It's no secret in Minnesota that Apple Valley High School is home to a powerhouse wrestling program. The Eagles have won the last four big-school state team championships and have been state champions every year but two since 1997. They also hold the state record for most individual champions with 57; that's a pretty astounding number considering that the school opened in 1976.

The Eagles have now climbed to the top on a national scale. In the latest national rankings done by Amateur Wrestling News, Apple Valley shares the No. 1 spot with Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio.

Simley is No. 12 nationally, and the Spartans will travel to Apple Valley on Friday night for a dual match that will end the regular season for both teams. Apple Valley is ranked No. 1 in Minnesota's Class 3A and Simley (the two-time defending 2A state champ) is No. 1 in 2A. Those teams met at The Clash in Rochester in early January, with Apple Valley winning 32-20.

Six individuals from Minnesota are ranked by Amateur Wrestling News, including two from Apple Valley. The ranked Minnesotans are:

103/ 10. Nate Thomas-Fr, Kasson-Mantorville, MN

130/ 7. Ben Morgan-Soph, Forest Lake, MN

135/ 6. Brandon Kingsley-Soph, Apple Valley, MN

145/ 3. Dylan Ness-Sr, Jefferson/Kennedy, MN

152/ 2. Destin McCauley-Jr, Apple Valley, MN

285/ 2. Donny Longendyke-Jr, White Bear Lake, MN

John Millea is on Twitter at twitter.com/stribjohn