NEWBERRY, S.C. (Oct. 28, 2015) - After a successful return to the mat in 2014-15, the LIU Post wrestling team received votes in Wednesday's Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association Preseason Poll.

The Pioneers were one of just five programs in Super Region I to either get votes or place in the Top-20. Mercyhurst University, Notre Dame College of Ohio and University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown individually ranked fourth, fifth and sixth. Wheeling Jesuit University was slotted at No. 17 in the tally.

Meanwhile, sophomore grappler Joe Calderone (Huntington Station, N.Y.) was listed as the No. 3 wrestler in the country at 133 lbs.

In his rookie year, Calderone wrestled his way to All-America and All-Super Region I honors. He boasted a team-best 29-11 record, which included an impressive 14-2 mark in dual meets. Calderone won 15 of his matches via pinfall, four by major decision and two via technical fall.

Calderone and the Pioneers open the 2015-16 campaign next Saturday (Nov. 7) at the Monarch Invitational, hosted by King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

2015-16 Division II Wrestling Coaches' Association Preseason Poll
1. Maryville (Mo.) (Eight First-Place Votes) - 160 Points
T-2. Nebraska-Kearney - 145 Points
T-2. St. Cloud State - 145 Points
4. Mercyhurst - 142 Points
5. Notre Dame (Ohio) - 116 Points
6. Pittsburgh-Johnstown - 101 Points
7. Newberry - 89 Points
8. Lake Erie - 81 Points
9. Augustana (S.D.) - 69 Points
10. Ashland - 67 Points
11. Tiffin - 63 Points
12. California Baptist - 56 Points
13. Findlay - 55 Points
14. Central Oklahoma - 54 Points
15. Indianapolis - 50 Points
16. Wisconsin-Parkside - 49 Points
T-17. Lindenwood (Mo.) - 45 Points
T-17. Wheeling Jesuit - 45 Points
19. Central Missouri - 39 Points
20. Colorado State-Pueblo - 28 Points

Also Receiving Votes: San Francisco State, Western State Colorado, Upper Iowa, Minnesota State-Mankato, McKendree, Colorado Mesa, LIU Post, Kutztown