Clarksville, Ark. - The University of the Ozarks men's wrestling team is the top pick in the inaugural preseason coaches poll among St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) teams. 
     
The Eagles are the longest running program in existence, having started back in 2014, and coached by Vinny Barber; who has been with the program for six years with this year being his second as head coach. The Eagles boast four wrestlers that tallied over 20 wins last season: Shelton Chastain (125), Jake Dado (141), John Ward (174), and Ka'Ron Lewis (285). Also back are Hayden Rofkahr (149), James Johnson (157), and Airamis Mendoza (165). Mendoza, a sophomore, is fully healthy this season and looking to follow up on his prep career that saw him qualify for state in California. Senior transfer Dan Benoit should make an immediate impact at 197 while freshmen Carter Taylor (133) and Caden Holland (184) are ones to watch. 

This year marks the first year the conference will sponsor a wrestling championship, which will be held in February. Seven member schools will compete in women's wrestling: Blackburn College, Eureka College, Fontbonne University, Lyon University, Schreiner University, University of the Ozarks and Westminster College.