Hashimoto, Hopkin Ranked In Latest USA Today/InterMat/NWCA Poll

Jan. 13, 2007

GREELEY, Colo. - University of Northern Colorado wrestlers Kenny Hashimoto and Reece Hopkin appeared in the latest USA Today/InterMat/NWCA rankings released earlier this week.

Hashimoto, a sophomore 141-pounder, debuted in the poll at No. 16. He is coming off arguably the best week in his collegiate career, as he was named the Western Wrestling Conference wrestler of the week after going 4-0 with two pins at the Lone Star Duals and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the event.

His wins came over Harvard's then-No. 10 Max Meltzer, Wisconsin's then-No. 16 Kyle Ruschell, North Carolina's Mike Rappo and Brown's Mike Savino. It is Hashimoto's first ranking of his career.

Hopkin, a junior heavyweight, was ranked at No. 17 making an appearance at No. 16 last week. He picked up a 7-5 decision over Wisconsin's Kyle Massey at the Lone Star Duals. Last season, Hopkin finished ranked 20th at 197 pounds and debuted at No. 10 in the heavyweight preseason poll. He has faced both No. 1 Kole Conrad and No. 2 Bode Ogunwole this season.