KANSAS CITY, MO – The University of the Cumberlands Men's Wrestling team moved up two spots to No. 7 in the latest NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Poll, announced by the national office Wednesday afternoon.

The Patriots continued their climb up the national rankings following a pair of Mid-South Conference dual victories, defeating seventh-ranked Campbellsville 19-18 and 17th-ranked Lindsey Wilson 22-16. With the wins, UC improved to 8-4 overall on the season and remained unbeaten in conference action at 4-0.

Cumberlands currently has 11 wrestlers ranked in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, led by Riley Bettich, who checks in at No. 6 in the 133-pound weight class. Bettich has been a key contributor for the Patriots throughout the season and continues to anchor the middle of UC's lineup.

Two Patriots are ranked eighth in their respective weight classes, beginning with Matteo Vargo at 125 pounds and Austin Silva at heavyweight (285). Vargo has been consistent all season at the lower weights, while Silva has provided a strong presence in the upper weights against nationally ranked competition.

Weston Melvin follows closely behind at No. 9 in the 174-pound weight class, while Malachia Harris is ranked 10th at 165. Both have delivered critical points in dual action as UC has surged through conference play.

Brice Coleman is ranked 13th at 157 pounds, with Ty Lehman just behind him at No. 14 in the 149-pound class. Eli Peyton checks in at No. 18 at 141 pounds, adding another ranked option in the Patriots lineup.

Sophomore Lane Kiser is ranked 22nd at 184 pounds, while Elijah Valencia (125) and Rider Trumble (165) round out the ranked wrestlers for UC, each coming in at No. 24 in their respective weight classes.

Cumberlands will return to action on Sunday, February 1, when they travel to Lebanon, TN for the Cumberland Open.
 
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