KANSAS CITY, MO –The University of the Cumberlands men's wrestling team moved up four spots to No. 9 in the latest NAIA Wrestling Team Rating, released by the national office on Thursday.

The Patriots have continued to build momentum midway through the season, posting a 6-4 overall record while remaining unbeaten in Mid-South Conference duals at 2-0. Since the previous rating, UC has gone 3-3 against a challenging slate, highlighted by wins over receiving-votes Georgetown, seventh-ranked Campbellsville, and No. 18 Corban University.

Cumberlands rise in the ratings comes after a strong showing at the NWCA/NAIA National Duals, where the Patriots finished eighth overall. Riley Bettich was named Mid-South Conference Wrestler of the Week following the event after posting a perfect 6-0 record, helping UC earn key wins against ranked opponents on the national stage.

Individually, the Patriots feature 11 wrestlers ranked in the latest NAIA ratings. Matteo Vargo is ranked 10th and Elijah Valencia is 22nd at 125 pounds, while Riley Bettich checks in at sixth at 133. Eli Peyton is ranked 17th at 141, Ty Lehman sits 15th at 149, and Brice Coleman is ranked 14th at 157.

At 165, Malachia Harris is ranked 11th, joined by Rider Trumble at 22nd. Weston Melvin holds the ninth spot at 174, with Derrick Bannister also ranked 23rd in the same weight class. Heavyweight Austin Silva rounds out the ranked Patriots, coming in ninth at 285 pounds.

The Patriots will return to action on Tuesday, January 20, when they host seventh-ranked Campbellsville inside the UC Volleyball Gym in Williamsburg, Ky. The Mid-South Conference showdown is set to begin at 7 p.m.
 
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