KANSAS CITY, MO – The University of the Cumberlands Men's Wrestling team remained ranked 12th in the latest NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Poll, announced by the national office Wednesday afternoon.

The Patriots have built early-season momentum behind a strong start to dual and tournament action, beginning the year 1-0 in Mid-South Conference play and posting several standout performances at the Grand View Open.

Since the last poll, Cumberlands opened conference play on the road with a dominant 33-8 victory over Midway in its first MSC dual of the year. The Patriots won eight of ten bouts, highlighted by falls from Eli Peyton and Weston Melvin, along with a tech fall from Nathan Marquez. UC also earned key wins from Tristan Bryant, Yaveion Freeman, Malachia Harris, Greyson Stevens, and Austin Silva to secure the convincing team win and start the year 1-0.

The following weekend, the Patriots competed at the Grand View Open in Des Moines, Iowa, which featured elite competition from across all collegiate levels, including multiple NCAA Division I programs and 12 NAIA Top-25 teams. UC saw two wrestlers reach the podium, with Matteo Vargo placing fifth at 125 lbs. and Melvin finishing sixth at 174 lbs. Vargo went 4-2 with a pair of first-period pins and an 11-5 decision over Midland's Dylan Atherton, while Melvin went 4-2 with wins over #2 Shadrick Slone (Campbellsville) and Thomas Even (Grand View). Drew Waldon also had one of his best collegiate showings, going 6-2, while Rider Trumble went 4-2 with two victories over ranked opponents.

UC currently has nine wrestlers ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight classes: Matteo Vargo (#6, 125), Riley Bettich (#16, 125), Eli Peyton (#11, 141), Brice Coleman (#14, 157), Malachia Harris (#7, 165), Rider Trumble (#20, 165), Weston Melvin (#8, 174), Wylie Dunn (#20, 285), and Austin Silva (#11, 285).
 
The Patriots will return to the mat on Saturday, November 22, when they travel to Douglasville, Georgia, to compete in the Lucha Open. Action is set to begin at 9 a.m. ET.

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