Jan. 7, 2008

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst wrestling team remained at No. 4 in the first East Region poll of 2008, but individually, junior Brian Pogel moved to No. 1 at 149 pounds.

Pogel, the team's leader with 16 victories, was ranked No. 3 in the previous poll. But since then, he rattled off seven-straight victories until dropping two to Division I opponents last weekend.

Also moving up for the Lakers was red-shirt freshman Josh Shields, who jumped from No. 3 to No. 2 at 174 pounds after winning seven consecutive matches, including two wins over Division I opponents last weekend. Shields has also recorded wins against fourth-ranked Chris Gibbs of West Liberty and seventh-ranked A.J. Sayles of Gannon.

At 197 pounds, junior Trevor Gallo jumped two spots to No. 2, as well. He has posted an 11-8 record this season. Senior 165 pounder Hudson Harrison was ranked No. 3, up one spot from the last ranking. Harrison ranks second on the team with 15 victories.

Also earning a ranking was 141 pounder Braxdon Scaletta, who was tabbed seventh. Junior Bryan Wolff stayed in the No. 4 slot at 184 pounds, and freshman heavyweight Nathan Sharp made his first appearance in the rankings. His 9-9 record earned him a No. 5 ranking. At 157 pounds, Andy Lamancusa fell from No. 1 to No. 3.

Ahead of Mercyhurst in the team standings are Pitt-Johnstown, Newberry and Gannon.

Mercyhurst returns to action on Jan. 12 at the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa.