KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Five wrestlers from the University of Providence men's wrestling team were ranked in the Top 20 of their weight class in the latest NAIA National Poll. This is an increase from the three wrestlers that were ranked in the previous poll two weeks ago. 

Jordan Komac is ranked 4^th at 165 lbs., Hayden Schrull is ranked 14^th at 184 lbs., Eli Walston is ranked 15^th at 133 lbs., Joel Avila is ranked 20^th at 125 lbs. and Chris Mesa is ranked 20^th at 141 lbs.

"Those five guys are capable of wrestling with the best kids in the country," Komac said. "All five of them deserve to be in the rankings, and if we had more opportunities I think we would continue to climb in those polls."

As a team, the Argos are receiving votes to be included in the Top 20. The have a total of 33 votes, five votes short of the 20^th ranked team Cambellsville.

"For the limited amount of mat time that we've had this season, we're already starting to see guys move into the poll," head coach Steve Komac said. "If we had more matches I think we'd continue to rise. All we can do is work with the situation that we have and focus on wrestling the best when you get your opportunities. We had a nice weekend last weekend, we competed very well. I think the kids are making the most of the opportunities they're getting."

Komac, currently ranked 4^th in the 165 lb. weight class,  has been efficient this season, continuing off the success he enjoyed last year. This past weekend he defeated John Bettinger of Eastern Oregon by major decision.

"Jordan's been extremely consistent," Komac said. "He looks like he's still improving. He's wrestling as well right now as anytime I've ever seen him."

Schrull is ranked 14^th in the 184 lb. weight class, but hasn't gotten a chance to compete this season. He's recovering from an offseason injury and is hoping to return to action soon.

"Hopefully we'll find out soon if he gets cleared," Komac said. "Once he's released he's going to be very competitive."

Walston is a new addition to the rankings, coming in ranked 15^th in the 133 lb. weight class. He's had an explosive start to the season, defeating returning National Champion Nick Kunz in the first dual of the season. He went 3-0 last weekend, earning himself the Cascade Collegiate Conference Wrestler of the Week award.

"Being ranked 15^th is very good for him," Komac said. "He started off the season with a big win over the returning National Champion and then had a great weekend last weekend. He's wrestling up a weight but he feels good. He's great."

Joel Avila is ranked 20^th in the 125 lb. weight class. He went 3-1 this past weekend, losing only to Eastern Oregon's Luciano Fasulo by decision.

"Joel is very tough and very talented," Komac said. "He gets matches and duals started off for us great. He's got two years of eligibility left after this year and we see a lot of very high potential with Joel."

Chris Mesa is ranked for the first time this season, lining up at #20 in the 141 lb. weight class. Mesa won both of his matches this past season.

"Chris has been to the National Tournament in the past. He redshirted last year to take care of an injury. We definitely expected him to move into the rankings once he started competing again."