As the Storm wrestling squad prepare to take a break from a competitive and strenuous Iowa Conference schedule, they have a little bit of vacation time as they get ready to travel down to a relatively warm humid New Orleans climate.

The Gator Duals open won’t be as competitive as the Iowa Conference, but the Storm will see opponents like Elmhurst College, Concordia College (Minnesota) and University of Central Florida who are all prominent teams in their respective conferences.

With great food and a possibility of great weather the Storm know they have business to take care of first on the wrestling mat. Junior Jeff Sand is excited for the trip to New Orleans, but knows there is business to attend to first.

“The first thing on the agenda is taking care of business on the mat,” said Sand. “Then I’m looking forward to some good seafood and Cajun food.”

Head coach Nate Hansen knows his team has the luxury of being in an Iowa Conference, which has six out of eight teams ranked in Division III. Hansen hopes to represent the Iowa Conference well.

“Our chances of success out there are going to be a lot better than wrestling in the Iowa Conference,” said Hansen. “We will be wrestling four duals and we’ll be facing other teams from other parts of the country.” “Hopefully we will be able to bring the Iowa Conference toughness to them and show them what wrestling in Iowa is like.”

Hansen hopes to enjoy the New Orleans scenery and experience a different culture with his wrestlers as well.

“We will check out the French Quarter neighborhood and get a chance to see a different cultural experience.” said Hansen. “We will be staying near Bourbon Street and have an opportunity to go by the coast and see the beach area.”

We’ll also get a chance to see some sites after the tournament on Monday morning.”

Hansen isn’t picky with the food selection New Orleans has to offer especially getting a chance to enjoy the unique food New Orleans has.

“Were going to get the guys out after the tournament on Monday morning and take them to a good restaurant which has food you don’t find in Iowa.” said Hansen.

The Storm will travel to New Orleans on Sunday Dec.16. First match will begin at 8:30 a.m.