ASHLAND — The Southern Oregon University wrestling team, currently ranked No. 13 in the NAIA national polls, will be hosting the NAIA West Regional Championships on Saturday at McNeal Pavilion. The event, which starts at 9 a.m., will bring together some of the best nationally ranked wrestlers from across the west.

Four of the NAIA West Regional competitors currently hold No. 1 rankings in the NAIA national polls for their weight class. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Richard Byrd (125) and Joffre Lander (184) look to lead ERAU, who is ranked No. 4 nationally, to a Western Regional title.

The University of Great Falls - Montana could be the upset to walk away with the regional trophy. The No. 6 ranked UGF Argos also have two No. 1 ranked wrestlers with Wayne French at 157 pounds and Mike Krummer at 174.

The event will bring together several returning All-Americans from past seasons and 20 nationally ranked wrestlers, including SOU's No. 5 ranked Jimmy Ulrey (157) and No. 7-ranked Ricky Farrell (174), both of whom are local products of the Rogue Valley wrestling scene. At 197 pounds, senior Abe Ewing is also nationally ranked at No. 7.

The competition is scheduled for 9 a.m., with later rounds scheduled for 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and the finals which are scheduled to start around 2:00 p.m.