LEXINGTON, Va.- VMI standout Josh Wine has been ranked 15th in the heavyweight division of the preseason InterMat/NWCA/NWMA Individual Rankings, according to information released recently. Wine is the highest-ranked sophomore in this year’s preseason rankings.

Wine, who is currently a defensive tackle for the VMI football team, won the 2007-08 Southern Conference Heavyweight Championship, thanks to an undefeated run at the SoCon meet. In doing so, he became the first Keydet freshman to earn that honor since 1996.

The Fredricksburg native then prevailed in his first match at last year’s NCAA National Championships, before falling to eventual national champion Dustin Fox of Northwestern. Wine held an early lead in the match with Fox, but was unable to hold the advantage. The then-freshman was eliminated in his next match by a nationally-ranked opponent.

For his efforts, Wine was named to last season’s Amateur Wrestling News All-Rookie First Team, and was the first VMI wrestler to receive that honor. He went 9-4 in his freshman campaign, including four pins and a 4-1 mark in dual matches.

The VMI wrestling team is set to begin its 2008-09 campaign Sunday, Nov. 9 at the King College Open in Bristol, Tenn.