Nov. 6, 2002

The University of Illinois receiving its highest ranking of the preseason on Thursday as Mark Johnson's squad was picked ninth in the National Wrestling Coaches' Association poll. With six returning NCAA qualifiers, the Illini are looking to improve on the 10th-place finish in 2002.

The Illini will begin the 2002-03 season with the goals of continuing their Top-10 success. On six occasions during the Johnson era, Illinois has finished the season among the 10 best programs at the NCAA Championships.

Illinois is one of five Big Ten teams picked in the Top-10, with the defending national champion Minnesota Golden Gophers nabbing the top spot. Iowa holds the No. 3 position followed by Michigan at No. 5 and Ohio State sixth.

NWCA PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Minnesota
2. Oklahoma State
3. Iowa
Oklahoma
5. Michigan
6. Ohio State
7. Iowa State
8. Lehigh
9. Illinois
10. West Virginia
11. Missouri
12. Arizona State
13. Nebraska
14. Northern Iowa
15. Edinboro
16. Michigan State
17. Cornell 92
18. Boise State 83
19. Central Michigan 78
20. Penn State 74
21. Penn 60
22. Hofstra 44
23. Purdue 39
24. Lock Haven 33
25. Wisconsin 26