GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Four University of Providence men's wrestlers are ranked in the Top 20 of their respective weight classes in the new NAIA National Poll that was released on Thursday. As a team, the Argos (3-4) are receiving votes in the poll.

KC Buday is the highest-ranked Argo, coming in at ninth place in the heavyweight class. Joel Avila is ranked 11^th in the 133 lb. weight class while Jordan Komac is ranked 14^th in the 165 lb. weight class. Rounding out the ranked Argos is Alan Badley, who is ranked 16^th in the 184 lb. weight class.

"We've seen improvement within our program all year long," head coach Steve Komac said. "We haven't been able to put our best lineup out at one time. Hopefully that's coming soon. I definitely think that we'll continue to get better."

The team has a tough schedule to finish up the year, which starts Friday at the Missouri Valley. As the team continues to get healthier, the team believes they have a chance to cause some real damage down the stretch.

"In order to be competitive at the end of the season and be where we want to be, we have to continue to make growth," Komac said. "I don't think we're there yet but we've definitely seen the right trend. The ability is there within this team. Our competition from here to the end of the season is pretty high. We don't really have any off weekends. We'll definitely have some good competition to help get us where we need to be."

KC Buday (285 lbs.) Ranked: #9

Buday has been solid all year, amassing a record of 19-7 and recording nine pins on the season. He has placed in four tournaments so far this season; he finished 2^nd at the Grand View Open and Spokane Open and finished 4^th at the Battle of the Rockies and the Reno Tournament of Champions. He was named the CCC Wrestler of the Week on Nov. 15.

"He's been a leader for us all season long," Komac said. "He's been the most consistent person we've had all season long. He's just a fantastic leader in the room and for the program. He's very capable of being an All-American this year. "

Joel Avila (133 lbs.) Ranked: #11

Avila has had a solid start to the season, going 12-8 on the season and recording one pin. He finished second at the Spokane Open. He was named the CCC Wrestler of the Week on Nov. 22.

"We believe Joel has that All-American level in him," Komac said. "He's very capable of beating anybody in the country at any given time. He's been working on being in the right frame of mind at the right time which I think will happen when he needs it most."

Jordan Komac (165 lbs.) Ranked: #14

Komac has had a strong season so far, going 11-5 on the year while recording three pins. Currently out with an injury, he has placed in both tournaments he competed in, finishing 6^th at both the Grand View Open and Spokane Open.

"Jordan has wrestled just about every top kid in the country in the past couple of years," Komac said. "He's been in every single match down to the last second. He's injured right now and is getting back to full speed in the room right now. He'll definitely be ready to go."

Alan Badley (184 lbs.) Ranked: #16

Badley is having a breakout season this year. He has gone 15-10 on the season and recorded four pins. He has placed at three tournaments; he finished third at the Battle of the Rockies and fourth at the Grand View and Spokane Opens.

 "The biggest thing we need out of Alan is consistency," Komac said. "That's part of the growth that we're starting to see. His talent level is really good and his understanding of the sport is really good."