By:Patrick Hall

In preparation for the West Central Zone Regional Qualifier at Neosho Community College on February 10th, the PCC wrestling team will be staging a Regional Tournament Simulation on Saturday, Feb. 3rd in the PCC wrestling room. The Simulation matches are open to the public, and anyone interested in watching is welcome to come down to the Riney Student Center beneath the cafeteria. The first round will begin at 10:00 am, with second and third rounds at 12:00 and 2:30 respectively.

The simulation will feature PCC's top ten wrestlers as they prep for the regional tournament. Coach Thompson and Coach Davis will referee all matches.

The Beavers closed out their dual season 4-2 with their only two losses coming to the #2 ranked Labette Cardinals. PCC will take four nationally ranked wrestlers into the Regional Qualifier.

Colby Crawford is currently ranked #6 in the country at 141 lbs. Colby placed in two college opens this year, placing 3rd at the Northern Colorado Open and 2nd at the Fort Hays State Open.

Rylan England is ranked #6 in the country at 149 lbs. Rylan went undefeated in dual action for the Beavers, going 6-0. Rylan also took 2nd place at the Colby Tournament of Champions. In arguably his most impressive outing of the year, Rylan was unseeded in the tournament and was able to defeat the #3 and #2 seeds on his way to the final.

Jason Nichols is ranked #3 in the country at 157 lbs for the Beavers. Jason's highlights on the season are a 4th place at Northern Colorado Open, a 4th at Fort Hays State Open and a title at the Colby Tournament of Champions.

Rounding out the ranked Beavers is heavyweight Carl Wilkinson at #4 in the country. Carl's highlights include a 3rd place at University of Nebraska-Kearney Open and a win over the #2 ranked wrestler in NAIA.

Another bright spot for the Beavers has been Justin Naccarato. Justin went 5-0 in dual competition this year and placed 3rd at the Colby Tournament of Champions.

"These four wrestlers have certainly earned every bit of their recognition," said Head Coach Chas Thompson. "Colby has relied on strength and commanding position all year to earn his ranking. Rylan has been the quite storm of the team. He just keeps sneaking up on his opponents one by one. Jason has been a model of consistency all year long, and Carl has improved every match he has wrestled. As for Justin, he's by far one of the hardest workers in our room and well respected. This should be an exciting Regionals for PCC Wrestling."

The West Central Zone Regional Qualifier will take place at Neosho County Community College on Saturday, February 10th. Wrestling will begin at 9:00 am.