Cleveland, Ohio – The Cleveland State wrestling team has been chosen to finish third in the MAC for the 2023-24 season, as voted on by the conference coaches.

Lock Haven took the No. 1 spot after receiving 126.5 points, Central Michigan was second with 119 points, and the Vikings were third with 86.5 points.

Cleveland State finished last season with a 7-8 overall record and a 6-4 MAC record. At the MAC Championships, the Green and White had a conference-best seven placers.

The Green and White return four placers from last season: Ben Aranda (125 Pounds), Jake Manley (133 Pounds), DeAndre Nassar (184 Pounds), and Daniel Bucknavich (285 Pounds).

Cleveland State has four guys ranked in the national poll: No. 21 Ben Smith (197 Pounds), No. 26 Bucknavich (285 Pounds), No. 29 Dylan Layton (141 Pounds), and No. 31 Nassar (184 Pounds).

Rankings in the MAC
125 - Ben Aranda (5)
133 - Jake Manley (3)
141 - Dylan Layton (4)
149 - Douglas Terry (13)
157 - Shane Heil (9)
165 - Daniel Patten (5)
174 - DeAndre Nassar (5)
184 - Joey Lyons (10)
197 - Ben Smith (1)
285 - Daniel Bucknavich (2)

The Vikings compete in their first dual meet on Sunday, Nov. 5, when they take on No. 10 Iowa State at Massillon Perry High School with a start time of 1 p.m.