Wrestling | October 30

CLEVELAND, Ohio—Redshirt junior Blake West (Shakopee, Minn./Shakopee) of the Northern Illinois University Huskies wrestling program is ranked first in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) preseason rankings as the league announced rankings for all ten weight classes.
 
West had an impressive season in 2023-24, going 27-6 overall and undefeated in MAC duals (8-0). To start the season, West went 17-2, placed sixth at the annual Ken Kraft Midlands Championships, and embarked on an eight-match win streak throughout January and February.
 
In addition to his athletic accomplishments, West earned academic honors from MAC, NWCA, and College Sports Communicators.
 
Heading into this season, West has already earned preseason recognition from Intermat (ranked 21st), WrestleStat (ranked 26th), and "The College Wrestling Report" (ranked 24th).
 
"Blake is working daily to be at his very best. He knows what to focus on and his preparation has been on point," said NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig. "He's (West) looking forward to getting better in the practice room with his teammates every day."
 
The Huskies, who ranked sixth in the team standings, saw four additional wrestlers land in the top-5 of their respective weight classes. Jacob Brya (St. Johns, Mich./St. Johns) is ranked at second at 141 pounds after taking second at the MAC Championships last season. Jacobi Jackson (St. Louis, Mo./Desmet Jesuit) and Markel Baker (Freeport, Ill./Freeport) are at third at the heavyweight and 133 pound weight classes. Spencer Mooberry (Osage, Iowa/Osage) sits at fifth in the preseason rankings at 197 pounds.
 
The Huskies open the 2024-25 season at the Michigan State Open on November 9. The Huskies home opener is set to take place on November 22 as they host Rider University. The 2025 MAC Wrestling Championships will take place March 7-8 on the campus of Rider University in Trenton, New Jersey.
 
2024-25 MAC Wrestling Coaches Poll
 
1. Central Michigan, 106.0
2. Lock Haven, 104.5
3. George Mason, 103.0
4. Ohio, 91.5
5. SIU Edwardsville, 76.5
6. Northern Illinois, 70.5
7. Rider, 69.5
8. Clarion, 60.5
9. Edinboro, 53.5
10. Cleveland State, 48.0
11. Kent State, 47.5
12. Buffalo, 39.0
13. Bloomsburg, 5.0
 
MAC Preseason Weight Class Rankings- NIU Only
 
125 pounds | 1. Blake West
133 pounds | 3. Markel Baker
141 pounds | 2. Jacob Brya
149 pounds| 11. Collin Arch
157 pounds | 10. Tommy Curran
165 pounds | 11. Tommy Bennett
174 pounds | 12. Jake Evans
184 pounds | 11. Sean Carroll
197 pounds | 5. Spencer Mooberry
285 pounds| 3. Jacobi Jackson