Oct. 9, 2007

2007-08 MAC Preseason Wrestling Poll in PDF Format
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Mid-American Conference unveiled its preseason wrestling rankings Tuesday, tabbing senior Northern Illinois grappler Pat Castillo as the top 125-pound wrestler in the conference.

The poll also ranked teams as a whole, with the Huskies and Ohio tied for third behind favorite Central Michigan and Kent State.

"Our goal every year is a MAC Championship," NIU head coach Dave Grant said. "Central does have a strong team, and we have something to strive for."

In its quest for a MAC title, the team will depend on sound veterans to lead. In addition to Castillo's top-ranking, 174-pounder sophomore Duke Burk is ranked second, while Dan Ruettinger (141), Jake Smith (197), and Dave Benner (Hwt.) are all ranked third in their respective weight classes.

According to Grant, less seasoned athletes will also contribute on the mat this season.

"We've got quite a few guys who redshirted last year that we feel can make an impact on team, even though they're not tested," Grant said. "Our ability to be successful this year is going is determned by bringing these unknowns to prominence."

Grant will count on that improvement for success in the MAC.

"We need to be in a different place at the end of the season than where we are now," he said. "That's why we're wrestling three of the top six teams in the country before Christmas: to challenge our young wrestlers and prepare them for the conference season."

The Huskies open their season against No. 6 Iowa State, Nov. 8 in Ames, and will also face consensus No. 1 Minnesota and No. 5 Northwestern in the first month of the season.