DeKALB | The Huskies’ wrestling team looks to build on last weekend’s success this Saturday in Omaha, Neb. for the Kaufman-Brand Open.

NIU placed 10 top-three finishers a week ago, including three wrestlers who took first place. Coach Dave Grant is looking for more of that this weekend.

“We always shoot high and expect a good showing,” Grant said. “Our upperclassmen have done well there in the past. Whoever comes ready to wrestle.”

The Kaufman-Brand Open is the largest single-day collegiate meet in the nation, with 42 schools entered and about 650 wrestlers expected to see action.

The event consists of a double-elimination format, with action beginning at 9 a.m. and going until 10 p.m.

There will be a gold and silver division to compensate for such a big event. The silver division is a 20-and-under tournament, while the gold division is an open tournament. All matches will be six minutes long and there will be no team scoring. Awards will be given to the top six finishers.

The Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC will be represented in the all-day event, giving NIU a chance to compete against some of the powerhouse conferences.

“This tournament provides the opportunity for NIU wrestlers to be nationally ranked,” Grant said. “I’m looking for our guys to pick their intensity up and get take-downs from top to bottom.”