MANHEIM, Pa.- For the first time in program history, the Lander Wrestling team will be regarded as the top team in the country as they were selected as the number one team in Division II by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. The Bearcats had a nation-leading eight wrestlers ranked in the top 12 of their weight classes, garnering 82 points, 13 points ahead of second place West Liberty.

Two other Super Region II teams found themselves in the top-25 with Newberry at 17th and Belmont Abbey tied for 18th.

Lander had three wrestlers ranked number two in their respective weight classes in James Joplin (125), David Hunsberger (165), and Juan Edmond-Holmes (285). Zeth Brower was selected fourth in the 149-pound weight classes after wrestling at 141 the last two seasons. Elijah Lusk was ranked sixth in the 133-pound class and Gage Bernall earned the same spot at 157. Anthony Yacovetti was picked tenth in the 197 weight class while newcomer to the lineup, Brandon Matthews, was picked 12th in the 174-pound weight class.

The Blue and Gold return all but one of their six All-Americans from a year ago that led them to a second place finish at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and will start their season on November 9th at 7:00 PM in Horne Arena against in-state rival Limestone.