UW-Platteville’s T.J. Wunnicke Emerges into National Rankings

University of Wisconsin-Platteville junior T.J. Wunnicke is ranked No. 4 at 133 pounds, according to the latest D3Wrestle.com rankings. It is the first time in 2011-12 that Wunnicke is in the national rankings.

Wunnicke, a native of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, native recorded four first period pins at the 2011 MSOE Inivtational, last week, en route to being named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler. Prior to the tournament, in a dual vs. UW-La Crosse, he defeated then No. 2 ranked Adam Sheley, 8-6. For the season, Wunnicke is now 11-2 with nine pins. All nine pins have came in the first period.

On the season, Wunnicke has already been selected twice as the WIAC Wrestler of the Week. Wunnicke will lead the Pioneers into action this weekend at the North Central Tournament, where he could face the nation's top wrestler at 133, Nathan Fitzenreider of North Central College. Wunnicke is scheduled to face the nation’s No. 3 ranked wrestler Joe Mileski when the Pioneers have its home opener against UW-Stevens Point on December 15 at 7 p.m. inside Williams Fieldhouse.