Kearney, Neb. – The 2nd-ranked Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team gets a crack at the big boys this weekend as they take part in the 34th Annual Virginia Duals in Hampton, Va.

Every January, this dual tournament brings in top college and high school teams from around the country. The two-day event is held inside the Hampton Coliseum, capacity configurable from 9,800-13,800.

In a rare occurrence, UNK is competing in the "National College" bracket instead of the "American College."

This makes the Lopers the only non-Division I school in the National College bracket. Division II members North Carolina-Pembroke, Anderson (S.C.) and Limestone (N.C.) are a part of the American College bracket this year.

On Friday at 10:00 a.m. Central, Kearney takes on 15th-ranked Virginia Tech and, at 2:00 p.m. Central, will face either Rider (N.J.) or George Mason (Va.).

Last year, Tech won the tournament, the first school from the Commonwealth of Virginia to place first.

Depending on UNK's performance, they could wrestle again Friday (4:00 p.m. Central) and be done for the weekend. A win on Friday, however, will allow the Lopers to dual some more teams on Saturday.

Since Marc Bauer took over the Kearney program in 2000, the Lopers are 4-10 vs. Division I schools in duals, owning wins over Wyoming (two), Northwestern and Portland State.

The losses have come to such programs as Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon State, Central Michigan and Army. UNK hasn't faced a D1 team in a dual since early in the 2009-10 season.

As usual, www.trackwrestling.com will have live results throughout the weekend. For a price, fans can watch the dual tournaments by signing up for a subscription to www.flowrestling.org.