DeKALB | The NIU wrestling team finds itself ranked third out of six teams for the Mid-American Conference — at least according to the MAC preseason polls.

The Huskies are behind both five-time defending MAC Champion, Central Michigan (28 points), and Kent State (21 points) in the poll by all the head coaches in the conference.

With its 20 points, NIU is in front of Buffalo (14), Ohio (12) and Eastern Michigan (5).

“We’re in a good position,” said coach Dave Grant. “It’ll keep us hungry. We have a strong returning team with some good performances coming our way.”

The Huskies bring back three NCAA qualifiers from 2006. In the poll, Johnny Galloway (165 pounds) and Mike Grimes (149 pounds) received top-ranking in their weight class. Pat Castillo is ranked second behind Central Michigan’s Luke Smith, a two-time MAC champion at 125 pounds.

NIU junior Chad Vandiver (133 pounds), junior Aaron Owen (157-pounds), senior Danny Burk (174 pounds) and heavyweight Joe Sapp are all tabbed to finish third in the conference rankings.

At 184 and 197 pounds, freshmen Duke Burk and Rob Panayi were selected to finish fourth overall.

NIU will host its annual Wrestle-Offs at 6:05 p.m. on Nov. 1 on Victor E. Court at the Convocation Center.