Kanas City, MO – The Patriots are starting the year ranked 14
th in the NAIA. Cumberlands will also see eight individual wrestlers ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class.
Bryce Nickel will start the year as the highest ranked Patriot at fourth in the 141-weight class. Nickel is coming off a 24-7 year where he earned All-American status, along with taking home his first MSC Championship at 141 and earning First-Team All-Conference honors. Next is
Austin Franco. Franco comes into the season ranked sixth in the NAIA in the 125-weight class. Last year, Franco finished the season with a 19-7 overall record, and earned Second-Team All-Conference honors on his way to becoming an NAIA Qualifier.
O'Brian Black comes into the year ranked 13
th in the 165-weight class. Last season, Black went 18-13 and was an NAIA Qualifier. In the 184-weight class,
Harold Gilmore will start the season at 15
th. Last year he went 21-10 and was undefeated in dual matches. Gilmore was a NAIA Qualifier and earned Second-Team All-Conference honors. Then at the 285-weight class,
Gabe Jacobs comes in at 15
th. Last year he tallied the most wins of any Patriot with 29. Jacobs also earned Second-Team All-Conference honors and was a NAIA Qualifier. Also, in the 141-weight class,
Chasen Brown enters the season ranked 16
th after finishing last season with a 25-13 record. He was a NAIA Qualifier and earned Third-Team All-Conference honors.
Then at 133,
Gage Hudson will start the season ranked 23
rd. Last season, Hudson went 16-8 and earned Second-Team All-Conference honor. Rounding out the individually ranked Pats is a new face,
TJ Huber. Huber will start the season ranked 24
th in the 174-weight class. Last season, Huber finished with a 15-11 record at Concordia University.
The Pats will start the season on November 5
th in Corbin, KY for the Patriot Open.
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