GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence men's wrestling team had four wrestlers ranked in the Top 20 of their respective weight classes in the latest iteration of the NAIA National Poll. As a team, the Argos are receiving votes in the National Poll.

"We've seen steady improvement over the season," head coach Steve Komac said. "I think we will keep receiving votes. I don't know if we have enough opportunities to crack into the top of the rankings or not. We still see our kids focused on climbing."

The team is coming off a successful weekend at the Missouri Valley Invite, one of the top tournaments the team will compete in all season. Several wrestlers had their best showing of the season, and three wrestlers ended up placing.

"We had guys besides the four that are ranked have a good tournament last weekend," Komac said. "Caleb Birdwell did some of his best wrestling of the season. Gavin Gies did the same. They both lost to kids who placed in the tournament and they were a good, competitive match. Dougie Swanson has got to be on the verge of those rankings. He's had wins over some of the top guys. KJ Swanson also had a big win over a ranked opponent and ended up placing for us. They'll go into conference with expectations of qualifying into Nationals."

The team will take the mat on Saturday at the Tyler Plummer Open in Dickinson, North Dakota. 
 
Joel Avila #9 (136 lbs.)
Avila was forced to sit out this past weekend at the Missouri Valley Invite to nurse an injury, but hopes to return to action soon. He has been solid all year, recording a 12-8 record and notching a pin on the year already.

"Joel has a very big level," Komac said. "We had to give him a little more rest so he's ready for more competitions. He's feeling well and ready to go and I think his ceiling is super high."

KC Buday #13 (285 lbs.)
Buday was his usual dominant self this past weekend, placing 7^th at the Missouri Valley Invite. He is currently 22-9 on the year and has recorded a team-high nine pins.

"KC continues to show that he can wrestle with anybody in the country," Komac said. "He believes that he can beat anybody in the country and we feel the same."

Jordan Komac #16 (165 lbs.)
Komac has also been nursing an injury since late November, which has caused a slight dip in his National Ranking. The team hopes to have him wrestling this weekend at the Tyler Plummer Open.

"We're hoping that he'll be able to wrestle this weekend," Komac said. "He's coming along and we're excited to see him get back in the action
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Alan Badley #19 (184 lbs.)
Badley has been a breakout star for the team this season. He has amassed a record of 17-12 this year and has recorded a total of five pins.

"Alan made a lot of progress and got himself in the rankings," Komac said. "He just needs to continue to build a little bit and make up some ground in a few places. He's becoming more and more consistent for us all the time."