Lehigh and Cornell top Jan. 14 NWCA mid-major Div. I poll

Manheim, Pennsylvania – The National Wrestling Coaches Association released its first mid-major Top 20 of the season on Thursday. Formulated in 2017, the mid-major Top 20 concentrates on programs outside the traditional "Power 5" conferences.
The EIWA and Big 12 conferences dominated the top-five, with four of the top five teams led by Lehigh ranked first, with five first-place votes. Cornell was right behind the Mountain Hawks in the second position. The Mountain Hawks defeated Big Red by a final of 18-15 last Saturday evening.
South Dakota State fell into the third spot following a strong start to the season. North Dakota State in fourth and Campbell in fifth round out the top-five.
The MAC made a big splash with six schools into the top-20 along with the Big 12. The EIWA was just behind with five. The SoCon had two teams in the top 20 highlighted by Campbell at number five.
Five mid-major teams are ranked in the NWCA Coaches Poll, with four other programs currently receiving votes.
Methodology: The NWCA Division I Mid-Major Wrestling Coaches Poll is voted on by coaches representing teams from non-Power five conferences. The poll is based on dual meet results. Each first-place vote is worth 20 points, 19 points for a second-place vote, 18 for a third-place vote, and so on through to one point for a 20th-place vote. Teams not competing this season are not included in the voting process.

Questions related to historical polls can be sent to Jason Bryant at jason@bryantwrestling.com.