After much debate the Eagles are TOM's National Champions

First off we want to congratulate all the teams across the country. This was a long difficult decision between two exceptional teams this season. This is the first of TOM's off season awards. Apple Valley will receive an engraved plaque. Next week we will announce the Clinch Gear All-American Team and the Clinch Gear Wrestler of the Year by TOM.

By the Numbers

2. 5. 7. 9. Simple numbers that tell an impressive story when speaking of the Apple Valley, MN wrestling program. 2 - the number of years it's been since the Eagles lost a dual meet (to Montini Catholic, IL on January 5th 2008 34-29). 5 - the number of consecutive state titles they have earned. 7 State Champions in 2010. 9 State Finalists in 2010.

Those are just some of the numbers that pushed Valley to the top of the list. Valley faced some tough competition this year in the likes of #4 Brandon, FL, #6 Wyoming Seminary, PA, #11 Simley, MN, #15 Montini Catholic, IL, and #17 Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Valley topped them all.

"Historic - remarkable - gratifying" were the three adjectives used by Head Coach James Jackson. This coming from a coach whose program owns 18 team state titles and has produced 64 individual state champions.

When TOM staff notified Coach Jackson about the news he said "It means a great deal to our school, team, wrestlers, families and coaches. The credit goes to the families and kids; they are the ones who have put numerous hours on the mat, on the road, in gyms and in the wrestling room."

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The last of the big post-season tournaments now complete, our rankings for this season conclude. At the NHSCA's in Virginia, we got to see how a good number of studs from lower profile states stack up. The results were interesting, to say the least, and influenced our final positioning.

At FloNationals, there weren't too many surprises. Other than 152 and a relative mess at 145, the brackets played out as expected.

This is the last rankings that will include this year's seniors. Next week, they will be removed, so check in to see what they look like, and on every Wednesday for updated rankings as the international style season shakes things up.

This being our final rankings, the honorable mention list has been omitted. It will return next week with our fresh set of underclassman rankings.

We have notes on most wrestlers, so check them for details.

We're sure, like any rankings, there will be some derision and debate. So feel free to discuss it on our forums, or drop us an email. (We are the ‘open' mat for a reason!)

See the full ranking here