INDIANAPOLIS- With NWCA National Duals looming as the first event of the New Year, the UIndy Wrestling team will enter the event as the #18 team in the nation, according to the NWCA Coaches Top 25, released Monday afternoon.
After the 40th annual Midwest Classic shook up the individual and national rankings, as upsets ruled the event, Nebraska Kearney is now NCAA Division II's #1 team. Former #1 St. Cloud State is now in the two-spot, followed by Notre Dame (OH), Pitt.-Johnstown and McKendree rounding out the top five. Joining the Greyhounds in the #18 spot is Ashland, who UIndy will take on in dual action Jan. 19.
UIndy earned its 18th ranking behind three ranked individuals in
Kyle Barkovich,
Brody Conner and
Dylan Faulkenberg. Barkovich made his return to the rankings after a seventh-place finish at the Midwest Classic, coming in at #9 at 149. Conner, who finished sixth at Midwest, fell from the fourth-place spot to come in at #8 at 184. Falkenberg, the lone Midwest one-seed to win an MWC title, moved up one spot from 4th to 3rd at 285.
In the Super Region 3 rankings, the Greyhounds come in at #3 behind Notre Dame (OH) and Wheeling Jesuit. UIndy amassed 63 total points behind eight starters ranked in the region. Barkovich headlines the ranked Greyhounds, coming in at #2 at 149. Faulkenberg is the #3 heavyweight in the nation, and he is joined by
Shelden Struble (165) and
Ana Abduljelil (133) in the three spot at their respective weights.
Brian Wagner is the fourth-ranked 197 in the region, with
D.J. Smith in the #5 spot at 125 and
Angelo Robles in at #6 at 141.
No. 18 UIndy opens 2019 with a guaranteed three duals at this weekend's NWCA National Duals Friday and Saturday in Louisville.
