Burgey #1, Diaz 6th in Preseason Poll

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–After a tremendous freshman campaign, Eric Burgey (So., Easton, Pa., Easton HS) will begin his second collegiate season as a hunted man after the NAIA’s preseason wrestling rating was released Wednesday.

Burgey, who was fifth at last year’s national championships, is ranked #1 at 149 pounds. He finished 33-4 a year ago with eight falls to his credit.

Chris Diaz (Sr., Montrose, Colo., Olathe HS) is entering his final year with high expectations, being ranked #6 at 184 pounds. Diaz was out of action much of last year and finished 2010-2011 with an 8-13 mark. He was 2-2 at the national meet.

The duo has helped the navy and gold to 11th place in the preseason national poll with 29 points.

In spite of not having a single #1 ranked grappler, Campbellsville’s consistent throughout its lineup earns it the top spot with 94 points. Eleven Tigers are rated in the top 12 in the ten different weight classes.

Southern Oregon (85 points) is second, while Midland (Neb.), Grand View, and Great Falls (Mont.) round out the top five.

Fellow Central Qualifying Group programs Missouri Valley (#7), Oklahoma City (#10), and Baker (Kan.) (#14) are also in the top 20.

For the complete national rankings, go to http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/101911aaa.html

The preseason qualifying group polls were released Tuesday with the youthful Statesmen ranked seventh in the Central group with 38.5 points. Defending group champion Grand View is first with 205 points, while Missouri Valley is second with 184 points.

Burgey and Diaz top their respective weights, while 133-pounder Tyler Schneider (So., Belleville, Mich., Belleville HS) and 197-pounder Karl Spain (Sr., Lafayette, La., Comeaux HS) are both fourth. Joe Sumner (So., Delaware, Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes HS) is fifth at 174 pounds.

For the complete qualifying group rankings, go to http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-wrestl/spec-rel/101811aac.html

William Penn opens its season on November 5 at the NIACC Kaye Young Open in Mason City.