Each qualifying tournament was awarded spots per weight class based on current year data. Each wrestler was measured on the following: Division I winning percentage at the weight class; ratings percentage index (RPI); and coaches' ranking.
For each wrestler that reached the threshold in at least two of the three categories, his qualifying tournament was awarded a qualifying spot in that weight class. Each qualifying tournament, with automatic qualifying status, was awarded a minimum of one wrestler per weight class, which will go to the tournament champion, even if they did not have any wrestlers reach at least two of the three thresholds. NCAA tournament spots for each qualifying event will be awarded at the tournament based solely on place-finish.
After all of the qualifying events have concluded, the NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee will meet in-person to select the remaining 49 at-large qualifiers, which will be announced on March 7. All weight classes will consist of 33 wrestlers. The at-large selections will be made based on the following criteria: head-to-head competition; quality wins; coaches' ranking; results against common opponents; RPI; qualifying event placement; and winning percentage.
NCAA qualifier allocationsThe coaches' rankings are compiled by a vote of coaches representing each conference. For ranking purposes, coaches may only consider a wrestler that has been designated as a starter at a respective weight class. In order to be eligible for the rankings, wrestlers must have participated in at least five matches against Division I opponents in the weight class and have wrestled within the last 30 days.
COACHES' RANKINGS
To be eligible for an RPI ranking, a wrestler must have a minimum of 17 Division I matches at a given weight class.
Among the top-ranked wrestlers by the coaches are seven former national champions with Nathan Tomasello of Ohio State (133 pounds), Dean Heil of Oklahoma State (141), Zain Retherford of Penn State (149), Isaiah Martinez of Illinois (165), Gabe Dean of Cornell (184), J'Den Cox of Missouri and Kyle Snyder of Ohio State (heavyweight).
The additional top-ranked wrestlers at each weight class in the coaches' rankings are: Thomas Gilman, Iowa (125 pounds); Jason Nolf, Penn State (157) and Zahid Valencia, Arizona State (174).
In the RPI, which requires a minimum of 17 Division I matches to be eligible for a ranking, top-ranked wrestlers include: Gilman (125 pounds); Kaid Brock, Oklahoma State (133); Heil (141); Anthony Collica, Oklahoma State (149); Michael Kemerer, Iowa (157); Martinez (165); Valencia (174); Bo Nickal, Penn State (184); Cox (197) and Ty Walz, Virginia Tech (heavyweight).
RPI RANKINGS
The 2017 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships takes place at Scottrade Center in St. Louis March 16-18. A limited number of single session tickets are still available, in addition wrestling fans can buy and sell official tickets through the NCAA Ticket Exchangeâ„¢. This gives ticket holders who are unable to attend a session a place to safely sell their tickets. Buyers can also get their tickets knowing the tickets are authentic and guaranteed, visit here for more information.
A full description of the entire selection process is in the 2017 Division I Wrestling Championships Pre-Championships Manual which is available at NCAA.org.
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