ERIE, Pa. – The Newberry College wrestling team shares the No. 1 ranking in the preseason NCAA Division II Super Region I poll, released today. Newberry sits atop the rankings with the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. The scarlet and gray took its second consecutive Super Region I title last year and finished runner-up at the NCAA Division II Championships.
Newberry also was ranked No. 1 in last year’s preseason rankings.
In addition to the top team ranking, three Newberry wrestlers also took the top spot in their weight classes. Matt Oliver (Toms River, N.J.) at 125 lbs., Bryant Blanton (Summerville, S.C.) at 174 lbs. and Keeno Griffin (Jacksonville, Fla.) at 197 lbs. all rank first in their respective weight classes.
Four other Newberry wrestlers make appearances in the rankings. Sheridan Moran (Lafayette, La.) is ranked fifth at 133 lbs., Mike Rogers (Easton, Pa.) is ranked third at 149 lbs., Sean Byrnes (Jackson, N.J.) is ranked fifth at 157 lbs. and Josh Whitelock (Rhodesdale, Md.) rounds out the scarlet and gray’s representation with his No. 5 ranking at 165 lbs.
Newberry returns one national champion in Keeno Griffin, three All-Americans in Griffin, Matt Oliver and Bryant Blanton and five national qualifiers in Griffin, Oliver, Blanton, Josh Whitelock and Mike Rogers.