BOONE, N.C. — In the first of four NCAA Coaches' Panel Rankings for the 2016-17 season, seven Appalachian State University wrestling student-athletes were ranked in the top 30, the association announced on Friday. The final rankings are used as part of the selection process to determine the qualifiers for the 2017 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship.

Representing the Mountaineers are senior Vito Pasone, freshman Colby Smith, sophomore Matt Zovistoski, junior Forrest Przybysz, junior Nick Kee, junior David Peters-Logue and senior Denzel Dejournette.

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. 

With seven wrestlers selected to the rankings, Appalachian State (10-2, 5-0 Southern Conference) led all SoCon teams – Gardner-Webb being second with four, and also App State's next opponent.

The Mountaineers are coming off a big, 25-11, non-conference victory over Duke on Tuesday and will be facing three-straight SoCon opponents to begin wrapping up the regular season. The conference action begins when App State hosts Gardner-Webb on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in Varsity Gym.

Complete Rankings:
125: Vito Pasone (No. 22) 
133: Colby Smith (No. 21) 
149: Matt Zovistoski (No. 17) 
165: Forrest Przybysz (No. 28) 
174: Nick Kee (No. 22) 
189: David Peters-Logue (No. 30) 
HWT: Denzel Dejournette (No. 13)