The Ashland University wrestling team is ranked 17th in the preseason NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association poll that was released last Thursday.

The Eagles, under third year coach Tim Dernlan, received 28 points in the poll. Defending national champion Nebraska-Omaha is ranked first with 160 points and St. Cloud State is picked second with 150 points. St. Cloud State finished seventh at last year’s national meet. Augustana (SD), the national runner-up a year ago, is picked third with 144 points.

A number of teams that appear on Ashland’s 2010-2011 schedule can be found in the Top 20. Findlay is ranked eighth, West Liberty is tied for 12th, Pitt-Johnstown is ranked 14th, Adams State is ranked 19th and Limestone is tied for 20th.

AU sophomore Dan Genetin is ranked seventh in the nation at 149 pounds.

The Eagles open the 2010-2011 season when they host the 16th Annual Harris Open Nov. 20.