Ideally, the ISU wrestling team will qualify all 10 team members for the NCAA Tournament.

Realistically, ISU coach Bobby Douglas said qualifying seven in Saturday’s Big 12 Tournament would be a success.

Nine of last year’s 10 conference champions are back, and the conference’s strength is heavily represented in the rankings.

All five Big 12 teams are ranked in the top 10, featuring a total of 30 ranked wrestlers – 21 of whom are rated in the top 10.

The first round starts at 11 a.m in Hilton Coliseum.

“This is a great tournament,” Douglas said. “It is loaded with talent from top to bottom. It is probably the most balanced tournament the Big 12 has had. There is just an abundance of talent.”

The top three place-winners at each weight earn automatic trips to Oklahoma, and eight wild-card admissions will be decided by the coaches afterward – an increase of two bids from last year.

Travis Paulson (165) placed fourth in 2005 but was given an admission to the national tournament. He is expecting “nothing but big things” from the Cyclones this weekend.

“I’m excited,” said Travis Paulson, who is now ranked eighth. “Nothing but positive things are coming out of the room.”

The junior has one of the toughest weight divisions in the Big 12. Oklahoma State national champion Johny Hendricks headlines the five-man group, all of whom are ranked.

“I think its great having such a tough [bracket] because it gives me a realistic look going into nationals,” Travis Paulson said. “To be the best you’ve got to beat the best.”

In order to reach his first NCAA Tournament, sophomore David Bertolino (174) has to contend with top-ranked Ben Askren of Missouri, fourth-ranked Jacob Klein of Nebraska, eighth-ranked Brandon Mason of Oklahoma State and 15th-ranked Wes Roberts of Oklahoma.

“All of the guys that I am going to wrestle I am capable of beating,” Bertolino said. “I know if I have a good showing, I could definitely get in [to the National Tournament] . it’s just a matter of putting it together on the mat. It’s Big 12 time on Saturday.”

Along with high rankings, defending tournament champions Nate Gallick (141) and Kurt Backes (184), along with fellow All-Americans Travis and Trent Paulson (157), carry more than hopes to just qualify. They are expecting to win titles, too.

Gallick carries the No. 1 ranking, and is anticipating a rematch with Oklahoma’s second-ranked Teyon Ware.

He beat Ware last year for the Big 12 title, but lost to him in the match for the NCAA title.

If history repeats itself, Douglas is looking forward to seeing the two face off.

“[Gallick and Ware] are both great competitors,” Douglas said. “If they end up in the finals of the Big 12 Tournament, I think it will be a great match. If they end up in the finals of the NCAA Tournament, I think it will be a great match.”

Trent said he was seeded first last year, but placed third.

“I’m feeling really excited [about the tournament],” he said. “Last year, going into the tournament rated No. 1 and getting upset in the semis makes me excited to hopefully get my title this year.”

Paulson’s second loss of the season came by injury default in the Cyclones final dual. He hurt his ankle, but has been rehabilitating it and said he will be ready to go on Saturday.

Backes also had a first-period ankle injury, but returned to finish his match, beating Nebraska’s 13th-ranked Vince Jones by technical fall. Husker coach Mark Manning said the Cyclone is “pretty heavily favored” to repeat as conference champion.

Senior Jesse Sundell (133) is the Cyclones fifth returning NCAA qualifier. He placed third last year at the Big 12 Tournament.

“I’ve got experience from last year, qualifying and stuff, so I know what there is to look forward to,” Sundell said.

Jason Knipp (149) is also eyeing his first NCAA trip. He said wrestling at home is a definite advantage.

“It’ll take away from a lot of the nerves, I think,” Knipp said. “It’ll be like another meet at Hilton. It will take away from the big-time atmosphere – hopefully – and help everyone wrestle better.”

Click here to download the Daily’s wrestling breakdown from today’s print edition