Wrestling Ranks 13th in Preseason Poll

10/11/2001 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling

The Bulldog wrestling team and three individual wrestlers are ranked in the Amateur Wrestling News' preseason poll.

The top-20 tournament team poll ranks Fresno State 13th, one place up from its 14th place finish at the 2001 NCAA Championships. The top three teams are Minnesota, Oklahoma and Michigan, respectively.

Two-time National Champion, senior Stephen Abas (Hayward, Calif.), is No. 1 in the 125 division. Abas had a perfect season last year, going 34-0 with 10 technical falls and 10 pins.

Senior Derrick Hayes (Seaside, Calif.) is ranked 14th in the 133 division. Hayes was a NCAA qualifier last season, going 20-11 overall and 9-6 in dual meets.

Junior Ralph Lopez (Fresno, Calif.) is ranked 13th in the 141 division. Lopez, a 2001 NCAA qualifier, went 22-12 last season, going 10-8 in dual meets.

The Bulldogs will begin action Nov. 10 as Fresno State hosts Menlo College and Navy in a tri-meet.