Knox College senior Jaran Rutledge, from Mundelein, Illinois (Carmel High School), is the top-ranked heavyweight in the 2007-08 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III Brute-Adidas individual preseason rankings, which were released October 23.

"It is a nice honor," said Rutledge. "But it really means nothing until the National Tournament. Last year, the goal was to become an All-American; this year, the goal is to become a National Champion. It is nice to know that others think I can do it. It makes it more real. I also know I have to work even harder to stay at the top. I do expect a lot of myself and so does Coach Islas."

Even with a target on his back, the biology major doesn't feel any added pressure.

"I am going to wrestle the same way whether I'm ranked first or last," said Rutledge. "I know I can't take anything for granted and I can't overlook anyone."

Rutledge became Knox College's first wrestling All-American by placing third at the NCAA Division III Championships last year. He was the first Knox wrestler to compete in the National Wrestling Championships since Tom MacMillan reached nationals in 1980 for the second straight year. Last year, Rutledge finished with a 36-5 record and won individual titles at the Central College Invitational, the Northern Wrestling Association Tournament and the Great Lakes Regional. Thanks to his efforts, Rutledge led Knox to a 25th-place national finish, although he is more than willing to share the credit.

"I had a good team behind me," said Rutledge. "I had great practice partners who helped me along the way. The whole team contributed to my success."

There is a familiar face behind Rutledge in the rankings – Oneonta State's Trevor Hiffa, who is the second-ranked heavyweight in the 2007-08 NWCA preseason poll. Rutledge pinned Hiffa in the third-place match at the National Championships last season. The rest of the top-10 consists of John Miller (Luther College), Jake Taylor (Oswego State), Ryan Bowers (Heidelberg College), Dan Laurent (UW-La Crosse), Kyle Bilquist (Delaware Valley College), Luke Panizzi (York College), Steve Carbone (College of New Jersey) and Joseph Tarter IV (Muhlenberg College).

"I think Jaran's ranking shows we have the ability to make champions here at Knox," said head wrestling coach Tony Islas. "He has been in the program now starting his fourth year, and through the ideals and practices of what this program stands for, he is proving we are very serious about establishing a tradition of wrestling success.

"When I started seven years ago, I planned to get this program to this level, and continue with what is a new standard of expectations for the wrestling team," Islas continued. "Now that we are here, each day, each week, each month is bombarded by the thoughts of how do we make this even better."

With only three members on the wrestling roster the year before Rutledge's arrival on campus, the senior heavyweight has seen the Prairie Fire wrestling program grow.

"Coach Islas has done wonders to say the very least. He is bringing in some quality wrestlers. He has definitely made the program what it is today."

The Knox wrestling team opens the 2007-08 season at home Friday, November 9, against Waldorf College. The dual meet begins at 7 p.m. Knox will also host the Knox Invitational on Saturday, November 10.