Wrestlers Make Debut In NWCA Top 20

EDMOND, Okla. – Having endured a grueling 5-dual meet stretch to start its 2009-10 campaign, the UNCP wrestling team jumped into the latest top 20 poll by the NCAA Division II National Wrestling Coaches Association, checking into the listing in a tie for 20th, the organization announced Wednesday.

The ranking marks the first for the UNCP wrestling team since the conclusion of the 2004-05 campaign (7th). The Black and Gold, who was ranked in the others receiving votes section in the preseason, received nine votes and are tied with Chadron State (Neb.) for the 20th spot.

All-American J.J. Davis enjoyed a similar jump in the individual rankings as well, leaping two spots to third place in the national listing at the 174-pound weight division. Russell Weakley slipped two spots to No. 7 in the 125-pound national rankings.

The Braves held tight at No. 6 in the latest East Regional rankings as well. Davis continued to hold onto the top spot at 174 pounds in the listing, while Weakley fell two spots to third at 125 pounds. Erik Stancil and Brandon Bradley dropped one spot to fifth in the region's 149-pound and heavyweight ranking, respectively, while Shane Nolan held on to fifth at 197 pounds.

UNCP will return to the mat again on Saturday when it heads to Newberry, S.C., for the Newberry Duals. The Black and Gold will open up its portion of action at the event at 9 a.m. against Grand Canyon, before locking horns with 19th-ranked Findlay at 11 a.m. and No. 3 Adams State at 1:30.

In addition to competing at the Newberry Duals, a portion of the squad will also make the short trek northwest for the Davidson Open. Wrestling action at the Baker Sports Complex is set to get underway at 9 a.m.