From NYU Athletics

The New York University wrestling team has received a top-15 ranking from the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), which recently released its 2015-16 Division III preseason poll. This is the first time NYU has been ranked top-15 in the preseason.

NYU Senior Assistant Coach Corey Luce is a member of the NWCA's seven-man ranking committee.

Individually, two NYU wrestlers have also been nationally ranked in their respective weight classes to begin the season. Sophomore Jacob Donato has been cited as the #4 wrestler in the nation among grapplers in the 125-lb. weight class by the NWCA and #9 by d3wrestle.com, while junior and returning All-American Nathan Pike is ranked #2 by the NWCA and d3wrestle.com in the 133-lb. division. Sophomore Raymond Jazikoff (157) and junior captain John Messinger (165) each earned Honorable Mention accoloades from d3wrestle.com in their respective weight classes, as well.

NYU's '15-16 squad is hoping to repeat the success achieved by the record-setting 2014-15 squad. Last season, NYU tied a program best with a 12th-place finish at the NCAA Division III Championships following a runner-up performance at the NCAA East Regional Championships. The team also hauled in its fourth-consecutive University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship and finished a perfect 8-0 in Centennial Conference action, capturing its first-ever regular-season title.

Head Coach Bruce Haberli, who enters his 21st season with the NYU wrestling program, has compiled an overall record of 231-165-3 during his tenure.

"It's nice to be recognized for the accomplishments our program has produced," Haberli said. "We want to continue to improve and to be considered among the top teams in the nation."