Seven wrestlers from the 25th-ranked Tar Heels were among the season’s first round of coaches’ panel rankings, which were released by the NCAA on Thursday.

These rankings are used as a tool to help as part of the selection process for the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships–which will be held this year in Cleveland from March 15-17.

Winning percentage, Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) and the coaches’ rankings ultimately make up the full criteria for wrestlers to earn their way into the NCAA Qualifying Tournaments.

UNC’s top-ranked wrestler at the moment is redshirt senior Troy Heilmann at 149 pounds. With a 22-3 record this season, Heilmann checks in as the No. 4 ranked performer in his weight class.

Danny Chaid is the next-highest Tar Heel on the list, ranked No. 15 among all 197-pounders.

Other Tar Heels included are: Kennedy Monday (No. 17 at 157 lbs), Chip Ness (No. 17 at 184 lbs), AC Headlee (No. 18 at 141 lbs), Zach Sherman (No. 20 at 133 lbs) and Cory Daniel (No. 24 at 285 lbs).

Eligibility for the rankings is contingent upon each wrestler participating in at least five matches against Division I opponents in their weight class, and they must have competed at least once in the last 30 days.

The Tar Heels have posted a 6-8 team record to this point in the season, and will return to action with their ACC opener against Virginia on Friday night.

For the full NCAA coaches’ panel rankings, click here.

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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