The ISU wrestling team has more than two months before the start of Big 12 competition, but this weekend its training reaches another level.

The Cyclones open their dual season Sunday in Fayette against Upper Iowa (Div. II) and Wisconsin-La Crosse (Div. III), continuing to prepare for January.

“The most important thing is to get mat time outside of the wrestling room,” said ISU coach Bobby Douglas. “We want to get more film and we should obviously perform better after some experience.”

Because of injuries and graduation, Douglas will get an early look at what will be an evolving lineup.

Iowa State will build around the returning experience of Nate Gallick (141), Trent Paulson (157), Travis Paulson (165), Kurt Backes (184), Jesse Sundell (133) and Jason Knipp (149).

“We need to find out what we are going to be able to do at heavyweight, where we have been struggling with injuries,” Douglas said. “At 149, we’ll get a chance to evaluate. At 174, we will get a chance to evaluate. It’s mostly an evaluation experience.”

Iowa State is ranked seventh in most major polls, including Intermat/NWCA, Amateur Wrestling News, W.I.N Magazine and The Wrestling Mall.

Last season, the Cyclones beat Upper Iowa, 40-6, and are meeting Wisconsin-La Crosse for the first time.

Wisconsin-La Crosse have four ranked wrestlers and, as a team, are ranked second in Division III. Upper Iowa has one ranked wrestler.

Douglas said his team has the benefit of facing every team’s best efforts.

“Anytime we step out onto the mat, teams take it up a notch,” Douglas said. “I don’t expect anything different.”

Iowa State began last season 14-0, tying its best start since the 1970-71 season. The Cyclones went on to finish 16-2 and place second in the Big 12 tournament. They also placed tenth at the NCAA Championship, with Gallick, Trent Paulson and Scott Coleman earning All-American honors.