Oct. 25, 2002

University of Illinois head wrestling coach Mark Johnson's squad is ranked 12th in the nation according to Intermat's Top-25 preseason poll released on Thursday. Senior 165-pounder Matt Lackey is rated the top wrestler in his weight class and is one of six Illini individuals ranked in the Top-20. Despite a Top-10 finish in 2002 and six NCAA qualifiers returning, the Illini are picked 12th overall and sixth in the conference.

Lackey, who fell short of a national title in 2002, is once again No. 1 in the nation at 165 pounds. He has recorded 82 wins in his career and is a two-time All-American. The Moline, Ill. native was voted the team's captain and looks to lead the Illini to its seventh Top-10 placing in the Johnson era.

In addition to Lackey, junior Jason Potter earned his highest preseason ranking of the season as the fifth-best wrestler at 184 pounds. Senior 125-pounder Twan Pham nabbed a top-10 ranking at 10th, while senior Ryan Berger is ranked 11th at 149 pounds. Redshirt freshman 157-pounder Alex Tirapele is 14th and sophomore Brian Glynn is 14th at 174.

The Illini will hold their annual wrestle-offs on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Huff Hall and open the 2002-03 season at the Missouri Open on Nov. 24.