Davis 1st, UNCP 6th In Initial Region Poll

ERIE, Pa. – Senior all-American J.J. Davis ranks first among the region wrestlers in the 174-pound weight class, while UNCP was pegged sixth overall as a team in the initial preseason rankings from the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Davis, a Spartanburg, S.C., native, joined four of his teammates who are ranked in the preseason listing at their respective weight classes as well. Junior Russell Weakley is listed third in the 125-pound division, senior Erik Stancil is fourth in the heavyweight class and both Brandon Bradley and newcomer Shane Nolan are fifth in the 149- and 197-pound weight classes, respectively. Both Davis and Weakley are ranked fifth nationally in their weight classes as well.

Newberry, who finished second at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships, is tied atop the team listing with Pitt-Johnstown who concluded the national tournament in 14th place. Newberry ranks third in the national poll, Pitt-Johnstown is 10th and UNCP is on the cusp of a national ranking in the “others receiving votes” section of the listing.