Dec. 11, 2007

LANCASTER, Pa. - Franklin & Marshall 174-pound wrestler Justin Herbert climbed three spots in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) rankings when the latest poll was released late Monday night. Herbert was one of two Franklin & Marshall wrestlers ranked in the poll. Heavyweight Nico Somers also garnered recognition.

Both Herbert and Somers were ranked sixth in their respective weight classes at the start of the season. Herbert, who has jumped out to a 9-1 start, has climbed to third at 174 pounds. He sits behind Navy's Mark Stolpinski (13-3) and Cornell's Steve Anceravage (12-0). Stolpinski is responsible for Herbert's only loss this season, a 6-3 decision at the Navy Classic. Stolpinski won the bracket at that event. Herbert claimed third place.

Somers remains sixth in the EIWA poll having started his season with 4-5 record. Bucknell's George Hingson, who claimed a 6-3 decision over Somers in a December 4th dual meet, sits fifth. Nathan Thobaben of Army is the only other EIWA ranked wrestler Somers has faced this season. Thobaben walked off with a 6-1 decision. Navy's Scott Steele is currently the top-ranked wrestler in the weight class.

Franklin & Marshall is off to a 2-2 start on the season, with a 0-2 mark in the 14-team EIWA. The Diplomats will host the 104th EIWA championship at the Mayser Center on Saturday March 8, and Sunday, March 9, 2008.