SAN LUIS OBISPO , Calif. — Chad Mendes became the first Cal Poly wrestler in 28 years to earn a No. 1 national ranking this week as InterMat.com released its latest batch of polls with the undefeated senior topping the 141-pound list.

Mendes becomes the first Cal Poly wrestler to receive a No. 1 ranking since Scott Heaton and Rick Worel spent most of the 1979-1980 season atop the polls. The Hanford, Calif. native improved to 18-0 on the year with wins by fall (1:01, Chris Drouin, Arizona State) and major decision (10-1, Cam Jones, Boise State) last week. His ascension comes on the heels of losses by former Nos. 1 and 2 Kellen Russell of Michigan and Jake Strayer of Penn State , respectively.

“It's a great honor for Cal Poly,” assistant head coach Sammie Henson said. “ Chad is a great all-around guy and a leader. When I first came to Cal Poly this year, Chad was the first guy who really struck me as a leader — he never asks questions, just does what is asked. That's what a true champion is all about.”

Mendes has had a banner year for the Mustangs, who are 4-4 overall and 3-2 in Pac-10 duals. The fifth-year senior has recorded five falls, six majors and one technical fall. After starting the season ranked No. 12 in the nation, Mendes gradually made his way into the top-10 and received national attention after pinning then-No. 2 Manuel Rivera in 1:34 during a dual at Mott Gym against defending national champion Minnesota .

In 2006, Mendes was an All-American at 125, winning four of seven matches at the NCAA Championships to place sixth. He was forced to redshirt the 2006-07 season due to injury, but has seen instant success after moving up two weight classes to 141 in 2007-08.

When the rankings were announced, Mendes had no clue he was No. 1 — until he got a phone call.

“My parents are just on those things nonstop,” Mendes said of the polls and message boards available online. “I'm never on those things because they're so controversial. My step mom called me and she was like, ‘How does it feel to be the No. 1 ranked guy in the nation.'”

The Mustangs have five duals remaining this season before Mendes will see action at the Pac-10 Tournament on March 2-3 and at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis on March 20-22.

If the latest rankings are any indicator, Mendes will have a precarious set of matches come February 15 and 16 when the Mustangs take on Oklahoma and Oklahoma State . The Sooners boast No. 11 Zack Bailey (23-4) at 141 while the Cowboys are likely to send out No. 2 Nathan Morgan (20-1). Morgan and Mendes are familiar opponents. Both were top-ranked California preps who squared off several times.

For now, Mendes has his eyes set on a trio of Pac-10 duals to close out conference action. Despite the prestigious position atop the polls, Mendes is trying to stay focused on his ultimate goal.”

“He doesn't care if he loses the rest of the year, so long as he wins the national title,” Henson said.

“I'm really excited (to be No. 1), but I don't want to get all caught up in that,” Mendes said. “It's an unnecessary pressure that you put on yourself.”

Mendes and the Mustangs have the weekend off, but return to action on Jan. 25 with a home pac-10 dual against UC Davis at 7 p.m.