Braves Crash Back Into NWCA Top 20 Poll

EDMOND, Okla. – Riding a surge that has watched it triumph in eight of its last 10 outings, the UNCP wrestling team checked back into the National Wrestling Coaches Association Top 20 poll, this time making a huge leap to No. 11 in the listing.

In addition to the team ranking, two individuals made moves in the national rankings as well. All-American J.J. Davis, who is riding a seven-match win streak himself, rose one spot to No. 4 in the 174-pound rankings. Teammate Russell Weakley, who upended then-No. 7 Matt Oliver of Newberry on Tuesday evening in Pembroke, checked in at No. 8 in the 125-pound listing.

Nebraska-Omaha continued its reign at the top of the listing, Newberry remained at the No. 2 spot and Upper Iowa leapt three notches to third. Pitt-Johnstown, whom the Braves knocked off at the Super Region I Duals just more than a week ago, fell one spot to fourth, while Wisconsin-Parkside jumped two spots to fifth. Augustana (S.D.), Minnesota State, Gannon (Pa.) were listed sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively, while St. Cloud State (Minn.) and Nebraska-Kearney are tied for ninth in this week's poll.

Having closed out the home portion of its 2009-10 slate, the Braves will be back in action again on Friday when the club makes the short trek south to battle Anderson (5-11) in the annual “Battle For The Belt” at the Abney Athletic Center. Wrestling action is set to get underway at 7 p.m.