After faring well during its trip to Arizona last weekend, the Chadron State wrestling team will return to action Thursday when it hosts Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference rival Colorado State-Pueblo at 7 p.m. in the Nelson Physical Activity Center.

The ThunderWolves are led by senior Jesse Hillhouse, who is the top-ranked 125-pounder in NCAA Division II. A graduate of Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, Hillhouse is even ranked ahead of Kyle McCrite of Grand Canyon, the 2012 national champion at 125.

Hillhouse finished second at the Super Region 4 Tournament at 133 pounds a year ago.

Pueblo’s starting lineup includes two seniors besides Hillhouse. The other probable grapplers include four juniors, three sophomores and three freshmen. Two wrestlers are listed at three of the weights.

CSC coach Brett Hunter said the Eagles may have Bret Klopp, their top 174-pounder who has been injured most of the season, available this week.

The Arizona trip helped several of the Eagles improve their records.  The CSC leaders and their marks are: 131 pounds—Perry McAfee, 10-5; 141—Leandro Arias, 10-7; 157—Bryce Wiedeman, 11-9; 184—Jordan Debus, 12-7; 197—Chris Leak, 12-7; and 285—Mike Hill, 16-7.

CSC Sports Information