The AU wrestling team will begin the 2013-14 season ranked 13th in the country. The first national poll of the season was released on Wednesday (Oct. 23).
AU finished in a tie for 15th in the nation a year ago. The Eagles bring back two All-Americans - sophomore Michael Labry at 133 pounds and junior Joe Brandt at 197 pounds. Both of those grapplers begin the season nationally ranked. Labry is ranked third in the country. Brandt is ranked sixth in the nation.
Notre Dame is ranked first in the country with 156 points. Two-time defending national champ Nebraska-Kearney is ranked second with 151 points. Central Oklahoma is third with 145 points.
AU will host this year's national championships. That will be held Mar. 14-15 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ashland fans can get an early look at the Eagles this Friday (Oct. 25, 7 p.m.) when the Eagles put on their annual Purple and Gold Intrasquad meet. That will also be the first time Eagle fans will observe Josh Hutchens in action as the head coach. Hutchens is in his first season at AU. He takes over for Tim Dernlan, who left college coaching last spring.
The NCAA national poll can be found below.
Rank | School | Points | Last Year's Finish |
1. | Notre Dame | 156 | 3rd |
2. | Nebraska-Kearney | 151 | 1st |
3. | Central Oklahoma | 145 | 4th |
4. | St. Cloud State | 138 | 2nd |
5. | Newberry | 128 | 6th |
6. | Adams State | 120 | 7th |
7. | Upper Iowa | 107 | 5th |
8. | Pitt-Johnstown | 99 | 14th |
9. | Ouachita Baptist | 88 | 12th |
10. | Indianapolis | 84 | 19th |
11. | Minn. State-Mankato | 82 | 8th |
12. | Kutztown | 61 | 24th |
13. | Ashland | 55 | T15th |
14. | Western State | 50 | 20th |
15. | Lake Erie | 37 | T17th |
T16. | Findlay | 29 | T15th |
T16. | Truman State | 29 | 22nd |
18. | Gannon | 23 | T29th |
19. | Maryville | 16 | 11th |
20. | Mercyhurst | 14 | T29th |
AU
WREST/ALK