Three Bison in Second Edition of NCAA Coaches' Panel Rankings

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Sophomore Steven Monk is ranked No. 10 at 157 pounds, junior Trent Sprenkle is No. 20 at 125 pounds and junior Mac Stoll is No. 32 at 184 pounds in the second edition of the NCAA Division I Coaches' Panel Rankings released today by the NCAA. 

Both Monk and Sprenkle maintained the same rank from the first edition, which was released Jan. 20.  Stoll breaks into the coaches' rankings for the first time in his career.

Additionally, the NCAA released the first Rating Percentage Index (RPI) today.  Five members of the Bison were named in the top 33 of their respective weight classes.  To be eligible for an RPI ranking, a wrestler must have a minimum of 17 Division I matches at a given weight class.

Monk is No. 7 in the RPI at 157 pounds, Sprenkle is No. 14 at 125 pounds and Stoll is No. 16 at 184 pounds.  Mark Erickson also earned a berth at 149 pounds, ranking No. 29.  Heavyweight Evan Knutson is No. 23.

Wrestlers in each weight class will be measured by winning percentage, rating percentage index (RPI) and coaches' rankings to earn spots for the 2012 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. The coaches' rankings are compiled by a vote of coaches across the nation.  Overall, 19 wrestlers from the Western Wrestling Conference were ranked in the second edition of the coaches' rankings and 20 are in the first RPI rankings.

NDSU travels to Utah Valley Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. CT and Northern Colorado Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. CT.