Vicente Now Third Nationally, Soderblom and Veverka Also on Radar

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–Joao Vicente (Fr., East Providence, R.I., Secondary Education) is shredding through recent competition, and for his efforts he has moved up the national rankings as the NAIA released its fifth regular season poll Wednesday.

Vicente (22-3), who has won nine matches in a row, jumped nine spots from two weeks ago to #3 at 133 pounds. The freshman has claimed three tournament titles in his first collegiate campaign, winning seven matches by major decision, six by fall, and one more by technical fall.

Joining Vicente in the national ranks is 197-pounder Kyle Soderblom (So., Newton, Iowa, Biology) and heavyweight Nathan Veverka (Jr., Montezuma, Iowa, Industrial Technology). Soderblom (16-7, 5 falls) moved from 19th to eighth, while Veverka (7-7, 5 falls) was unranked in the last poll, but is now 15th at 285 pounds.

All of the improvements have helped the Statesmen to their highest ranking of the year at #18 with 24.5 points.

Grand View remains #1 with 161 points, while Southern Oregon is again second with 116.5 points. Great Falls (Mont.) (99.5), Montana State-Northern (92.5), and Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) (88) round out the top five.

In the Central Qualifying Group ratings, William Penn has moved up to a season-high sixth with 49 points, while Grand View is still first with 219 points.

Vicente heads the 133-pound class, Soderblom is third at 197 pounds, and Veverka is fourth at heavyweight.