Eastern is looking at a hefty load this weekend as they host the NCAA West Regional at Lantz Saturday.

Eastern has been preparing all week to take on some nationally-ranked teams such as Northern Iowa, and Fresno State. With these teams being thrown into the brackets the Panthers know they have their work cut out for them. Head Coach Ralph McCausland is well aware of the high level of competition that will be displayed throughout the weekend. McCausland has held light workouts all week to insure his team’s health.

“In one week’s time you’re not going to get into shape, or out of shape,” McCausland said. “I am just making sure my guys are both physically and mentally ready for this weekend.”

It seems the spotlight will be shining on No. 11 Northern Iowa at the regional this weekend. Eastern has failed to beat Northern Iowa in the 15 previous times the teams have met.

Coach McCausland is looking to Pat Dowty and Frank DeFilippis, who both have experience at the national level, to carry the team this weekend. Dowty has a season record of 16-15 while DeFilippis is 14-6.

“Pat (Dowty) and Frank (DeFilippis) have both wrestled well all year, and I don’t think that is going to change this weekend at regionals,” McCausland said.

Northern Iowa will be led by junior Dylan Long who finished his season with an impressive record of 25-3. Long is currently the top-rated wrestler in the country and is expected to go far in the tournament.

Another hot team that is entering the regional this weekend is the Bulldogs of Fresno State. Northern Iowa and Fresno State have already faced off once this year, with Northern Iowa snatching that victory. Fresno is a young team and that could affect them throughout the tournament.

The Panthers are well aware of the top competition they are facing this weekend, and are remaining confident.

“Our guys are ready,” McCausland said. “We have the experience needed to win, and I am expecting good results.”

Eastern has competed against some of the top teams throughout the season including Northwestern, Indiana and nationally ranked Missouri and Purdue. Eastern has the guys to carry them through the tournament, and the team is expecting a strong performance.

Another wrestler that has come up big for the Panthers all year is Matt Veach, who finished his season with an impressive record of 28-12. This weekend Veach will be facing four of the best wrestlers in the nation.

“We need Matt to wrestle like he did at Missouri,” Coach McCausland said. “He has come up with some big wins, and this weekend is a great opportunity for him.”

The Air Force Academy will also be making an impact at the regional this weekend by bringing in Kevin Hoy, who is currently ranked the No. 3 heavyweight in the country.

The tournament at Lantz this weekend will produce 10 individual weight champions plus 12 more wild card entries that will advance to nationals. The national championship will be held at Kemper Arena in Kansas City on March 20-22.

Eastern is looking to finish strong on Saturday and send some athletes to the national competitor.

“I expect my team to wrestle the best they can,” McCausland said. “I know that they can come up big this weekend, and turn some heads doing so.”