College News - Mankato

Mankato ranked 8th in latest national rankings

Edmond, Okla. --- In the latest edition of the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association poll, the Minnesota State University, Mankato wrestling team remained ranked eighth in the nation with 101 points, an improvement of 10 points over the last ratings. The Mavericks trailed North Central Conference opponents Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota State, who are ranked number one and three respectively. Central Oklahoma occupies the second spot, and Ashland is slotted fourth. Pittsburgh-Johnstown, NCC member South Dakota State and Central Missouri State are fifth, sixth and seven, directly ahead of MSU. Rounding out the top ten are Findlay and Nebraska-Kearney

Three MSU wrestlers are positioned highly in individual rankings. Junior Matt Gadient (Goodhue, Minn.) retained his number-one ranking at 165 pounds. Senior Matt Petsinger (Ellendale, Minn.) dropped to the second spot after Lazaro Reinoso of Carson-Newman, who had been ranked first at 149 pounds, moved up to the 157 pound weight class. Sophomore Adam Kramer (New Hampton, Iowa) moved up to fourth at 133 pounds.

Petsinger has rolled up a 23-3 record thus far this season, with 14 of his victories coming by fall. In his career at MSU, he has amassed a 100-26 mark, and recently became only the fourth wrestler in MSU history to reach the 100-victory plateau. Gadient has compiled a 18-5 record this season, and surpassed the 50-career victories mark earlier this season. Kramer is 10-5 this season for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks will next be in action on Saturday, Jan. 20th when they travel to Kirksville, Mo., to partake in the Truman Duals. MSU will face Truman State, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and Wisconsin-Parkside in dual competitions.