Team wrestling rankings for Dec. 31: Welcoming a newcomer

We welcome a new team, Whitehall, to the lehighvalleylive team wrestling rankings this week, after the Zephyrs’ fine showing at the Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic.

That brings up the issue of dual meet versus tournament teams. Whitehall may well be a much better tournament team than a dual meet team, as their earlier 52-12 loss to Nazareth may attest.

These rankings generally reflect dual strength more than tournament strength, but both play a role, as will be seen going forward. A strong tournament team has a place in these rankings – but it’s probably true that dual meet strength will determine the upper reaches of them.

Like, for example, Saturday’s meeting between No. 1 Notre Dame and No. 4 Bethlehem Catholic (at Notre Dame, 7). A big one.

Team wrestling rankings

1. Notre Dame (4-0)

Last week’s ranking: 1

2. Nazareth (4-0)

Last week’s ranking: 2

3. Emmaus (10-0)

Last week’s ranking: 3

4. Bethlehem Catholic (2-1)

Last week’s ranking: 4

5. Easton (6-3)

Last week’s ranking: 5