MANHEIM, Pa. -- Penn College wrestling team enters the 2023-24 season tied for 23rd in the first edition of the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Coaches Poll, announced by the organization on Tuesday. The announcement marks the first time the Wildcats program is nationally ranked. PCT's first-ever NCAA Championship qualifier, Isaac Cory, earned two individual rankings to start the season as he was tabbed fourth nationally and first in the Mideast Region at 184 pounds.

Cory finished with 18 wins during his rookie campaign at 184 pounds last season, including a runner-up finish at the NCAA Division III Mideast Regional to earn a spot in the national tournament.

Joining the standout sophomore in the Mideast Region rankings are junior 141-pounder Noah Hunt (2nd), sophomore 165-pounder Mason Leshock (5th) and senior 197-pounder Gabriel Kennedy-Citeroni (2nd). A three-time NWCA Scholar All-American and two-time Mideast Regional placewinner, Hunt led the Wildcats with 37 wins and placed sixth at the Mideast Regional a season ago. Leshock recorded a team-high 20 pins in his 23 victories as a freshman last season and Kennedy-Citeroni posted 19 victories in 2022-23 as he heads into his final collegiate campaign this year.

Penn College opens its season at the Ithaca Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4.