University of Maryland Athletics

Rappo, Bannister Remain in 2nd NCAA Coaches’ Rankings

Wrestling Maryland Athletics

Rappo, Bannister Remain in 2nd NCAA Coaches’ Rankings

NCAA Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Two Maryland wrestlers were ranked in their respective weight classes in the second NCAA coaches' panel rankings for the 2016-17 season released Friday. Redshirt senior Billy Rappo (133) redshirt sophomore Alfred Bannister (149) were both ranked in the top-33.

The final rankings will be one of the tools used as part of the selection process to determine the qualifiers for the 2016 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

Wrestlers in each weight class will be measured by winning percentage, rating percentage index (RPI) and coaches' rankings to earn spots in their qualifying tournaments for the 2017 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

The coaches' rankings are compiled by a vote of coaches representing each qualifying tournament. For ranking purposes, coaches may only consider a wrestler that has been designated as a starter at a respective weight class. In order to be eligible for the rankings, wrestlers must have participated in at least five matches against Division I opponents in the weight class and have wrestled within the last 30 days.

Rappo again came in at the No. 32 spot in the 133-pound list, as the Hollad, Pa. native currently sports an 10-10 record with a 7-6 mark in duals this season. Rappo has wrestled one of the toughest schedules on the team this season, facing eight ranked opponents between 141 and 133 pounds. Rappo surprised some folks in the early rounds of the Midlands Championships December 29-30, knocking off two seeded opponents in his season debut at 133 pounds.

Bannister was tabbed 13th in the 149-pound ranking, as the La Plata, Md. native has put together a standout year on the mat for Maryland. Bannister has been ranked in every InterMat Wrestling top-20 poll since November 8, and holds a 21-3 record and undefeated 11-0 mark in dual matches. He has knocked off four ranked opponents on the season, and has been clutch in close matches with 12 of his wins coming by one or two points.

Bannister (6), Danny Boychuck (30), David-Brian Whisler (25) and Youssif Hemida (26) were all tabbed in the first RPI rankings,  which requires a minimum of 17 Division I matches to be eligible for a ranking

Maryland will wrestle its final home match of the season Friday against Northwestern.

-Terps- 

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Players Mentioned

Billy Rappo

Billy Rappo

125 pounds
Freshman
Alfred Bannister

Alfred Bannister

141 pounds
Freshman
Danny Boychuck

Danny Boychuck

149 pounds
Freshman
Youssif Hemida

Youssif Hemida

285 pounds
Freshman
David-Brian Whisler

David-Brian Whisler

184 pounds
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Billy Rappo

Billy Rappo

Freshman
125 pounds
Alfred Bannister

Alfred Bannister

Freshman
141 pounds
Danny Boychuck

Danny Boychuck

Freshman
149 pounds
Youssif Hemida

Youssif Hemida

Freshman
285 pounds
David-Brian Whisler

David-Brian Whisler

Freshman
184 pounds