INDIANAPOLIS (ncaa.com) - The NCAA has announced the qualifier allocations for the 2013 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and the Atlantic Coast Conference grabbed 30 spots after getting only 25 automatic spots last year.
Each qualifying tournament was awarded spots per weight class based on current year data. Each wrestler was measured on the following: Division I winning percentage; rating percentage index (RPI); and coaches ranking.
For each wrestler that reached the threshold in at least two of the three categories, his qualifying tournament was awarded a qualifying spot in that weight class. Each qualifying tournament - with automatic qualifying status - was awarded a minimum of one wrestler per weight class who will go to the tournament champion even if they did not have any wrestlers reach at least two of the three thresholds. NCAA tournament spots for each qualifying event will be awarded at the tournament based solely on place-finish.
The ACC grabbed 30 total spots: 4 at 125, 5 at 133, 4 at 141, 2 at 149, 2 at 157, 3 at 165, 3 at 174, 4 at 184, 2 at 197 and 1 at heavyweight. Based on rankings, winning percentage and RPI, all 10 Hokie starters got a spot for the conference and will help their cause should they need a wildcard spot after the ACC Championships.
After all of the qualifying events have concluded, the NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee will meet in-person to select the remaining 40 at-large qualifiers, which will be announced on March 13. All weight classes will consist of 33 wrestlers. The at-large selections will be made based on the following criteria: head-to-head competition; qualifying event placement; quality wins; results against common opponents; winning percentage; RPI; coaches ranking and the number of matches contested at that weight class.
For the full release, with conference by conference allocations, click here.
Below is how each Tech wrestler fared in the coaches’ poll, as well as the RPI).
125: Jarrod Garnett (5th in coaches; 6th in RPI)
133: Erik Spjut (20th in coaches; 17th in RPI)
141: Zach Neibert (12th in coaches; 15th in RPI)
149: Nick Brascetta (9th in coaches; 2nd in RPI)
157: Jesse Dong (9th in coaches; 7th in RPI)
165: Pete Yates (4th in coaches; 3rd in RPI)
174: Austin Gabel (22nd in coaches; 24th in RPI)
184: Nick Vetterlein (25th in coaches; 18th in RPI)
197: Derrick Borlie (24th in coaches; 22nd in RPI)
285: David Marone (22nd in coaches; 26th in RPI)
For updates on Virginia Tech wrestling, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Wrestling).