For the first time since the wrestling program returned to varsity status, the York University Lions men's wrestling team has a place in the national rankings.
The Lions were announced at No. 10 in U Sports as part of the weekly rankings on Dec. 6.
Under the guidance of head coach Eamonn Dorgan, the Lions have made tremendous strides since 2012. In each of the last four years the Lions have had a wrestler reach the podium at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships – including a gold medal by Ali Koca in the 120kg weight class in 2015 – and represent York at the U Sports championships.
This year is poised to be the team's best yet under Dorgan, with several student-athletes capable of medaling at the OUA and U Sports championships later in the season.
York had a dominant wrestling program in the late 1980s, including winning a national championship in 1989 and OUA titles in 1987 and 1989.
The Lions are off until the new year and will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 14 when they travel to St. Catharines, Ont., for the Brock Open.