ASHLAND — The Southern Oregon University wrestling team has taken over the top spot in the NAIA wrestling rankings, jumping this week from fourth in the Top 20 poll.
Previous No. 1 Lindenwood dropped from first to second this week. They are followed by Great Falls, Dickinson State (N.D.) and Dana (Neb.).
"It's an honor to be ranked No. 1, but we know it's still very early in the season," SOU coach Mike Ritchey said. "We have some guys we still need to get healthy and have some big tournaments and duals still ahead of us."
The Raiders went a perfect 3-0 over the weekend and now have a 5-1 dual meet record and head to the Reno Tournament of Champions this weekend.
Southern Oregon now has eight ranked individuals.
John Bates leads the Raiders, with a No. 1 ranking at heavyweight.
Other ranked wrestlers include Barry Johnson (second, 141), Trevor Lofstedt (fourth, 133), Seth Roy (sixth, 149), Chris Platt (sixth, 184), Mitchell Lofstedt (seventh, 125), Tommy Hooper (seventh, 157) and Ricky Farrell (eighth, 184).