FAYETTE, Iowa – Already boasting 20 returning veterans across nine weight classes, the UNC Pembroke wrestling team will head into the 2019-20 season with a little more swagger after being ranked No. 21 in the NCAA Division II Coaches Top 25 preseason poll that was released on Wednesday.
 
The Braves are one of two Mountain East Conference (MEC) squads included in the organization's initial Tournament Power Index (TPI) rankings of the season, and joined fifth-ranked Notre Dame on the distinguished listing. The Black & Gold is one of just three region teams in the poll along with eighth-ranked Newberry and No. 17 Limestone.
 
Four UNCP student-athletes are among the 10 individual weight class rankings as well. Kaleb Warner is ranked No. 7 at 157 pounds, Jonathan Miller is No. 8 in the 141-pound rankings. Tyler Makosy and Brandon Sloop are listed 11^th at 149 and 184 pounds, respectively.
 
UNCP will open the 2019-20 campaign on Saturday when the Braves head to Franklin Springs, Ga., for the Emmanuel-hosted Georgia Open inside the Jean Yawkey Center. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m.