Rankings Roundup 11-14-25

General Elyse Brittain

Rankings Roundup!

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Exciting performances for the Warriors highlighted multiple teams climbing national rankings and making their mark in events across the country, as nine Warrior teams are currently ranked nationally. From wrestling mats to basketball courts, bowling lanes, hockey rinks, and the soccer field, Indiana Tech athletes have showcased skill, determination, and team spirit, as they play through their seasons.

The men's wrestling team climbed to 3rd spot in the latest NAIA national rankings, moving up from 4th following strong performances in recent tournaments. At the Patriot Open, Michael Durham captured the top spot in a bracket loaded with highly ranked opponents, including wrestlers ranked 9th, 10th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 25th nationally. Momentum continued at the Trine Invitational, where Tyler Hisey and Trevor Hisey each earned co-champion finishes in the 125-pound division. Other standout performers included Jonathan Kervin, Landon Buchanan, Nathan Critchfield, Johnny Cruz, and Ian Clifford, all securing first-place finishes in their respective weight classes.

The women's wrestling squad moved up two spots to 5th spot in the latest NAIA rankings, fueled by standout performances at the Tiffin Open and the Battles of the Rockies. At the Rockies, Emma Jones, Rose Kaplan, and Bo Geibe each earned first-place finishes in their respective weight classes, helping propel the team higher in the national standings.

Both the men's and women's bowling teams maintained their national positions, with the men at #3 and the women at #9. At the WHAC Jamboree, the women captured first place behind Leah Brazier, who knocked down 561 pins over three games. The men finished second, led by Nolan Blessing, who posted a 650-pin total over three games, finishing second overall. Strong performances in these early-season events continue to highlight the competitiveness of the Warriors bowling squads.

Both hockey programs have shown consistency in the ACHA rankings this season, with the women moving up to #13 and the men holding steady at #17. The women overcame early-season losses with a strong turnaround, highlighted by a November 8th victory over Michigan State, where they capitalized on four power-play goals while being led by Sylvie Legault, who scored two key goals to lead the team to victory. The men's team demonstrated resilience despite challenges in early conference play, with leaders Ryan Doucette and Malik Ali helping sustain momentum for more wins to come.

The Tech basketball teams also got off to solid season starts. The women's squad dropped to #23 but bounced back with a home victory over #10 Indiana Wesleyan, sparked by Gabby Richie scoring seven straight unanswered points in the final two minutes to help win the game. The men's team, ranked #21, started the season 3-1, with Blake Davidson and Jaxson Fugate leading the team on both ends of the court. Both teams look to make adjustments and move up in the polls as the season continues.

The men's soccer team captured the 2025–26 WHAC Tournament championship, maintaining a #17 NAIA national ranking. This marks the program's seventh consecutive WHAC Tournament title, and the team now looks ahead to the NAIA Tournament, with first and second rounds scheduled for November 20–22. A key contributor, Flip Maksimovic, scored in the 87th minute against #25 UNOH, securing a 1-0 victory in the semifinal game. In the championship game against #14 Madonna, he scored 28 seconds after entering the game off the bench, giving the Warriors an early lead. Later, Emerson Nieto connected with Xambos Statiotis to add another goal, helping seal the tournament win.

With strong performances across multiple sports, the Warriors continue to demonstrate their depth, resilience, and competitive spirit as a whole. As the teams move forward, the momentum built in these recent competitions sets the stage for continued success, both in conference play and on the national stage. The Warriors are proving that dedication, teamwork, and talent can lead to national recognition and victories on every field, court, rink, and mat.
 
-TECH-
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Players Mentioned

Emerson Nieto

#8 Emerson Nieto

M
5' 8"
Graduate Student
Xambos Statiotis

#4 Xambos Statiotis

D
6' 3"
Junior
Sylvie Legault

#11 Sylvie Legault

D
5' 8"
Sophomore
RH
Landon Buchanan

Landon Buchanan

174
Senior
Ian Clifford

Ian Clifford

285
Senior
Johnny Cruz

Johnny Cruz

285
Sophomore
Michael Durham

Michael Durham

174
Junior
Trevor Hisey

Trevor Hisey

125
Senior
Tyler Hisey

Tyler Hisey

125
Senior
Jonathan Kervin

Jonathan Kervin

165
Senior

Players Mentioned

Emerson Nieto

#8 Emerson Nieto

5' 8"
Graduate Student
M
Xambos Statiotis

#4 Xambos Statiotis

6' 3"
Junior
D
Sylvie Legault

#11 Sylvie Legault

5' 8"
Sophomore
RH
D
Landon Buchanan

Landon Buchanan

Senior
174
Ian Clifford

Ian Clifford

Senior
285
Johnny Cruz

Johnny Cruz

Sophomore
285
Michael Durham

Michael Durham

Junior
174
Trevor Hisey

Trevor Hisey

Senior
125
Tyler Hisey

Tyler Hisey

Senior
125
Jonathan Kervin

Jonathan Kervin

Senior
165