March 2, 2007

Edmond, Okla. - The Mercyhurst wrestling team remained the No. 10 team in the country in the Wrestling Coaches' Association poll heading into the NCAA Division II National Championships. The Lakers received 89 total votes in the top 20 poll.

Despite fluctuations around Mercyhurst, the Lakers held their ground in the poll. Indianapolis climbed from No. 15 to No. 9, but West Liberty State fell from No. 8 to No. 17. Nebraska-Kearney held onto its No. 1 ranking, while the two teams behind flip-flopped, with Minnesota State-Mankato climbing one spot to No. 2 and Central Oklahoma falling one spot to No. 3.

Pitt-Johnstown, a team the Lakers tied 18-18 just a week ago, remained No. 5, while Western State, a team the Lakers lost to 20-19, was at No. 11. Mercyhurst boasts a win over the No. 16 team Ashland, but a pair of losses to No. 17 West Liberty State. Mercyhurst has also beaten the last three teams ranked in the Top 20 in Findlay, Minnesota State-Moorhead and Newberry.

Individually, five Mercyhurst wrestlers are ranked in the Top eight at their weight class. After winning the NCAA East Regionals as the No. 4 seed, Payne Lint entered the rankings for the first time at No. 8 in the 125 pound weight class. Don Cummings climbed a spot to No. 4 and Andy Lamancusa also moved up one spot to No. 7 after each won a regional championship.

Zack Schafer fell a spot to No. 3 after ending as the regional runner-up and J.J. Zanetta fell three spots to No. 7 after achieving the same regional feat. Hudson Harrison, who is the only other Laker to advance to the NCAA Division II National Championships, remains unranked.