MANHEIM, Pa. – The Vermont State University Castleton wrestling team has climbed into the top 10 in Team Dual rankings in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) coaches poll released Friday. The team sits 10th, with Drew Marchese, Josh Negron, and Jashon Holmes ranked nationally in the top 15 of their respective weight classes, while nine wrestlers earned recognition in Region 1.

Castleton, now 13-6 in dual meet action, owns ranked wins over No. 15 Cost Guard, No. 24 Stevens, and No. 8 Johnson & Wales. With the Castleton Quad scheduled for this weekend.

Marchese moved his way up to ninth at 125 pounds, with a 27-7 overall record and a 12-2 dual record this season, clinching his 100th career win three weeks ago during the Little East Conference Tri-Match in Glenbrook Gym. Negron moved up one spot to 13th at 197 pounds and continues to hold a team-best 31-5 overall record, with a 13-1 dual record. Holmes rounds out the national recognition for the Spartans, sitting 15th at 165 pounds. Holmes joined Marchese and Negron in the 100-career wins club three weeks ago during the LEC Tri-Match, and now carries an overall record of 23-7, while sitting 13-2 in dual action.

In Region 1 rankings, Marchese and Negron were tabbed first at 125 and 197 pounds, respectively, while Nathaniel Camiscioli is the lone second-ranked wrestler at 157 pounds. Holmes was slotted third at 165, and Nicolas Balella fourth at 141 pounds. The Spartans claimed the sixth spot at 174 and 184 in Joseph Baker and Desmond McLaughlin, respectively. At 149 pounds, Joseph Kennedy was tabbed seventh, while Keonta Crawford rounds out the regional rankings in eighth at 285 pounds.

The Open Mat recognized Negron, Marchese, and Holmes in this week's rankings, with Negron ranked ninth at 197, Marchese 10th at 125, and Holmes 16th at 165 pounds, while the team was tabbed 11th in the Team Dual rankings. d3wrestle.com also updated its rankings this week, with Negron ranked 10th at 197 pounds. Marchese (125) and Holmes (165) were tabbed as contenders, while McLaughlin (184) and Crawford (285) were named honorable mentions.

The squad hosts the Castleton Quad tomorrow (February 7) as they celebrate the team's five seniors, beginning at 12 p.m.