Oct. 24, 2007

Complete Poll

Erie, Pa. - Following a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division II East Region Championships and a No. 15 ranking in the nation in 2006-07, the Mercyhurst wrestling team, under the direction of new head coach Mike Wehler, will open this year ranked 14th overall in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association Top-20 Preseason Poll.

The Lakers, returning five former national qualifiers, earned 43 points to be ranked one spot behind region foe Newberry and one spot ahead of Minnesota State-Moorhead. With Pittsburgh-Johnstown receiving a No. 5 ranking, the Lakers were one of four East Region teams in the top 20.

Taking the top spot in the polls was defending national champion Central Oklahoma and national runner-up Nebraska-Kearney, as both teams earned 155 points.

In the individual rankings, 2007 East Region champ Don Cummings earned a No. 3 ranking at 149 pounds. Sophomore Andy Lamancusa, the Lakers' only returning All-American, was voted fourth at 157 pounds.

Both Cummings and Lamancusa were the top-ranked wrestlers in the regional preseason poll released last week.

Fans can receive a sneak preview of the Lakers at the annual Blue/Green Meet at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Sunday at 1 p.m. The regular season begins the following weekend at Edinboro in the Avalon Duals.