NIU wrestling coach Dave Grant says this weekend’s Michigan State Open will be more challenging than last week’s Stevens Point Open.

Six Big Ten teams will be competing in the tournament, including host school Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana, all of which are ranked in the top 25.

NIU’s Mid-American Conference rivals Eastern Michigan, Kent State and Central Michigan, also are among the teams that will compete.

In last year’s tournament the Huskies had five placings, including 157-pound Scott Owen, who placed second, 133-pound Sam Hiatt, who placed third, 184-pound Ben Heizer, who placed sixth, and 197-pound Jason Nape, who placed seventh. Owen says winning the tournament could help the NIU wrestlers in the national rankings.

“You win this tournament and you’re definitely ranked top 10 in the country,” he said. “A lot of our guys are in the caliber to be in that position and should be striving to do that.”

Owen currently is ranked sixth in the nation in the 157-pound rankings, and 174-pounder Bill Lowney is currently an honorable mention.

The tournament also will be the Huskies’ final tune-up for their first dual meet of the season a week from Sunday against Eastern Michigan and Buffalo.

“Some of the guys will get 5 to 7 matches,” Grant said. “The fact that we’ve been wrestling so many matches the past few weeks really helps you to get ready for wrestling a dual meet.”

The tournament also will give Grant a chance to finalize his starting lineup for the first dual meet.