Western wrestlers ranked sixth Nationally in Preseason Poll
(Nov. 1, 2006) Led by six returning National Qualifiers, the
Western State wrestling team is ranked sixth in the NCAA Division II
Preseason Poll released on Tuesday.
The No. 6 preseason ranking is the highest for the Mountaineers
in Head Coach Miles Van Hee's 10 years at the helm and is one of the
highest preseason rankings ever.
The Mountaineers return 2005-06 National Qualifiers Marques Bravo
(133 pounds), Chris Freije (141), Camille DuPont (149), Zach Lee (157),
Larry Wilbanks (165) and Cody Mumma (197).
Freije, a junior, leads the Preseason ranked Mountaineers with a
No. 4 ranking at 141. Also ranked are DuPont (5th, 149), Lee (5th, 157),
Wilbanks (5th, 165) and Bravo (8th, 133).
Central Oklahoma is ranked No. 1 in the Preseason Poll with 152
points, one more point than No. 2 Nebraska-Kearney and two more points
than No. 3 Minnesota State-Mankato. Nebraska-Omaha is ranked fourth and
Pittsburgh-Johnstown is fifth.
Western opens the 2006-07 campaign with the annual Crimson and
Slate Intrasquad Scrimmage on Nov. 9 and then at the Wyoming Cowboy Open
on Nov. 11.