ASHLAND – The Southern Oregon University men's wrestling team is fifth in the Cascade Conference preseason coaches' poll, which was released Wednesday by the league office.

Eastern Oregon, last year's first-time champion, is favored to defend its title. The Mountaineers, who received four first-place votes, are followed in the poll by Menlo (Calif.), Montana State-Northern and Embry-Riddle (Ariz.).

The Raiders finished eighth at last year's CCC Championships and went on to place 19th in the team standings at the NAIA Championships. They have 23 wrestlers back, including both of their 2022 NAIA All-Americans – sophomore 133-pounder Evan Potter and sophomore 157-pounder Aaron Gandara. Gandara is also the CCC's reigning 157 champ.

Joel Gibson, entering his third season as SOU's head men's coach, supplemented the roster with a 17-person recruiting class. It includes four transfers and six former high school state champions.

The Raiders will hold their annual Red & Black Intrasquad on Nov. 4 and open with a Nov. 12 dual at Pacific.

2022-23 CCC Men's Wrestling Preseason Poll

Team (1st-Place Votes)	Points
1. Eastern Oregon (4)	108
2. Menlo (Calif.) (2)	104
3. Montana State-Northern (3)	98
4. Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) (1)	87
5. Southern Oregon (1)	77
6. Providence (Mont.)	70
7. Vanguard (Calif.)	61
8. Corban	39
9. Arizona Christian	38
10. Simpson (Calif.)	33
11. Warner Pacific	11