FAYETTE, Iowa — The Newberry Wrestling team climbed up in the rankings in the second National Wrestling Coaches Association regular season poll.
The Wolves were ranked 10th in the poll after establishing dominance in the Midwest Classic, placing four individual wrestlers. Newberry is the only South Atlantic Conference Carolinas team to be placed into the top 10 rankings.
During Newberry’s dominant rush, three individual wrestlers remain ranked in the poll. For the third consecutive NWCA ranking, Isiah Royal leads the pack in his respective weight class (141). The junior standout quickly advanced through his opponents on day one of the Midwest Classic. Royal defeated Bronson Proudlock of Findlay 2-1 to advance to the semifinals for the second consecutive season. Royal’s impressive run was cut short due to medical forfeits going into the consolation rounds. The Guyton, Ga. native has had an impressive start to his season for the Wolves, placing in three out of the last four tournaments of competition.
He is joined in the national rankings by Austin Palmer (sixth, 157) and ZeBrandon Gant (eighth, 184).
Gant led the way for the Wolves at the Midwest Classic. Gant posted a dominant performance on day one of the Classic, defeating Anderson Salisbury of Colorado School of Mines 9-4 to advance to the semifinals. Gant fell in the next round, but climbed his way through the consolation rounds which resulted in a third place finish. Gant has had a great start to his sophomore campaign, placing first at the Tornado Open and fifth at the Hokie Open.
Palmer is the third wrestler ranked for the Wolves in the latest poll, sliding up to sixth in his respective weight class (157). Palmer followed the way of his teammates at the Midwest Classic, posting a dominant first day performance to advance to the quarterfinals. Palmer fell in the semifinals but fought his way back in the consolations rounds, earning a spot on the podium after taking down Mike Clark of Mercyhurst by major decision 9-8. Palmer finished fourth at the Midwest Classic, continuing his solid start to his senior season.
The Wolves are eager to get back into action, as they head to Louisville, Kentucky on Jan. 10 for the NWCA Duals.