VAWA is happy to release our first official VISAA team rankings compiled by Will Finley.  Will is a loyal and objective VISAA wrestling fan who's rankings have been a hit on the VAWA private school forum for many years.  

The latest top ten VISAA teams can be found at the following link:

http://www.virginiawrestling.com/page/show/980447-virginia-s-top-25

VISAA Top 10 - 2/2/15 by Will Finley

On the heels of their win at the inaugural VISAA State Duals, Liberty Christian remains the #1 team in this week’s ranking of the VISAA’s Top 10. The Bulldogs finished Saturday’s tournament with a perfect 4-0 record that included wins over #2 Benedictine, #3 St. Christopher’s and #5 Paul VI. This was LCA’s fifth tournament win of the 2014-2015 campaign. The Bulldogs are powered by a group of title contenders including Justin Phillips (106), Brady Leffew (120), Chad Cantrell (145), Judah Bruce (170) and Mason Wolk (220). This group is buoyed by the VISAA’s most complete lineup that is likely to produce additional top-five placers.

Benedictine College Prep and St. Christopher’s School remain the #2 and #3 teams. At the duals, Benedictine won for the second time this season over their cross-town rivals. 

Although the Saints were able to close the scoring gap, the Cadets remain the better dual team. With an individual tournament format, however, the distinction between these two teams is not as clear. Both teams have four potential champions. The Cadets roll-out Brady Biller (120), Josh Wyland (132), Robert Dupont (152) and Trevor Thoma (160), while St. Chris counters with Joey Prata (113), John Ferguson (170), Carrington Lanier (195) and DT Badley (285). Although the dual has been settled for the time being, the VISAA Tournament question remains open and much to be debated.

1. Liberty Christian, 19-0

2. Benedictine, 17-4

3. St. Christopher's, 15-9

#4 Fork Union Military Academy has had a solid season. Their most recent success is the title at Nottoway’s Southside Scuffle. The Blue Devils had earlier placed third at the News Leader Tournament in Waynesboro and recorded dual wins over #5 Paul VI, #6 St. Stephen’s and #10 Covenant. That two of FUMA’s ranked wrestlers, Chase Kaufman (106) and Josh Tidman (170), have suffered season ending injuries makes their grip on this spot a bit tenuous. At the same time, the Blue Devils have a number of able wrestlers who can stand in for their fallen teammates.

#5 Paul VI, #6 St. Stephen’s / St. Agnes and #7 Peninsula Catholic are in a virtual tie despite this forced ranking. Among this group, the Panthers hold a dual win over SSSA and finished ahead of the Knights at the Commonwealth Catholic Championship (2nd / 3rd). By taking the crown at the PC Tournament, the Saints similarly have a tournament win over second place Peninsula Catholic. This does not tell the whole story; Peninsula Catholic holds an early season win over Fork Union. Consequently, the question of who is the best of the rest remains wide open and hotly contested.

4. Fork Union Military, 10-1

5. Paul VI Catholic, 16-9

6. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, 11-4

7. Peninsula Catholic, 15-0

#8 Norfolk Academy is putting in a solid season and are currently tied with #7 Peninsula Catholic for first place in the TCIS pending their February 4th encounter. The Bulldogs hold a dual win over #9 Cape Henry Collegiate and have consistently outpaced other VISAA team at individual tournaments. The lack of a true title contender may be NA’s weakness come tournament time. #9 Cape Henry remains a top ten team even though they lack depth in their line-up. The trio of Luke Harvich (113), Logan Harvich (126) and Jackson Law (182) are title contenders and with a little help, will push the Dolphins to a top ten finish.

#10 The Covenant School rounds out this week’s ranking. The Eagles are having one of their best seasons to date and recently finished 5th at the VISAA Duals. Paul Huemme (160) has emerged as a star in the VISAA following his recent wins over Trevor Thoma (BEN) and Brian Sakalas (ROCA). Covenant will be challenged by the likes of Bishop O’Connell, Woodberry Forest and Episcopal to remain in the top flight. For the moment however, Covenant deserves the recognition.

8. Norfolk Academy, 4-2

9. Cape Henry Collegiate, 3-5

10. The Covenant School, 15-8