Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney wrestling team has moved into the number on spot in the third regular season edition of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Top 25.

The rankings are determined by a panel of head coaches from around the country. Teams get points based on where their individuals are ranked in each weight class. UNK finished up the regular season at 10-3 and heads to NCAA Regionals next Sunday (Feb. 27) in Grand Junction, Colo. 

The Loeprs (92 points) are ahead of Lindenwood, Mo. (78), defending national champion and former No. 1 St. Cloud State (73), Gannon, Pa. (65), and McKendree, Ill. (64).  

Individually, Iowa senior Matt Malcom moved up a spot to number one at 165 lbs. with fellow Iowa senior Iowa Josh Portillo now second at 125 lbs. Next, Lincoln senior Wesley Dawkins (3rd/133 lbs.), Kearney redshirt freshman Nick James (11th/141 lbs.), and Colorado senior Sam Turner (5th/149 lbs.) maintained their ranking.

Finally, Pennsylvania senior Jacob Wasser (5th/157 lbs.), Kansas junior Terrell Garraway (6th/174 lbs.), Kansas redshirt junior Austin Eldredge (10th/184 lbs.), and Seward redshirt freshman Joseph Reimers (6th/197 lbs.) each moved up a spot or two in their respective class.

To secure a spot at nationals this year a wrestler, at least in UNK's region, has to win his weight class. Seven "Wild Cards" will be then selected afterwards at a coaches meeting for a total of 17 qualifiers. The national meet will be in St. Louis, Mo., March 12-13.