ERIE, Pa. - The Gannon wrestling team is ranked 17th in the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association Preseason Top 20 released Wednesday afternoon. In addition, Frank McGrath (Hammonton, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) and Kevin McElhaney (Jamestown, Pa./Jamestown Area) are ranked fourth nationally in their respective weight classes.

Defending NCAA Division II champion Nebraska-Omaha is the unanimous pick to retain its title in 2010. The Mavericks received 160 points. Minnesota State (148), Newberry (S.C.) (138), Nebraska-Kearney (132) and Adams State (Colo.) (123) completed the top five.

Central Oklahoma (121), Western State (Colo.) (103), St. Cloud State (Minn.) (95), Upper Iowa (95) and Pitt-Johnstown (90) rounded out the top 10. Gannon is tabbed 17th with 41 points.

McGrath is the nation's fourth-ranked heavyweight in the preseason rankings. The senior, who was earlier tabbed No. 1 in the East region, placed fifth at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships with a 4-2 record. He finished 33-8 overall and 10-0 in dual competition with a team-high 15 pins last season.

McGrath is a two-time national qualifier, placing fourth at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships. He owns a 63-23 overall record and 18-3 dual mark during his collegiate career. Twenty-one of those victories ended via a pin, the ninth-highest mark in school history.

McElhaney is listed fourth nationally at 149. Ranked second in the NCAA Division II Preseason East regional rankings, McElhaney finished sixth at the 2009 NCAA Division II National Championships after winning the East Regional 149-pound title. The senior posted an 18-11 overall record and 5-2 dual mark with three pins last season. He has a 57-37 overall record with 23 pins during his collegiate career. His career pin total ranks seventh all-time at Gannon.

Gannon opens the season Sunday, November 1 at the University of Buffalo Open. The Golden Knights then host the National Catholic Invitational Saturday, November 7 at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion.