Strong Minnesota contingent expected at U.S. wrestling trials

What: Competition in 18 weight classes — six for men's freestyle, six for women's freestyle and six for Greco-Roman — to determine the roster for this summer's Rio Olympics.

When: Saturday and Sunday

Where: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City

The schedule: Preliminary matches will be held from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. each day, with finals from 6-9 p.m. Saturday's competition includes four weight classes in Greco-Roman (59 kilograms, 66 kg, 85 kg and 98 kg), two in men's freestyle (65 kg and 125 kg) and three in women's freestyle (58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg). Sunday's schedule includes two classes in Greco-Roman (75 kg and 130 kg), four in men's freestyle (57 kg, 74 kg, 86 kg, 97 kg) and three in women's freestyle (48 kg, 53 kg, 75 kg).

TV: NBCSN, 6 p.m. Saturday (live) and about 9:30 p.m. Sunday (tape-delayed, following NHL coverage).

A total of 15 wrestlers with Minnesota ties — most of whom train with the Minnesota Storm club in the Twin Cities — will compete at the trials. The group is led by two-time Greco-Roman world medalist Andy Bisek of Chaska, whose bronze at the 2015 world championships allows him to advance directly to Sunday's finals at 75 kg.

Bisek is ranked No. 1 in the U.S., as is Jordan Holm of Golden Valley, a three-time world team member at 85 kg. Minneapolis residents in the Greco-Roman field are Joe Rau (ranked No. 2 at 98 kg); John Wechter (No. 4, 98 kg); Brian Graham (No. 4, 66 kg); Jake Fisher (No. 6, 75 kg); Pat Smith (No. 8, 66 kg); Devin Scott (No. 11, 66 kg) and Pat Carey (No. 11, 98 kg). The field also includes South St. Paul native Jake Clark (No. 6, 85 kg); Parker Betts of St. Michael (No. 8, 130 kg) and Sam Stoll of Kasson (No. 11, 130 kg).

The U.S. has qualified only nine of 18 weights for the Rio Olympics, with two qualifiers remaining. The trials champions in three Greco-Roman classes (59 kg, 66 kg and 130 kg), two in men's freestyle (65 kg and 86 kg) and four in women's freestyle (48 kg, 53 kg, 58 kg and 69 kg) must wrestle at the next Olympic qualifier, April 22-24 in Mongolia, to try to earn berths at the Summer Games. Those who fall short have one last chance at the final qualifier, May 6-8 in Istanbul.