The defending national champion Golden Gopher wrestling team received the No. 1 overall ranking in the W.I.N. Magazine preseason poll that was released late last week. Minnesota returns four All-Americans and 37 All-American points, the most of any team in the country. It marked the second straight year that Minnesota has earned W.I.N. Magazine’s top preseason honor.

As in previous years, the W.I.N. rankings project the best individuals and tournament teams. Teams are not ranked on dual-meet strength. The rankings are compiled based on feedback from collegiate wrestling coaches and past team and individual performances.

Eight different Gophers were ranked in their respective weight classes, including returning All-Americans Jayson Ness (ranked fourth at 125 lbs.), Dustin Schlatter (third at 149), C.P. Schlatter (fourth at 157) and Roger Kish (second at 184). In addition, returning starters Mack Reiter (fourth at 133 lbs.), Manny Rivera (seventh at 141), Tyler Safratowich (sixth at 165) and Gabe Dretsch (sixth at 174) were also ranked.

Minnesota will square off with several highly ranked opponents this season as they compete against one of the toughest schedules in Division I. In addition to a grueling Big Ten schedule that includes six teams ranked in the top-15, the Gophers will wrestle second-ranked Iowa State (Dec. 2), No. 7 Nebraska (Dec. 6) and the fifth-ranked Cowboys of Oklahoma State (Feb. 3) during their non-conference slate.

For a complete set of rankings, click here.

The 2007-08 Gophers will seek to gain their fourth national title when their regular season opens on Nov. 10 at the 2007 Bison Open, hosted by North Dakota State. The defending national champions return to Williams Arena for their home opener Dec. 2 against Iowa State.

Complete W.I.N. Magazine Preseason Rank (2006 Finish)
1. Minnesota (1st)
2. Iowa State (2nd)
3. Iowa (8th)
4. Cornell (13th)
5. Oklahoma State (5th)
6. Missouri (3rd)
7. Nebraska (16th)
8. Ohio State (10th)
9. Michigan (6th)
10. Central Michigan (15th)
11. Northwestern (4th)
12. Penn State (11th)
13. Wisconsin (12th)
14. Illinois (19th)
15. Indiana (14th)
16. Edinboro (9th)
17. Oklahoma (22nd)
18. Hofstra (7th)
19. UT-Chattanooga (21st)
19. Navy (18th)
21. Penn (25th)
22. Lehigh (38th)
23. Boise State (54th)
24. Arizona State (34th)
25. Oregon State (26th)

Gopher Individuals Ranked in the Top 20
125 Jayson Ness (4th)
133 Mack Reiter (4th)
141 Manny Rivera (7th)
149 Dustin Schlatter (3rd)
157 C.P. Schlatter (4th)
165 Tyler Safratowich (6th)
174 Gabe Dretsch (6th)
184 Roger Kish (2nd)