MANHEIM, Pa.  The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) preseason rankings were released Monday, with the NCAA Division II list showing Western Colorado in the No. 16 slot with 29 points.

St. Cloud State (Minn.) tops the poll with 90 points, followed by Central Oklahoma (71 pts.) and McKendree (70 pts.). Just ahead of Western are Lander (14th, 31 pts.) and Glenville State (15th, 30 pts.)

The Mountaineers earned their points from three individuals ranked in their respective weight classes.

At 149 pounds is Dean Noble who is ranked fifth nationally. The Two Coles – Hernandez at 174 pounds and Gray at 184 – are ranked third and eighth, respectively, at their weights.

Western opens its 2024-25 schedule Friday with a visit from Northeastern Junior College. The 6 p.m. match in Paul Wright Gym carries a Flannel Friday theme.