The most recent National Wrestling Coaches Association national rankings were released on Monday (Feb. 4), and Ashland University's wrestling team had three individuals ranked, as well as being slotted No. 19 in dual rankings and tied for No. 25 in tournament rankings.
There have been three mainstays for the Eagles in the individual national rankings this season, and this iteration of the rankings was no different. Redshirt junior Chandler Minnard (12-5), redshirt junior Bret Romanzak (25-5) and redshirt sophomore Tristen Weirich (21-7) all remained nationally-ranked.
Weirich is the highest ranked of all Ashland's grapplers, No. 7 at 285 pounds. He didn't have to wrestle in the past two duals for Ashland, winning both by forfeit. He's most recently gone 1-1 at the Greyhound Duals, and prior to that, he beat the nation's then and current No. 1, Notre Dame's Kameron Teacher, in a 10-4 decision.
Romanzak is the next highest ranked wrestler for Ashland, coming in at No. 9 at 165 pounds. He only lost once in the month of January, winning in duals against Mount Union, Notre Dame, Davenport, Maryville and Findlay. His 4-2 decision over Maryville came over the current No. 4 wrestler in the nation at 165 pounds, Tyler Harrington, and his 4-2 decision against Notre Dame was against the current No. 12 grappler at 165, Jashon Hubbard.
Minnard was slotted No. 11 in the nation at 141 pounds. He also only lost once in the month of January.
As a team, Ashland is ranked No. 19 in the nation in dual rankings, and tied for No. 25 in tournament rankings.
Tournament rankings are based on the tournament power index, not based on the team's dual strength. Point totals are broken down by assigning points based on individual rankings. The Eagles earn seven points for No. 7 Weirich, four points for No. 9 Romanzak, and two points for No. 11 Minnard.
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