University of Mount Olive freshman JT Richards, top, works to secure a cradle pin against Greensboro College’s Ivan Benitez in their 133-pound battle during the Trojan Duals this past Sunday. Richards is one of four UMO matmen to earn an individual national ranking. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
University of Mount Olive is ranked No. 23 nationally in the Open Mat NCAA Division II dual-team men’s wrestling rankings.
Four Trojans are ranked in the top 15 in four different weight classes.
Freshman JT Richards is No. 14 at 133 pounds. Redshirt freshman Dallas Wilson is No. 12 at 149 pounds. Mike Vernegallo, a redshirt junior, is ranked No. 15 among 157-pounders.
A redshirt senior, heavyweight Nico Ramirez is No. 13.
Ramirez, who transferred from Southern Virginia University, posted two victories during dual-team action against Emmanuel and Greensboro College last Sunday. He was named the Conference Carolinas wrestler-of-the-week.
A three-time Division III All-American at SVU, Ramirez is ranked No. 4 among heavyweights in Super Region II action.
The Trojans return to action Saturday in the 43rd annual Midwest Classic, hosted by the University of Indianapolis. By
