The first edition of this year’s NCAA wrestling coaches’ panel rankings were released on Thursday, with seven Tar Heels earning a spot on the list for their respective weight classes.
Redshirt freshman Austin O’Connor led the way by claiming the No. 4 spot at 149 pounds. So far this season, O’Connor has posted a 22-3 record and all three losses have been to wrestlers ranked in the top six.
At 184 pounds, redshirt senior Chip Ness–an All-American last year–checks in at No. 13 to be the next highest ranked Tar Heel. He’s followed by A.C. Headlee, a junior ranked No. 19 at 141 pounds.
Other Tar Heels included in the rankings are: Gary Wayne Harding (No. 22 at 133 pounds), Cory Daniel (No. 24 at heavyweight), Josh McClure (No. 26 at 157) and Devin Kane (No. 29 at 174).
These rankings are a key component of the selection process to determine qualifiers and seedings for the NCAA Wrestling Championships, which will run from March 21-23 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
For the full rankings, click here.
Photo via UNC Athletics
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