kearney and No. 12 Tiffin University at 3 p.m.

McKendree sophomore Darren Wynn (Champaign, Ill./Centennial) is the lone individual ranked in the latest NCAA Division II rankings, at No. 5 at 141 pounds. Wynn is ranked No. 2 at 141 pounds in the Super Region III rankings, and is joined by sophomore Mech Spraggins Jr. (Belleville, Ill./Belleville West High School) at No. 4 at 149 pounds. Also in the lineup this weekend are freshman Nick Lukanich (LaGrange, Ill./Marist), sophomores Andrew Rettke (Washington, Ill./Washington Community) and NaQuan Hardy (Romeoville, Ill./Romeoville), freshmen Isaiah Kemper (Evansville, Ind./Central), Qian'te Wagner (Alton, Ill./Alton), sophomore J.J. Filipek (Warrenton, Mo./Warrenton), senior Cody Willis (Clinton, Ill./Clinton), freshman Luke Diener (Saint Peters, Mo./Francis Howell Central), and junior Coltyn Pease (Pittsfield, Ill./Pittsfield).

All matches at the event can be followed live online at www.trackwrestling.com.

The Bearcats will head to Somers, Wis., on Jan. 16 to compete at the Ranger Duals hosted by University of Wisconsin-Parkside.