WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Defending New England champion Williams has been tabbed as the team to beat again this year by the region’s coaches.

“We’re excited about the preseason NEWA Coaches rankings because we feel we had a great season in 2008-2009 and we have a bunch of talented student-athletes back, but also we realize they are only rankings,” said Eph head coach Dan DiCenzo. “We return six All-New England wrestlers in Josh Mattana (125), Dylan Rittenburg (141), Corey Paulish (149), Carl Breitenstein (157), Jon Foster (165), and Ryan Malo (197).” The Ephs also return eight of 10 starters, have a strong group of upperclassmen returning, as well as a solid first year class.

"The thing I am most impressed with as a coach, is that after the success we had last year and making great strides on a national level, the group of returning wrestlers continued to work hard and made great gains in the off season getting stronger, faster, and continuing to wrestle,” stated DiCenzo. “The team’s dedication has been outstanding and that work ethic becomes contagious and sets a great example for our first year class."

Coming off a year that saw the Ephs win the New England title and finish 10th nationally, while earning a second straight National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American Team award this year’s Ephs will be challenged to continue their success. “We have high expectations and goals for our team this year and we have really challenged ourselves with a very competitive schedule,” noted DiCenzo. “We know there are some tough challenges out there, and there might be some bumps along the way, but that is going to make our team stronger and more prepared to compete come the New England Championship Tournament and the NCAA Championships.

DiCenzo’s Ephs are ranked 14th nationally and the only New England team in the top twenty-five. Three Ephs are ranked in the top 10 in their weight class. Ryan Malo is second at 197; Corey Paulish is 4th at 149 and Dylan Rittenburg is 7th at 141.

National team rankings are here and the national individual rankings are here.

The Ephs will open the 2009-10 season on the road at the Doug Parker Tournament where they will field a partial squad with some of their key competitors not available due to a commitment to football.

New England Division III Poll: (First Place Votes in Parentheses)

1. Williams College  (9) -- 98

2. Rhode Island College -- 87

3. Johnson & Wales University (1) -- 81                          

4. Wesleyan University -- 72

5. Springfield College -- 60

6. Plymouth State University -- 35

7. University of Southern Maine -- 34

8. Roger Williams University -- 33

9. Bridgewater State College -- 30

10. WPI -- 14

Others receiving votes: Norwich and Trinity