All-MAC awards and qualifying for the NCAA tournament does not guarantee a spot in the wrestling starting lineup – at least not at NIU.

The Huskies will compete at 7 p.m. today for their weight-class spots at the 2004 Wrestle-Off at Victor E. Court.

Senior Sam Hiatt and junior Josh Wooten -as well as graduated senior Ben Heizer -qualified for the NCAA tournament last season at 133 and 149 pounds, respectively. Hiatt will compete for the Black Team while Wooten will wrestle for the Red Team.

“Even Sam and Josh still have to prove themselves,” NIU coach Dave Grant said. “No one is guaranteed anything.”

Results from the Wrestle-Off, the Nov. 13 UW-Stevens Point Open and the Nov. 20-21 Michigan State Open will determine who starts once the regular season begins, Grant said.