Burgey Tied for Fifth in Final Ranking

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–Eric Burgey (Fr., Easton, Pa., Easton HS) lost for the first time since October but his hot streak prior to that setback helped him move up one slot as the NAIA’s seventh and final rating was released today.

Penn concluded the year outside the top 20 nationally, tied for 22nd with ten points.  Defending national champion Notre Dame (Ohio) finished first, holding a significant lead over second-place Grand View, 142-113.

McKendree (Ill.) is the final #3, while Lindenwood (Mo.) and Missouri Valley rounded out the top five.

Burgey, now fifth at 149 pounds, is the lone Statesmen grappler in the national ranking.  The freshman owns a 28-2 mark, including a 28-match winning streak that ended last Saturday.

As a team, Penn fell to seventh in the Central Qualifying Group poll with 38.5 points.  Qualifying Tournament champion Grand View finished the campaign in the top spot with 205 points, while Missouri Valley was second with 184 points.  Baker (Kan.) jumped into the distant bronze spot with 137.5 points.

Burgey paced the Statesmen in the Group as well, sitting in second, while 184-pounder Chris Diaz (Jr., Montrose, Colo., Olathe HS) was third.

Taylor Louie (Sr., West Covina, Calif., West Covina HS) was also in the poll in sixth place at 125 pounds.