Central up to No. 14 in wrestling poll

Central College

PELLA—Central College inched up one spot to No. 14 in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III poll.

The Dutch, 7-1, were No. 15 in the last ranking two weeks ago and opened the season at No. 29. It’s Central’s highest ranking since 1991-92, when the Dutch were No. 5. Central posted four wins at the Gulf Coast Duals in Fort Myers, Fla., last Sunday.

Defending champion Wartburg College (6-0) remains at No. 1. Iowa Conference rival Coe College (5-3) slipped four spots to No. 8 while Luther College (1-3) climbed one notch to No. 15 and the University of Dubuque (7-2) jumped two spots to No. 16. Loras College (2-6) dropped out after a No. 28-rating in the previous poll.

In the individual rankings, senior Ryan Davis (Shreveport, La., Northwood HS) cracked the 149-pound lineup at No. 9. He posted four wins, including three victories by major decision, at the Gulf Coast Duals and improved to 13-3. Earlier this month he broke a 36-year-old school record with the fastest pin in a dual meet, scoring a 21-second fall against Knox College (Ill.).

Central has a break for the holidays and returns to the mat Jan. 10 for a 7 p.m. dual against Loras College at Dubuque.