UMO picked fifth in Super Region II preseason wrestling poll

GREENWOOD, S.C. – The University of Mount Olive men’s wrestling team was selected fifth in the preseason NCAA Division II Super Region II rankings, which were announced on Wednesday morning.

Among the 10 teams in Super Region II, seven teams had five or more wrestlers ranked, while UMO and four other programs featured eight or more wrestlers ranked. Lander and Newberry were the only schools to have wrestlers ranked in all 10 weight classes.

Lander was chosen as the preseason favorite with 99 points in the first poll of the year after featuring four wrestlers ranked No. 1 in their respective weight classes. The Bearcats finished third at the NCAA Super Regionals last year and sent four individuals to the National Championships.

Newberry was tabbed second in the poll and had two wrestlers positioned No. 1 in their weight class after securing a consecutive regional title in 2022. Belmont Abbey placed third in the rankings with one individual ranked No. 1 in their weight class, while UNC Pembroke and Mount Olive rounded out the top five in the poll.