Feb. 27, 2008

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - A winner 20 consecutive matches, North Carolina junior 165-pounder Keegan Mueller has moved into the top 10 of the InterMat/NWCA/NWMA Division I wrestling rankings for the first time in his career. The Dallas native is 26-3 on the season and moved from No. 11 to No. 9 in this week's rankings.

Mueller has not lost since a 9-5 decision to then-No. 3 Pat Pitsch of Arizona State at the Cliff Keen Invitational Nov. 30. He is a perfect 16-0 in dual matches and has won 10 of his last 11 bouts by major decision, technical fall or pin. Mueller now has three pins, five technical falls and six major decisions on the season.

Mueller was ranked as high as No. 12 a year ago and has been ranked in the top 15 for much of this season. He is now 56-10 over the last two seasons since transferring to Carolina from Ohio State.

Heavyweight Justin Dobies joins Mueller in the rankings at No. 20 in his weight class. He is 26-6 on the year and 15-1 in duals.

The Tar Heels are back in action March 8 at the 2008 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships in College Park, Md.