Triston Wills and Josiah Hill Represent Little Rock Wrestling in NCAA Coaches Ranking

LITTLE ROCK - Two Trojan wrestlers have been recognized in the first NCAA Coaches Ranking of the year, a ranking that holds significance as part of the NCAA Tournament qualification process. While this is the second year in a row that Triston Wills has made an appearance, it is the first time that Josiah Hill has received acknowledgments from coaches across the country as well as the first time that two Little Rock wrestlers have earned a spot on the list.

"I'm super happy for Josiah because he's worked really hard to be better and be different in every aspect of his life, and not just wrestling," said head coach Neil Erisman of the heavyweight, who is #32 on the list. "Today is just a step toward reaching his goals. He's got some opportunities to jump up in the rankings and finish the season strong so he can end up in the national tournament, and from there he can achieve his goal."

Hill, a redshirt sophomore from Bakersfield, California, has an 11-7 record going into this weekend, with one win and four losses against ranked wrestlers. The heavyweight has emerged as a leader on the Trojan squad as Hill has grown over his three years at Little Rock, topped off by a breakthrough tournament at the Southern Scuffle earlier this month.

On Triston Wills, who checked in at #21, Coach Erisman noted, "I'm definitely excited for Triston, since he's got some unfinished business from last year. It was a huge step in the right direction for him to place at the Scuffle, but now he's got huge opportunities to move up in the polls, and he's gotta do it to solidify his spot at Nationals this year."

The talented 174-pounder leads the team at 13-4 and has been raising the standard at Little Rock over his three years on the Trojan squad. The Derby, Kansas native has recorded three wins as well as two separate 3-2 losses over ranked wrestlers this season, and like Hill, brought the hammer down at both the Southern Scuffle as well as the Cougar Clash.

While there's plenty of season left to go before the NCAA Tournament in March, placing two Little Rock wrestlers in the first rankings is an honor for the Trojans, but also just a step in the process.

"The NCAA Tournament only includes 33 people," explained Coach Erisman. "Many sports start at 64, but wrestling is already cut in half, so being in the top 33 is a huge accomplishment. It's progress, and it shows that we're improving."

"I even think we have another few guys on the cusp that can get into this poll and show the progress that we've seen," Coach Erisman added. "Overall though, this is something important and something to be celebrated." 

Catch Triston Wills and Josiah Hill competing at home in the Jack Stephens Center this Sunday, January 22 as the Little Rock wrestling team takes on Northern Colorado in their second-to-last home dual of the season.

For the latest information on Little Rock Wrestling, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockWRES on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
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