The Navy wrestling team is on the brink of a top 25 national ranking. The Midshipmen could take another step toward that goal if they can beat a formidable and familiar foe in their next match.
Fresh off a 23-16 win versus Maryland Jan. 8, Navy will continue a rivalry that began during the 1909-10 season when it hosts Lehigh in an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association match at Alumni Hall at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13. The Mountain Hawks, who are ranked eighth in the Jan. 10 USA Today/National Wrestling Coaches Association poll, will bring a 5-1 dual-match record into their 97th all-time meeting with the Midshipmen. Lehigh suffered its only dual-match setback Dec. 4 at second-ranked Penn State, losing to the Nittany Lions, 30-10. Head coach Pat Santoro's squad has cruised to victories against two top 25 teams, beating then-No. 21 Pittsburgh, 28-8, Nov. 18 and trouncing then-No. 24 Drexel, 31-3, Dec. 11.
Since the Midshipmen earned a 19-15 victory against Lehigh during the 2010-11 season, the Mountain Hawks have won five straight in the series. Lehigh topped the Midshipmen, 34-3, during the 2015-16 campaign.
