WRESTLING:
PRIDE REMAIN EIGHTH IN THE
USA TODAY/NWCA NCAA DIVISION I COACHES POLL

HEMPSTEAD, New York * The Hofstra University wrestling program remained ranked eighth in this week's USA Today/National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) NCAA Division I Coaches Poll released Tuesday evening.

The USA Today/NWCA team rankings and the individual rankings are the official college coaches poll, which is conducted weekly by a group of coaches representing each wrestling conference. The rankings are released weekly on the Intermatwrestle.com website, the official news source of the NWCA.

The number eight ranking equals the second highest national ranking by a Hofstra team in school history. The Pride were ranked eighth last week by both USA Today/NWCA and W.I.N. Magazine. Hofstra was also ranked eighth in the 2003-04 preseason poll. Defending national champions Oklahoma State, who the Pride will host on February 13, remains number one in the team poll.

Hofstra also had a season-high seven wrestlers ranked in the Top 20 of their respective weight classes this week. Leading the group once again is senior Chris Skretkowicz (Hamburg, NJ), who is ranked second at 197 pounds with a 13-1 record. Junior Jon Masa (Long Beach, NY), who is 10-4 this season, is ranked fifth at 149 pounds while senior Ricky LaForge (Pompton Lakes, NJ) is ranked sixth at 141 pounds with a 13-3 record. Senior Paul Siemon (Paramus, NJ), who has posted a 12-3 mark, is ranked 11th at 174 pounds while freshman Charles Griffin (Reading, PA), 12-2 this year, is ranked 13th at 133 pounds. Sophomore Mike Patrovich (Bohemia, NY), who returned to action last week with two victories, is ranked 13th at 165 pounds while freshman Joe Rovelli (Wilkes-Barre, PA) makes his collegiate debut in the rankings with a number 20 placement at 184 pounds with a 10-3 record.