Badgers Continue To Climb in Polls
December 20, 2006 | Wrestling
The University of Wisconsin wrestling team (10-0-0) continues to ascend in the national rankings, placing as high as 15th in the various team polls. The Badgers were previously tabbed 23rd, their highest ranking of the season. Defending national champion Oklahoma State is atop The Wrestling Mall's poll, Minnesota is No. 1 according to W.I.N. Magazine and Missouri earns the top vote from the NWCA.
In addition to the team ranking, five Wisconsin grapplers also notched national recognition. The highest ranked Badger is All-American Craig Henning, who is fourth according to the NWCA. Hailing from Chippewa Falls, Wis., Henning is currently 13-1 at 157 lbs. His only loss this season was to No. 3 Brandon Becker of Indiana at the Cliff Keen Invitational.
Senior Tyler Turner (Spring Valley, Wis.) nabbed a No. 7 ranking by W.I.N Magazine at 149 lbs. The tri-captain is undefeated in dual action and 11-2 overall. Turner is also tied for first on the team with five major decision victories.
The third-highest grappler is Dallas Herbst (Winneconne, Wis.) at 197 lbs. Herbst moved to No. 8 in The Wrestling Mall poll after being No. 10 for three straight weeks. He boasts an overall record of 14-2, 10-0 in dual meets. Herbst also leads the team in pins with eight.
At 141 lbs., Kyle Ruschell (Crittenden, Kent.) moved to 15th according to The Wrestling Mall. Ruschell is currently 16-3 overall and 8-2 in dual competition.
Entering the polls for this first time in his career is freshman Trevor Brandvold. A native of River Falls, Wis., Brandvold is 15th in the W.I.N. Magazine rankings at 184 lbs. He is currently 6-3 overall, with two pins and two major decision victories.
The Badgers returns from winter break on January 6 to compete at the 10th annual Lonestar Duals in Dallas. Check uwbadgers.com for the latest updates and scores.
