September 26, 2006 - Five Wrestlers begin 2006-07 Nationally Ranked

September 26, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

College Wrestling
Five Broncs Nationally Ranked

LAWRENCEVILLE—Five members of the Rider University wrestling team will begin the 2006-2007 season ranked among the top 20 wrestlers in the nation in their respective weight classes.

Junior Don Fisch (Williamstown/Delsea Regional) begins the season ranked seventh in the nation at 141 pounds, senior Dave Miller (Southampton/Lenape) is ranked 15th at 157 pounds, junior Zach Cunliffe (Farmingdale/Howell) is ranked 18th at 133 pounds, junior T. J. Morrison (Mechanicsburg, PA/Cedar Cliff) is ranked 19th among 197 pounders, and sophomore Michael Kessler (Randallstown, Md./Owings Mills) is ranked 20th at 149 pounds.

“We are very pleased to have five of our individual wrestlers ranked among the Top 20 of their respective weight classes,” said Rider head coach Gary Taylor, who has developed 11 All-Americans in the last 26 seasons at Rider while compiling 319 victories and 13 conference championships.  “I feel that this is a good starting point for them and motivation for other members of our team to get focused for the season and to work hard to be an All American.”

Fisch came within one win of All-America honors at the 2005 Nationals, and was ranked ninth in the nation before red-shirting last season.

Miller won a bout at Nationals in 2005 as the Colonial Athletic Association runner-up and was ranked 18th in the nation last season before red-shirting.

Cunliffe went 8-1 in the CAA regular season and won his weight class at the CAA Championships last season, earning his first trip to Nationals.

Morrison is a two-time National qualifier and has compiled a 47-22 record, including 24-5 in duals and 11-1 in CAA duals.

Kessler was 8-1 in the CAA duals last year and qualified for Nationals. His total of 27 wins was the second highest on the team.

The Broncs begin the 2006-2007 season November 10 when they host Lehigh.

-RU-