The 2020-2021 NCAA Division II Preseason National Rankings by The Open Mat was released on Wednesday, with the Lindenwood wrestling team coming in at the third spot in the poll. Lindenwood amassed a 9-4 record during the regular season, including a 6-1 record inside the GLVC in 2019-20. The Lions finished third in the NCAA Regional, and arrived at the NCAA Championships as the No. 7 team in the country. The championship tournament was cut short in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colby Smith returns for Lindenwood after posting a perfect 13-0 record on the mat in 2019-20. Due to his dominance last year, Smith has earned the top ranking in the 141-pound weight class. Smith earned a 6-3 decision over Peter Kuster of Drury last season, who is currently ranked eighth. The Wentzville, Mo. native took first place at the regional tournament, making him an NCAA Division II National Qualifier. Smith went on to finish the season as the No. 2 wrestler in his weight class, and earned All-American recognition.
Gavin Londoff sits atop the 149-pound weight class as he enters his senior season. In 2019-20, Londoff swept the Missouri Open going a perfect 5-0, including a win by pin and major decision. He also went unbeaten at the Maryville Open going 2-0 while taking second place. Londoff was an All-American in 2018-19, taking home third place at the 2019 NCAA Division II National Championships.
Abner Romero is currently ranked No. 2 in the 174-pound weight class and will look to build off a strong showing in 2019-20 where he compiled a record of 10-1. Romero pinned his opponent in 41 seconds in his first match as a Lion, and went on to win the regional championship in dominant fashion. Romero earned a pin in just 37 seconds in the regional last season, and was later named an NWCA All-American.
Tanner Hitchcock is looking to post his third-straight 20-win campaign. Hitchcock led the team with 25 wins in 2019-20, garnering All-American honors for the first time in his career. During the season, Hitchcock took first place at the Maryville Open and won the regional tournament. He went on to finish the season as the No. 10 ranked wrestler in his weight class. For 2020-21, Hitchcock sits at No. 6 in the 133-pound weight class, and looks to claim his third regional title in as many years.
The 2020-21 roster will feature 11 newcomers and returns four all-GLVC performers from a year ago. The 2020-21 schedule is highlighted by conference matchups against McKendree, Maryville, and UIndy. The Lions dominated the Greyhounds last season, posting a 35-6 victory. Romero wasted no time in his match as he earned a pin just 41 seconds into the bout.
Lindenwood has also won its last two duals against Maryville, most recently picking up a 20-13 win in 2019-20. Lindenwood and McKendree have been going toe-to-toe in the series history, with each team winning four duals since the 2011-12 season. The Bearcats have won the last three duals, including a 26-11 win over the Lions last year.
The Lions will open the season at home on January 10th against Davenport, and GLVC rival in McKendree.
