Johnson, Webb, Howes all Remain in NAIA Rankings
Avila men's wrestling is still receiving national votes and all three of Logan Johnson, Daryus Webb and Gavin Howes remain in the top 25 of their respective weight classes in the second in-season edition of the 2023-24 NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Top 20, the association unveiled this morning.
Avila has had three nationally-ranked wrestlers in every edition of the national poll so far this season, keeping the Eagles firmly in the receiving votes section of the team rankings, outside of the Top 20 but not by that much. Webb and Johnson have been featured in all three polls this season, while team newcomer Howes is appearing in his second straight.
Middleweight Logan Johnson is off to yet another strong season in his third year as an Eagle. One of Avila's three national tournament qualifiers a season ago, Johnson hasn't been able to compete as much lately but still sports a 5-3 overall record, including a pair of wins at the Grand View open in mid-November.
The junior from Belleville, Illinois is ranked No. 21 in the 149-pound weight class.
Senior standout Daryus Webb is off to a stellar start in his final season of collegiate wrestling. After qualifying for nationals for the first time at Avila last season, Webb has returned to lock down the 184 spot in the Avila lineup this year. Webb is tied for the team lead with eight total victories including four at last month's Grand View open and four more in five dual matches this season.
The senior from St. Louis is ranked No. 15 in the 184-pound weight class.
A newcomer to the team relative to the two three-year Eagles, Gavin Howes has immediately made his mark as a strong option at heavyweight in his first season at Avila. He's tied with Webb for the team lead with eight wins, and has the best winning percentage on the team at 72.7%. Most recently, Howes won three matches in the consolation bracket at the Grand View Open and followed that up with a major decision over Central Methodist's Austin Foye in their dual matchup in mid-November.
The junior formerly of Otero Community College is ranked No. 23 in the 285-pound weight class.
Five total KCAC teams are featured in the latest NAIA rankings: Ottawa, who the Eagles faced last week, jumped from No. 12 to No. 10 while Saint Mary, who Avila will face this week, fell from No. 16 to No. 19. Oklahoma Wesleyan and Friends are also receiving votes, though both are receiving fewer national votes than Avila is.
The full list of the latest rankings from the NAIA can be found on their website.
In the most recent NAIA rankings released by independent media organization The Open Mat, Webb was ranked No. 13 at 184.
Avila men's wrestling will return to the mat at Mabee Fieldhouse on Thursday, December 7 for their second KCAC dual of the season. The women kick off the doubleheader at 7 PM with the men to follow at 8 PM; as always, you can watch all the action on the Avila Sports Network with James Russell on the call from Kansas City.
