Although the team won’t be together, the upcoming weekend for second-ranked ISU wrestling will be just as important as if it were.

Ten wrestlers will head to the University of Nebraska – Omaha for the Kaufman-Brand Open, while four others will be in San Diego for the NWCA All-Star Classic on the California State – Fullerton campus.

While the meets won’t count against the team’s record, coach Kevin Jackson insisted each wrestler will approach the matchups as if they do.

“Every time we step on the mat we’re looking to win,” Jackson said.

Freshman Nick Gallick (141), junior Jon Reader (169), and seniors Jake Varner (197) and David Zabriskie (HWT) will represent Iowa State in the All-Star classic, marking the first time the team was invited since 1997.

“I’m expecting them to win,” Jackson said. “Even though they’re going up against quality competition, I expect them go out with a lot of energy and a lot of skill to take home a win.”

More on the roster will get a chance to wrestle in Omaha, including Andrew Long (125), Dalton Jensen (141), Andrew Sorensen (165) and Eric Thompson (HWT).

“We’re a little bit thin because of the split meets,” Jackson said. “Only the guys with the small injuries won’t compete.”

Nate Carr, Jr. (157), Jerome Ward (184), Nick Fanthorpe (133) and Joe Curran (184) are among the Cyclones who will not compete due to minor injuries.

The weekend meets are important because they are the last time the team will be able to wrestle outside of practice before the meet against Iowa on Dec. 6.

Over Thanksgiving break, the Cyclones will be in simulated training every day except for Thanksgiving Day.

“We want to use that time to get our athletes to wrestle the way we’ve been training them,” Jackson said. “That time off will be a great way to practice before Iowa.”