KANSAS CITY, Mo.— For the first time since Oct. 19, 2023, the Montreat College men's wrestling team is receiving votes in the national ratings. According to a release from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the Cavaliers picked up two individual rankings and 12 team points during the voting process.
 
Overall, the Cavs corralled one more point than Briar Cliff (Iowa) but one fewer point than St. Ambrose (Iowa). Montreat's 12 points were tied with Hastings (Neb.) for the 43^rd-most among programs in the national release.
 
The Cavaliers have competed twice since the previous ratings were announced two weeks ago. Montreat suffered a 46-4 team dual defeat to then No. 23-rated Reinhardt (Ga.) back on Jan. 16 before tying for 26^th out of 41 squads at the Missouri Valley Invite last weekend.
 
Boedi Kirkland vaulted his way into the 149-lb weight class rankings thanks to a stellar freshman campaign. Over the past two weeks, Kirkland racked up six victories, including a ranked triumph over the NAIA's 18^th-rated wrestler. As part of that performance, the freshman ended up placing fifth at the Missouri Valley Invite. Already the program's single-season wins leader, Kirkland's 29-9 record proved good enough for 57 voting points and the nation's No. 17 rating.
 
Also a freshman, Kane Bryson secured four victories during the previous two weeks, all of which occurred at the Missouri Valley Invite. The Canton, N.C. native triumphed over a ranked foe as well, doing so against the NAIA's then 21^st-rated competitor. On the year, Bryson owns a 16-10 record, and he notched 20 voting points to land at No. 25 in the 125-lb weight class.
 
For a complete look at the NAIA Men's Wrestling Coaches' Top 25, click here.
 
The Montreat College men's wrestling team heads next to Beckley, W.Va. on Friday, Feb. 6 for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tri-dual with Pikeville (Ky.) and West Virginia Tech.