North Carolina-Greensboro Greenbore, NC
Save UNC Greensboro Wrestling - Call to Action
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro administration announced today that it is eliminating its wrestling effective immediately. The domino effect from this decision can lead to unraveling of the entire Southern Conference if we don’t act now. The press release suggests that this decision will save about $300,000. Considering that UNCG has an $11 million athletic department budget, the wrestling budget represents an insignificant amount considering the significant return on investment they have been getting with the program.
Now, more than ever, we need the help of the entire mid-atlantic wrestling community to save this team.
That said, we need to conduct an immediate and sustained letter writing and telephone campaign directed at the following key decision-makers:
· UNCG Chancellor, Dr. Linda Brady
Email: chancellor@uncg.edu
Phone: 336-334-5266
· UNCG Athletic Director, Kim Record
Email: ksrecord@uncg.edu
Phone: 336-334-5952
· Chairman, UNCG Board of Trustees, Mr. Randall Kaplan
Email: rkaplan@capsulegroup.com
Phone: 336-273-4425
· Chairman, UNC Board of Governors, Ms. Hannah Gage
Email: hgage@ec.rr.com
· President, University of North Caroline, Dr. Thomas Ross
Email: tomross@northcarolina.edu
Phone: 919-962-9000
When drafting your letters and emails or when preparing to call, please be sure to be respectful. While this might be a very emotional issue, we always want to take the high road when voicing our opinion. Secondly, please be sure to include the following speaking points in your letter:
· The UNC Wrestling Program has been very closely aligned with the educational mission at UNCG as evidenced by the following:
a. Wrestling won UNCG’s inaugural “UNITY Program” in 2010 by demonstrating the best support of your other intercollegiate athletic programs.
b. The UNCG wrestling program committed 496 community service hours this year alone
c. The UNCG wrestling program’s Academic Performance Rating has a solid .944 four year average which speaks well of its commitment to retention and eligibility of student-wrestlers.
· By NCAA standards, wrestling is an inexpensive sport and it provides a significant “return on investment” as evidenced by the following:
a. Approximately 80% of D-I wrestling programs will advance at least one wrestler to the NCAA Championships on any given year.
b. There are 260,000 high school wrestlers in America and only 80 D-I programs so even the marginally funded programs can have a lot of success at the national level.
· The UNCG Wrestling Program has brought significant national visibility to the school and to Greensboro North Carolina for a relatively nominal $300,000 budget as evidenced by:
a. The national visibility and political influence of the UNCG wrestling program has positioned Greensboro North Carolina to be one of the most visible wrestling destinations in America when you consider the estimated economic impact of the following wrestling events:
1. Southern Scuffle (economic impact estimates)
- 2004 - $1,345,200.00 (1st year based on estimates)
- 2005 – 2006 - $1,208,400.00
- 2007 – 2011 - $1,436,400.00
2. Super 32 (economic impact estimates)
- 2005 - $1,185,600.00 (first year)
- 2006 - $1,784,100.00
- 2007 - $1,938,000.00
- 2008 - $2,348,400.00
- 2009 - $2,348,400.00
- 2010 - $3,380,100.00)
- 2011 - $3,380,100.00 (expected)
· 24 wrestlers have advanced to the NCAA D-I Championships under Coach Loukides.
· The Southern Conference, of which UNCG is an institutional member, recognizes wrestling as one of its championship sports and the elimination of the UNCG wrestling program could jeopardize the entire conference for the other 5 participating teams.
· Several wrestlers have been successful at the Senior World and Olympic Trials.
· How could the administration make such a decision to eliminate the wrestling team without first reaching out to the wrestling community to find an alternative?
· Nowhere in America is wrestling more underserved at the college level than in the southeast United States. Historically, the intercollegiate wrestling program at UNCG has played a vital role in developing future generations of high school teachers and coaches in the mid-atlantic and southeastern US.
In summary, the wrestling community can’t afford to lose a single intercollegiate team. It is critically important that the letter writing, email, and call in campaign is sustained for as long as it takes to get the administration to rescind this decision. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE RESPECTFUL AND PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR COMMENTS. Thank you for your prompt action to this request.
UNC Greensboro's Jason Loukidas Needs to Rally the Troops
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNCG and Director of Athletics Kim Record announced today the elimination of the wrestling program as a part of UNCG intercollegiate athletics.
Record met with the team's coaches and student-athletes earlier in the day to inform them of the decision.
"The University's Strategic Plan has a goal of increasing the competitiveness, accessibility and visibility of its intercollegiate athletics program. Over the past 18 months we have considered many strategies to accomplish this goal and it became obvious that painful decisions needed to be made." said Record. "It pains us as a department that things have come to this point, but in today's economic climate, tough decisions like this are having to be made around the nation. I would like to thank Jason (Loukides) and Daren (Burns) for all of the hard work they have put into the program, and we will do whatever is possible in order to help them further themselves professionally."
One major objective of UNCG's Strategic Plan is to elevate the profile of the athletic department. In order to accomplish this in the most efficient manner, limited resources must be invested wisely. The elimination of the wrestling program will result in a cost savings of approximately $308,000 annually.
Additionally, the 2010-2011 state budget repealed eligibility for out-of-state students on full athletic scholarships to be classified as in-state for tuition purposes. For UNCG, this resulted in a loss of $750,000 in student-athlete scholarship funds.
"This decision demonstrates that every division at the university is doing its part to share the burden of cost-saving initiatives," said UNCG Chancellor Linda P. Brady. "These decisions are especially painful when students are directly impacted."
Two full-time coaches and 35 student-athletes will be directly affected by this decision. The contracts of the two coaches will be honored through June 30, 2011. The 23 student-athletes who receive scholarship funds will have their current scholarship levels honored if they choose to remain at UNCG to continue their education.
For those student-athletes who wish to continue their athletics pursuits elsewhere, the university will provide assistance to them. Per NCAA guidelines, student-athletes who transfer because their athletic programs have been eliminated will be able to compete immediately upon transferring.
Pre-seeds Announced for 2010 UNCG Southern Scuffle
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Pre-seeds for the 2010 UNCG Southern Scuffle were announced on Tuesday evening, with the tournament getting underway on Wednesday morning. Live results and free video streaming will be available at SouthernScuffle.com.
Below are the pre-seeds after coaches check-in, but before weigh-ins:
125 pounds:
1. No. 4 James Nicholson- Old Dominion
2. No. 7 Zachary Sanders- Minnesota
3. No. 14 Ben Kjar- Utah Valley
4. No. 20 Jason Lara- Oregon State
5. Matthew Snyder- Virginia
6. No. 11 Garrett Frey- Princeton
7. No. 13Frank Perelli- Cornell
8. No. 16 Frank Martellotti- Penn State
9. No. 15 Steve Bonnano- Hofstra
133 pounds:
1. Andrew Long- Penn State
2. No. 9 Rollie Peterkin- Pennsylvania
3. No. 11 Kyle Hutter- Old Dominion
4. No. 14 Kelly Kubec- Oregon State
5. No. 18 Joseph Stanzione- Cornell
6. No. 19 Zac Stevens- Michigan
7. John Trumbetti- Lock Haven
8. Jordan Thome- Army
9. Tyler Sim- The Citadel
10. Aaron Schopp- Edinboro
141 pounds:
1. No. 1 Kellen Russell- Michigan
2. No. 2 Michael Thorn- Minnesota
3. No. 14 Germane Lindsey- Ohio
4. No. 9 Andrew Alton- Penn State
5. No. 10 Cole VanOhlen- Air Force
6. No. 11 Michael Mangrum- Oregon State
7. Zach Kemmerer- Pennsylvania
8. Vincente Varela- Hofstra
9. No. 18 Matthew Bonson- Lock Haven
10. Christopher Villalonga- Cornell
149 pounds:
1. Darrion Caldwell- N. C. State
2. No. 1 Kyle Dake- Cornell
3. No. 6 Frank Molinaro- Penn State
4. No. 15 Torsten Gillespie- Edinboro
5. No. 10 Kurt Kinser- Indiana
6. No. 14 Ivan Lopouchanski- UNCG
7. Daniel Silverberg- Minnesota
8. No. 19 Justin Accordino- Hofstra
157 pounds:
1. No. 3 David Taylor- Penn State
2. No. 7 Bryce Saddoris- Navy
3. No. 9 Paul Young- Indiana
4. Frank Hickman- Bloomsburg
5. Mallie Shuster- Kent State
165 pounds:
1. No. 4 Justin Kerber- Cornell
2. No. 6 P.J. Gillespie- Hofstra
3. No. 7 Cody Yohn- Minnesota
4. Turtogtokh Luvsandorj- The Citadel
5. Kyle Blevins- Appalachian State
6. Thomas Scotten- North Carolina
7. Jake Kemmerer- Penn State
8. Nicholas Sulzer- Virginia
174 pounds:
1. No. 1 Mack Lewnes- Cornell
2. No. 2 Christopher Henrich- Virginia
3. No. 8 Scott Glasser- Minnesota
4. No. 10 Ed Ruth- Penn State
5. No. 15 Ryan Patrovich- Hofstra
6. Nick Purdue- Ohio
7. Byron Sigmon- UNCG
8. Mike Dessino- Bloomsburg
184 pounds:
1. No. 2 Christopher Honeycutt- Edinboro
2. No. 3 Steve Bosak- Cornell
3. No. 8 Kevin Steinhaus- Minnesota
4. No. 15 Luke Rebertus- Navy
5. No. 17 Jonathan Fausey- Virginia
6. No. 20 Austin Trotman- Appalachian State
7. No. 18 Nate Graham- Bloomsburg
8. Bagna Tovuujav- George Mason
197 pounds:
1. No. 1 Dustin Kilgore- Kent State
2. No. 2 Cam Simaz- Cornell
3. No. 5 Sonny Yohn- Minnesota
4. No. 6 Cayle Byers- George Mason
5. No. 7 Micah Burak- Pennsylvania
6. No. 14 Matt Powless- Indiana
7. No. 15 Anthony Biondo- Michigan
8. Shawn Fendone- Edinboro
9. Caylor Williams- UNCG
285 pounds:
1. No. 6 Cameron Wade- Penn State
2. No. 7 Ben Apland- Michigan
3. No. 9 Anthony Nelson- Minnesota
4. No. 12 Clayton Jack- Oregon State
5. No. 13 Brendan Barlow- Kent State
6. No. 20 Ricardo Alcala- Indiana
7. Jeremy Johnson- Ohio
8. No. 19 Peter Sturgeon- UNCG
9. John Danilkowicz- Virginia
10. Odie Delaney- The Citadel
11. Josh Wine- VMI
12. Benjamin Berhow- Minnesota
13. Eloheim Palma- N. C. State
UNC Greensboro's Lopouchanski Named SoCon Wrestler of the Week Once Again
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - For the second time in as many weeks, UNCG sophomore Ivan Lopouchanski has been named the Southern Conference Wrestler of the Week for all competitions from Nov. 24-30.
Lopouchanski continued his hot start to the season this past week as he went 3-0 in a trio of dual matches for the Spartans at the Hoosier Duals on Saturday. That pushed his overall record to 14-1 this year, with three of those wins coming against ranked opponents.
Lopouchanski began his week with perhaps the biggest win of his individual career. The sophomore from Hollywood, Fla., was pitted against Indiana's Kurt Kinser, who was ranked No. 6 at 149 pounds, and defeated him 6-2, including over two minutes of riding time.
He then defeated Northern Illinois' Vince Castillo, 8-2. In the final match of the day, Lopouchanski scored a 5-3 decision against Joey Metzler from Old Dominion.
Lopouchanski is now ranked as high as seventh in the nation at 149 pounds by WrestlingReport.com and ninth by Wrestling Insider Magazine. He checks in at 12th by Intermat, as well.
Also nominated for the award was Appalachian State's Austin Trotman and Chattanooga's Prescott Garner.
2010-11 SoCon Wrestlers of the Week
Nov. 24 Ivan Lopouchanski, UNCG
Dec. 1 Ivan Lopouchanski, UNCG
Lopouchanski leads UNC Greensboro at Hokie Open
SALEM, Va. - Ivan Lopouchanski won the 149-pound individual title to lead UNCG on Sunday at the Third Annual Hokie Open Wrestling Tournament in the Salem Civic Center.
Lopouchanski, who won the 141-pound SoCon title and advanced to the NCAA Championships a season ago, picked up where he left off last season in the first tournament of the year. After winning the Hokie Open 141-pound title last season, Lopouchanski repeated this season by winning the 149-pound title.
He began his day with a decision victory before earning a 15-1 major decision against Virginia Tech's Dalton Davidson. He followed that up with a pin before earning another pin, this time over Iowa State's Nate Carr, to advance to the finals. In the finals, Lopouchanski met 16th-ranked Brian Stephens from Virginia Tech and earned a 9-4 decision to win the title.
Byron Sigmon, who also won a SoCon title and went to the NCAA Championships last season, also had a nice showing for the Spartans as he earned runner-up honors at 174 pounds. He scored a 9-1 major decision against VMI's Matthew Brock to begin his tournament and then defeated Stephen Doty from Virginia, 4-2.
He received a forfeit from J.C. Oddo from The Citadel, who he defeated in the SoCon Championship match last season, to advance to the finals. He fell in the finals to Iowa State's Jon Reader, who is ranked fifth in the nation at 174 pounds, to finish in second place.
Andrew Saunders, who is ranked No. 17 in the nation at 184 pounds, also placed for UNCG as he came in fifth place. He scored a major decision in his first match and then pinned Brandon Tressler in 2:43. He moved to the consolation bracket after losing to No. 19 Jason McCroskey from Chattanooga and then rebounded with a decision and major decision to move into the fourth-place match. In that match, Saunders defeated Appalachian State's Austin Trotman, who is ranked 10th in the nation, by a 7-4 decision to come in fifth place.
The Spartans will return to the mat next weekend as they travel to Raleigh, N.C. for the NC State Open on Nov. 14.
AGATE
125 pounds:
Manny Ramirez (UNCG) dec. Brandon Jones (Iowa State), 9-5
Manny Ramirez (UNCG) dec. Peter Terrezza (Duke), 8-6
Patrick Hunter (Iowa State) fall Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 4:22
Steve Mitcheff (Kent State) dec. Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 6-4
Robert Gribschaw (UNCG) dec. Robert Goldie (Gardner-Webb), 3-2
Robert Gribschaw (UNCG) dec. Tony Gravely (Appalachian State), 9-3
Ty Mitch (Virginia Tech) dec. Robert Gribschaw (UNCG), 7-4
Robert Gribschaw (UNCG) dec. Peter Terrezza (Duke), 5-4
Eric Dunnet (Old Dominion) fall Robert Gribschaw (UNCG), 3:55
133 pounds:
Devonte Brown (CWC) dec. Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 6-2
Jamel Johnson (UNCG) dec. Sean Collins (Kent State), 9-6
Gus Sako (Virginia) dec. Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 2-0
Angel Garcia (UNCG) dec. Andrew Goolsby (Liberty), 5-4
Jake Wojcik (Ohio) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 8-2
Brock Livorio (UNC) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 2-0
141 pounds:
Sam Embrugria (Newberry) dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 7-4
Kurtis Becker (Liberty) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 6:09
149 pounds:
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. TJ Keklak (Kent State), 10-5
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. Dalton Davidson (Virginia Tech), 15-1
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Alex Hudson (CWC), 3:41
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Nate Carr (Iowa State), 1:34
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. No. 16 Brian Stephens (Virginia Tech), 9-4
* Ivan Lopouchanski finishes in first place
157 pounds:
Aaron Smith (UNCG) maj. dec. Kami Hokoana (Liberty), 13-3
Casey Gordon (Ohio) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 5-3
Sli Bostelman (Kent State) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 8-4
Dan Waddell (Chattanooga) maj. dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 10-2
Matt Barbo (UNCG) dec. Justin Krop (Liberty), 3-1
Blake Ridenour (Newberry) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 8-1
Josh Condon (Chattanooga) maj. dec. Justin Rice (UNCG), 18-7
Pierre Frazile (The Citadel) dec. Justin Rice (UNCG), 3-1
165 pounds:
Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Harrison Hightower (Virginia Tech), 5-2
No. 20 Andrew Sorenson (Iowa State) tech. fall Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 21-6
Travis Sheehy (UNCG) fall Sean Lubinski (Ohio), 2:29
Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Cade Blair (Old Dominion), 7-6
Ross Tice (Kent State) maj. dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 20-11
Kyle Blevins (Appalachian State) maj. dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 10-1
Brett Miller (UNCG) dec. Joseph Munno (VMI), 17-10
Chris Moon (Virginia Tech) dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 6-4
Nic Lagriola (UNCG) fall Justin Guthrie (Gardner-Webb), 6:30
Ross Tice (Kent State) tech. fall Nic Lagriola (UNCG), 16-0
Dan Rivera (Old Dominion) maj. dec. Nic Lagriola (UNCG), 16-2
Marc Bryan (UNCG) dec. Braden Carter (Newberry), 6-4
Josh Shields (Mercyhurst) dec. Marc Bryan (UNCG), 4-0
Marc Bryan (UNCG) dec. Rodin Ndandula (Old Dominion), 2-1
Marc Bryan (UNCG) dec. Dyvon Passmore (King), 7-2
No. 12 Thomas Scotton (UNC) dec. Marc Bryan (UNCG), 10-5
174 pounds:
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) maj. dec. Matthew Brock (VMI), 9-1
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Stephen Doty (Virginia), 4-2
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) forfeit J.C. Oddo (The Citadel)
No. 5 Jon Reader (Iowa State) fall Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 4:30
* Byron Sigmon finishes in second place
Maisson Davis (UNCG) dec. Willy Mello (Duke), 6-4
Brandonn Johnson (Kent State) fall Maisson Davis (UNCG), 2:24
Chris Estep (Kent State) tech. fall Maisson Davis (UNCG), 15-0
Terrence Zaleski (UNCG) dec. Landon Vannatta (CWC), 7-2
Stephen Doty (Virginia) maj. dec. Terrence Zaleski (UNCG), 16-3
Terrence Zaleski (UNCG) fall Josh Richardson (King), 2:36
Matthew Brock (VMI) dec. Terrence Zaleski (UNCG), 6-3
184 pounds:
No. 17 Andrew Saunders (UNCG) maj. dec. John Dommert (VMI), 8-0
No. 17 Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Brandon Tressler (King), 2:43
No. 19 Jason McCroskey (Chattanooga) dec. No. 17 Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 4-2
No. 17 Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Casey Newburg (Kent State), 3-2
No. 17 Andrew Saunders (UNCG) maj. dec. Diego Bencomo (Duke), 14-6
No. 17 Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. No. 10 Austin Trotman (Appalachian State), 7-4
* Andrew Saunders finishes in fifth place
Jared Holliday (UNCG) dec. Taylor McClain (Gardner-Webb), 4-1
Nick Tenpenny (UNC) maj. dec. Jared Holliday (UNCG), 11-3
Jared Holliday (UNCG) dec. John Dommert (VMI), 5-1
Diego Bencomo (Duke) dec. Jared Holliday (UNCG), 13-7
Tony Gardner (UNCG) dec. John Salada (CWC), 5-4
Jason McCroskey (Chattanooga) tech. fall Tony Gardner (UNCG), 15-0
Michael Duckworth (Ohio) maj. dec. Tony Gardner (UNCG), 16-4
Brian Newman (Newberry) dec. Elijah Adams (UNCG), 5-3
Jon Dickson (Virginia Tech) fall Elijah Adams (UNCG), 4:16
197 pounds:
Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Zach Anderson (Newberry), 10-4
No. 10 Jerome Ward (Iowa State) dec. Caylor Williams (UNCG), 10-5
Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Robert Prigmore (Chattanooga), 4-2
Niko Brown (Chattanooga) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 2:24
285 pounds:
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Kyle Simonson (Iowa State), 4-2
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Matt Tourdot (Old Dominion), 7-4
No. 12 David Marone (Virginia Tech) maj. dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 10-2
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Derek Papagianopoulos (Virginia), 3-2
Kyle Simonson (Iowa State) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 1-0
Dondricus Anderson (King) fall Michael Gregory (UNCG), 3:31
Derek Papagianopoulos (Virginia) maj. dec. Michael Gregory (UNCG), 14-5
Grant Chapman (Old Dominion) dec. James Payne (UNCG), 4-2
Jake Elkins (Newberry) fall James Payne (UNCG), 1:28
UNC Greensboro's Chandler Named NWCA All-Academic True Freshman
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Sophomore Eric Chandler was one of just eight wrestlers nationally to be named by the National Wrestling Coaches Association as a Division I NWCA All-Academic True Freshman wrestler for the 2009-10 season, the organization announced on Wednesday.
"Eric showed his commitment to academics during an always difficult transition, going from high school to college," said head coach Jason Loukides. "He juggled athletics, academics, and being away from home for the first time. This is a well deserved honor and one that Spartan Nation can take pride in!"
In order to be eligible for the award, the wrestlers had to complete two full semesters at their institution, along with meeting a particular GPA and competition mark.
"These student-athletes are in one of the biggest transitional years they have faced coming from high school to college, being able to see their success on the mat as individuals and their success in the classroom shows that they are working to achieve lofty goals throughout their college careers," said NWCA President Brian Smith.
Chandler, who has a 3.28 GPA in pre-business administration, went 23-16 on the mat last season, including a 4-1 mark in Southern Conference competition. At the SoCon Championships, Chandler advanced all the way to the finals before falling.
For his efforts as a freshman, Chandler was named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team by the head coaches in the league.
Also earning NWCA All-Academic True Freshman honors was Kyle Dake from Cornell who won the NCAA Championship at 141 pounds. Fellow All-Americans Tyler Caldwell (Oklahoma) and Christopher Quiroga (Purdue) also made the list.
Rounding out the top wrestlers academically were: Daniel Mitchell of American University, Ian Michael Paddock of Ohio State University, Ryan Mango of Stanford University and Steven Keith of Harvard University.
AGATE
2009-10 NWCA All-Academic True Freshman Wrestlers
Name
School
Wt Class
Major
Daniel Mitchell
American University
197
Business Administration
Kyle Dake
Cornell University
141
Developmental Sociology
Steven Keith
Harvard University
125
Undeclared
Ian Michael Paddock
Ohio State University
133
Exploring
Christopher Quiroga
Purdue University
125
Organizational Leadership & Supervision
Ryan Mango
Stanford University
125
Undeclared
Eric Chandler
UNCG
125
Business
Tyler Caldwell
University of Oklahoma
165
Health and Exercise Sciences
UNC Greensboro Add 10 More for 2010-11 Season
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The UNCG wrestling team has added 10 wrestlers for the 2010-11 season, head coach Jason Loukides announced on Wednesday. These 10 wrestlers join Derek Golner, Donald McNeil, Daniel Ownbey and Cody Rodebaugh who signed with the Spartans in the fall.
The 10 wrestlers are Elijah Adams, Keith Brown, Maisson Davis, Tony Gardner, Jared Holliday, Nic Lagriola, Jordan Nevseta, James Payne, Santonio Thompson and Terrence Zaleski. Of the 14 wrestlers joining UNCG in the fall, eight of them have claimed at least one state championship.
"I am very excited about this recruiting class and I look forward to the impact they will make on UNCG athletics," said Loukides. "Their desire to excel academically and athletically will continue to move our program forward."
Adams comes to UNCG from Raleigh, N.C. where he attended Southeast Raleigh High School. As a senior, Adams advanced to the finals of the 4A 171 pound bracket before losing. He ended his senior season with a 41-2 record. He finished in fourth place at the state championships as a sophomore and junior.
Brown is from nearby Burlington, N.C. where he shined at Williams High School where he won a state championship. He went a perfect 39-0 as a senior to claim the 3A state championship at 160 pounds. He finished in third place at 152 pounds as a junior to replicate his third-place finish as a sophomore. He also qualified for the state championships as a freshman.
A native of San Mateo, Calif., Davis will become a Spartan after graduating from Hillsdale High School. Davis battled multiple injuries in high school that limited his participation in postseason tournaments. As a senior, Davis won the league championship at 189 pounds and was also named the most outstanding wrestler in the upper weights. Unfortunately, he was forced to injury default from the CIF State Wrestling Championships this past season.
Gardner joins UNCG after having won a state championship for Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Md. After winning the state title as a senior, Gardner went on to compete at the National Prep Wrestling Tournament. At the tournament, he finished in fourth place to earn All-America honors. He also finished in sixth place at the prestigious Beat of the East Wrestling Tournament that is held annually in the Bob Carpenter Center, on the campus of the University of Delaware.
Holliday is a four-year letterwinner from Burlington, NJ where he competed for Burlington Township High School. This past season, Holliday finished in fourth place at the New Jersey State Championships at 189 pounds. As a junior, Holliday came in eighth place at 189 pounds. He also earned All-American honors this past spring at the 2010 FloNationals.
Lagriola comes to the Spartans after spending his final high school year at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was ranked in the top three at 152 pounds heading into the state tournament as a senior after winning a district and regional title. He was also a state qualifier as a junior.
A North Carolina native, Nevseta wrestled at Ardry Kell High School in Charlotte, N.C. where he was a standout at 171 pounds. He won the 4A west regional this past season where he advanced to the state championship with a 46-1 record. At the state championships, he finished in fifth place after qualifying for the state championships as a junior.
Another in-state wrestler, Payne will come to UNCG after wrestling at Erwin High School in Asheville, N.C. At Erwin, Payne finished his senior season with a 35-6 record as a heavyweight. He won the 3A west regional before advancing to the state championships where he finished in second place.
Thompson hails from Mooresville, N.C. where he wrestling for Mooresville High School at 135 pounds as a senior. This past season, Thompson won the 4A state championship at 135 pounds after finishing the year with a 45-5 record. He was also a state qualifier as a junior and sophomore.
Zaleski is another in-state standout to join the Spartans after wrestling at Havelock High School in Havelock, N.C. This past season he finally broke through and won the 3A state championship at 152 pounds after finishing the year with a 50-2 record. He finished in second place at 152 pounds as a junior and sophomore after qualifying for the state championships as a freshman.
The Spartans are coming off a season in which they won their first outright 2010 Southern Conference Tournament Championship and tied a school record by sending four wrestlers to the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.
Former UNC Greensboro Spartan Joe Sheffield finishes fourth at U.S. World Team Trials
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - UNC Greensboro alumnus Joe Sheffield recently came in fourth place at the United States World Team Trials at the Mid-American Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Sheffield qualified for the event by winning the Northern Plains Senior Regionals last month in Waterloo, Iowa.
Sheffield, who wrestled in the Greco-Roman 120 kg (264.5 pound) bracket, began the tournament by receiving a first-round bye. In the second round, he defeated Joe Rizqallah, 2-0, 2-0, to advance to the semifinals. Rizqallah was the runner-up at the U.S. Open earlier this summer.
In the semifinals, Sheffield fell to eventual champion, Dremiel Byers of the U.S. Army, 1-0, 6-0.
He then moved to the consolation semifinals where he was pitted against Frank Workman, who was a member of the USA National Team in 2006. Sheffield used a 1-0, 0-1, 1-0 score to defeat Workman and move into the third-place match. In that match, Sheffield fell to Brandon Rupp from NYAC, 3-0, 1-0. Rupp claimed the U.S. Open title prior to the World Team Trials.
AGATE
First Round:
Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling), bye
Quarterfinals:
Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling) def. Joe Rizqallah (Michigan WC), 2-0, 2-0
Semifinals:
Dremiel Byers (U.S. Army) def. Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling), 1-0, 6-0
Consolation semifinals:
Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling) def. Frank Workman (N/A), 1-0, 0-1, 1-0
Third-place match:
Brandon Rupp (NYAC) def. Joe Sheffield (Y.E.S. Wrestling), 3-0, 1-0
UNC Greensboro's Hojilla, Sheehy Named to NWCA All-Academic Team
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Senior Victor Hojilla and sophomore Travis Sheehy were named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Academic Team for the 2009-10 wrestling season, the NWCA announced on Wednesday
"The student-athletes on this All-Academic Team are a great example of the hard work and dedication that the sport of wrestling teaches these young men," said NWCA President Jim Beichner. "Not only are they achieving winning a National Championship, but they are also showing that they are champions in the classroom as well."
Hojilla earned his spot on the team by having a 3.63 GPA in chemistry and earning a bid to the 2010 Division I NCAA Wrestling Championships. He earned that bid by winning the Southern Conference title at 165 pounds after finishing as the runner-up at 165 pounds as a junior.
Sheehy has a 3.21 GPA in pre-business administration and had a 17-10 record this season at 157 pounds to qualify for the team.
"The All-Academic team is a testament to our member coaches that they are striving to make their program as competitive as they can," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "Academics plays a huge role for the student athlete, especially after they are done competing and out in the working world as our next generation of teachers, coaches, and businessmen.
"There is so much more to wrestling than what is done on the mat and the All-Academic Team is a great way to acknowledge those efforts," said Moyer.
To qualify for the All-Academic team, a wrestler must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA, and either been an NCAA qualifier or won 60 percent of his total schedule - and must have competed in at least 60 percent of said schedule. The other way to qualify for the All-Academic team is to have a 3.0 GPA and been an NCAA All-American.
UNC Greensboro's Saunders Falls Just Short of All-American Honors at NCAA Championships
OMAHA, Neb. – Junior Andrew Saunders came within one victory of becoming the first Spartan All-American as UNC Greensboro wrapped up competition at the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships on Friday in the Qwest Center.
Saunders, who began his day in the consolation bracket after falling in the Round of 16 on Thursday, started things off with a bang as he pinned Patrick Bradshaw from Edinboro in just 1:22.
In the fourth round of consolations, Saunders avenged his only loss at the Southern Conference Championships by defeating Chattanooga’s Jason McCroskey. Saunders scored a first period takedown and had a reversal and a takedown in the second period and held on late for the 6-5 decision.
Saunders sat just one match away from becoming an All-American as he was pitted against No. 9 Phillip Keddy from Iowa in the fifth round of consolations. Keddy held a 4-1 lead after the first period and Saunders was never able to recover as he fell by major decision, 14-5.
Byron Sigmon was also alive for day two, but he fell to Edinboro’s Philip Moricone in his first match of the day, 12-2, to be eliminated from the tournament.
174 pounds:
Philip Moricone (Edinboro) maj. dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 12-2
*Byron Sigmon eliminated from the tournament
184 pounds:
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Patrick Bradshaw (Edinboro), 1:22
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Jason McCroskey (Chattanooga), 6-5
No. 9 Phillip Keddy (Iowa) maj. dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 14-5
*Andrew Saunders eliminated from the tournament
UNC Greensboro's Saunders Earns At-large Bid to NCAA Championships
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Andrew Saunders will join teammates Ivan Lopouchanski, Victor Hojilla and Byron Sigmon next week at the 2010 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Omaha, Neb. after earning one of 50 at-large bids, the NCAA announced on Wednesday evening.
The 50 at-large wrestlers join the 280 student-athletes that qualified automatically through the conference and regional qualifying tournaments over the past two weekends. The at-large selections were made by the NCAA Division I Wrestling Committee using the selection criteria without priority order, which consists of head-to-head competition, qualifying event placement, quality wins, results against common opponents, winning percentage, rating percentage index (RPI), coaches ranking and number of matches contested at that weight class.
Saunders, a junior from Geneva, Ill., finished in third place this past weekend at the Southern Conference Championships. He dropped his first match of the day before recording a pin and then a decision in overtime against The Citadel's Kelby Smith to finish in third.
Saunders currently has a record of 30-12 this year, making him just the eighth wrestler in school history to win 30 or more matches in a season. Lopouchanski and Peter Sturgeon also reached that mark this season.
With Saunders' at-large bid, the Spartans will now send four wrestlers to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2006, when current assistant coach Daren Burns went along with Kevin Artis, Joe Lowe and Tyler Shovlin. The only other time in school history that UNCG has sent four wrestlers to nationals was back in 1999.
The 2010 NCAA Championships start next week on Thursday, March 18 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.
UNC Greensboro Wins SoCon Tournament Championship, Three Make NCAAs
DAVIDSON, N.C. - UNC Greensboro claimed its first-ever Southern Conference Championship and three individuals qualified for the 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championships on Saturday at the Baker Sports Complex.
141-pounder Ivan Lopouchanski, 165-pounder Victor Hojilla and 174-pounder Byron Sigmon all won individual titles at their respective weight classes in order to qualify for the NCAA Championships. It marked the third-straight season that UNCG has sent three wrestlers to the NCAA Championships.
UNC Greensboro claimed the team championship by putting five wrestlers in the finals and three coming home with third-place finishes to score 81.5 points. The Citadel came in second with 74 points and Appalachian State was third with 71.5 points. Five-time defending SoCon Tournament champion Chattanooga finished in a distant fourth with 43 points followed by VMI and Davidson with 37 and 21 points, respectively.
Lopouchanski began his day with a bye before defeating The Citadel's Nick LaFevre to advance to the finals. In the finals, Lopouchanski avenged his only SoCon loss of the year by beating Davidson's Vitaly Radsky, 8-3, to win the 141 pound championship.
Hojilla had an impressive start to his day as he pinned Chattanooga's Bond Davis just 15 seconds into the second period. He followed that up with a 13-4 major decision against Tyler Mullen from Davidson to make it to the finals. There he avenged a 10-1 loss to Appalachian State's Kyle Blevins earlier in the year by winning 10-5 to win the title at 165 pounds.
At 174 pounds, Sigmon received a first round by before pinning Evan Dill from VMI at the 5:00 mark. In the finals, Sigmon won his title by defeating J.C. Oddo from The Citadel, 5-2. The win marks the third time that the junior has qualified for the NCAA Championships.
Sophomore Peter Sturgeon and freshman Eric Chandler also had nice days for the Spartans as they both advanced to the finals. At 125 pounds, Chandler fell in the finals to Toney Gravely of Appalachian State, while Sturgeon lost to defending SoCon Champion Odie Delaney from The Citadel at heavyweight.
A trio of wrestlers also came away with third-place finishes for UNCG. 133-pounder Angel Garcia, 184-pounder Andrew Saunders and 197-pounder Ryan Sughrue all battled back in the consolation bracket to finish in third.
The Spartans will return to action on March 18 as they compete at the 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.
AGATE
Team Scores:
1. UNC Greensboro, 81.5
2. The Citadel, 74
3. Appalachian State, 71.5
4. Chattanooga, 43
5. VMI, 37
6. Davidson, 21
Individual results:
125 pounds:
Eric Chandler (UNCG) maj. dec. Richard Alarcon (Citadel), 14-3
Tony Gravely (ASU) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:26
*Eric Chandler finishes in second place
133 pounds:
Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Brett Boston (ASU), 18-8
Alex Radsky (Davidson) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 11-8
Angel Garcia (UNCG) dec. Luke Todd (VMI), 11-5
Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Jordan Dix (Citadel), 13-4
* Angel Garcia finishes in third place
141 pounds:
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Nick LaFevre (Citadel), 3-2
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Vitaly Radsky (Davidson), 8-3
*Ivan Lopouchanski finishes in first place
149 pounds:
Michael Long (VMI) dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 9-4
Derek Royster (Citadel) tech. fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 15-0 at 7:00
157 pounds:
Turtogtokh Luvsandorj (Citadel) dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 7-4
Joe Munno (VMI) dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 8-6
165 pounds:
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Bond Davis (UTC), 3:15
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) maj. dec. Tyler Mullen (Davidson), 13-4
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Kyle Blevins (ASU), 10-5
*Victor Hojilla finishes in first place
174 pounds:
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Evan Dill (VMI), 5:00
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.C. Oddo (Citadel), 5-2
*Byron Sigmon finishes in first place
184 pounds:
Jason McCroskey (UTC) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 7-1
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Vinnie Gallo (VMI), 2:21
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Kelby Smith (Citadel), 7-5 SV1
*Andrew Saunders finishes in third place
197 pounds:
Dylan Temple (ASU) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 6-2
Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) maj. dec. John Dommert (VMI), 13-4
Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Nikolas Brown (UTC), 4:01
*Ryan Sughrue finishes in third place
285 pounds:
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Ken Altarac (ASU), 7-3
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Josh Wine (VMI), 3-1
Odie Delaney (Citadel) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 3-1
*Peter Sturgeon finishes in second place
UNC Greensboro Easily Handles Campbell in Regular Season Finale
BUIES CREEK, N.C. - UNC Greensboro recorded three pins and received as forfeit as the Spartans spoiled Campbell's Senior Day by defeating the Camels 38-6 on Tuesday evening in the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.
The Spartans finished the regular season with an 8-7 record, while the Camels fell to 1-13 this season.
The match began at 184 pounds where Andrew Saunders wasted little time as he pinned Justin Sparrow at the 1:46 mark. Ryan Sughrue made it a 10-0 UNCG lead as he scored a 13-4 major decision over Parker Burns.
Peter Sturgeon became the seventh wrestler in UNCG history to reach 30 wins in a season after receiving a forfeit at heavyweight. CJ Gittens got the Camels on the board at 125 pounds as he won by decision over Eric Chandler, 8-2.
Angel Garcia got the Spartans back on track at 133 pounds as he gave UNCG a 19-3 team lead by defeating Richie Apolinar, 4-3. Ivan Lopouchanski made it back-to-back one-point wins for the Spartans as he beat Kelin Bidelspach 9-8.
Alejandro Soto-Perez made it 26-3 in favor of UNCG as he scored a 15-6 major decision over Billy Heemer. Jake Fose won Campbell's other match on the evening as he defeated Travis Sheehy, 10-8, in overtime at 157 pounds.
Victor Hojilla and Byron Sigmon capped off the night for UNCG with a pair of pins. Hojilla pinned Chris Mazzatta in 2:52 and Byron Sigmon ended the night by pinning Jeff Cote at the 3:35 mark.
Stay tuned to UNCGSpartans.com for any further announcements regarding future games.
AGATE
UNC Greensboro 38, Campbell 6
184 - Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Justin Sparrow (Campbell), 1:46; 6-0 UNCG
197 - Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) major decision Parker Burns (Campbell), 13-4; 10-0 UNCG
HWT - Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) by forfeit; 16-0 UNCG
125 - CJ Gittens (Campbell) decision Eric Chandler (UNCG), 8-2; 16-3 UNCG
133 - Angel Garcia (UNCG) decision Richie Apolinar (Campbell), 4-3; 19-3 UNCG
141 - Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) decision Kelin Bidelspach (Campbell), 9-8; 22-3 UNCG
149 - Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) major decision Billy Heemer (Campbell), 15-6; 26-3 UNCG
157 - Jake Fose (Campbell) decision Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 10-8 OT; 26-6 UNCG
165 - Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Chris Mazzatta (Campbell), 2:52; 32-6 UNCG
174 - Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Jeff Cote (Campbell), 3:35; 38-6 UNCG
UNC Greensboro Cruise Past Duquesne in Home Finale
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro dropped the first match of the evening, but won the final nine matches, including six with bonus points, as the Spartans defeated Duquesne, 40-3, in the home finale on Friday in Fleming Gymnasium.
Prior to the match, seniors Casey Boyle, Jeremy Cannon, Victor Hojilla and Ryan Sughrue were honored on Senior Night.
With the victory, UNCG improved to an even 7-7 on the year, while the Dukes fell to 5-6.
The match began at 149 pounds where Boyle bumped up two weight classes to wrestle Josh Pascazi. Pascazi led just 6-3 entering the final period, but was able to pull out the 10-4 victory. Travis Sheehy got the Spartans rolling with his pin over Alex Martinez at the 5:49 mark.
At 165 pounds, Hojilla led 15-1 after two periods as he went on to score a technical fall over Brendan Sikora to give UNCG an 11-3 lead. Byron Sigmon followed that up with a 15-3 major decision over Matt Gregg at 174 pounds.
Andrew Saunders wasted little time in dispatching Ryan Sula at 184 pounds as he scored the pin just over two minutes into the match. Sughrue made it 24-3 in favor of the Spartans by using a pair of takedowns on his way to a 5-1 decision against Justin Buchanan.
Peter Sturgeon used a second-period cradle to score back points on his way to defeated Nadeem Farah, 8-4, at 285 pounds. At 125 pounds, Manny Ramirez scored five quick takedowns before pinning Taylor Wilde just 2:47 into the match
Angel Garcia jumped out to a 10-4 lead after the first period as he went on to defeat Jake Swink by major decision, 17-6. Ivan Lopouchanski capped off the night for UNCG as he used a five-point move in the second period to defeat Tony Lascari, 7-1, to make the final team score, 40-3. The win was Lopouchanski's 30th of the season, which makes him just the sixth Spartan wrestler to reach that accomplishment.
The Spartans will wrap up their regular season on Tuesday as they travel to Campbell for a 7 p.m. match.
UNC Greensboro 40, Duquesne 3
149: Josh Pascazi (DU) dec. Casey Boyle (UNCG), 10-4 (3-0 Duquesne)
157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) fall Alex Martinez (DU), 5:49 (6-3 UNCG)
165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) tech. fall Brendan Sikora (DU), 18-1 (11-3 UNCG)
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) maj. dec. Matt Gregg (DU), 15-3 (15-3 UNCG)
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Ryan Sula (DU), 2:03 (21-3 UNCG)
197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) dec. Justin Buchanan (DU), 5-1 (24-3 UNCG)
285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Nadeem Farah (DU), 8-4 (27-3 UNCG)
125: Manny Ramirez (UNCG) fall Taylor Wilde (DU), 2:47 (33-3 UNCG)
133: Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Lake Swink (DU), 17-6 (37-3 UNCG)
141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Tony Lascari (DU), 7-1 (40-3 UNCG)
Sughrue, UNC Greensboro Spartans Pin Liberty, 23-15
LYNCHBURG, Va. - Ryan Sughrue recorded a pin in just 24 seconds and UNC Greensboro rattled off six straight wins as they defeated Liberty, 23-15, on Tuesday evening in the Vines Center.
The Spartans improved to 5-6 on the year, while the Flames fell to 7-8 this season with the loss.
The match began at 165 pounds where Liberty's Chad Porter recorded a 10-3 decision over Victor Hojilla. The Spartans would then go on to win the next six matches starting with Byron Sigmon at 174 pounds. Sigmon scored a takedown and a pair of reversals to win 7-3 over Brad Clark.
Andrew Saunders gave UNCG the lead for good with his 6-2 decision against Nick Knowles. At 197 pounds, Sughrue wasted little time in defeating Brandon Johnson. Sughrue scored a quick takedown and recorded the pin in just 24 seconds to give UNCG a 12-3 team lead.
At heavyweight, Peter Sturgeon continued to pad the Spartan lead as he scored a second period takedown and held on for a 3-2 win over Andrew Wilson. Eric Chandler gave UNCG a 20-3 lead at 125 pounds after he won by technical fall at the 6:19 mark with an 18-3 score over Jonathan Childress.
Casey Boyle continued the Spartan run as he scored an escape and was awarded a penalty point in the third period as he defeated Joe Pantaleo, 3-2. Scott Clymer stopped the Spartan run at 141 pounds where he defeated Ivan Lopouchanski, 5-4.
Frank Gayeski made it back-to-back wins for the Flames as he used a third period reversal to pin Alejandro Soto-Perez with just under a minute remaining in the match at 149 pounds. In the final match, Shaun Smith defeated Travis Sheehy, 6-2, to make the final team score, 23-15.
The Spartans return to the mat on Sunday for a tri-dual in Fairfax, Va. UNCG will face American at 11 a.m. before taking on host George Mason at 12:30 p.m.
UNC Greensboro 23, Liberty 15
165: Chad Porter (Liberty) dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 10-3 (3-0 Liberty)
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Brad Clark (Liberty), 7-3 (3-3)
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Nick Knowles (Liberty), 6-2 (6-3 UNCG)
197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Brandon Johnson (Liberty), 0:24 (12-3 UNCG)
285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Andrew Wilson (Liberty), 3-2 (15-3 UNCG)
125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) tech. fall Jonathan Childress (Liberty), 18-3 at 6:19 (20-3 UNCG)
133: Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Joe Pantaleo (Liberty), 3-2 (23-3 UNCG)
141: Scott Clymer (Liberty) dec. Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG), 5-4 (23-6 UNCG)
149: Frank Gayeski (Liberty) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 6:07 (23-12 UNCG)
157: Shaun Smith (Liberty) dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 6-2 (23-15 UNCG)
UNC Greensboro Spartans Fall to SoCon Foe Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, TENN. - UNC Greensboro won the first two matches to jump out to a 9-0 lead, but Chattanooga won seven of the final eight weight classes to win, 26-12, in Southern Conference action on Sunday afternoon in Maclellan Gym.
The Spartans fall to 3-6 overall and 2-1 in the SoCon, while the Mocs improved to 8-6 on the year and 3-0 in league play.
The match began at 174 pounds where Byron Sigmon got the Spartans started off with a second period pin over No. 20 Jake Young. Andrew Saunders followed up with a 4-3 decision over Jason McCroskey after a third period takedown to give UNCG an early 9-0 lead.
Nikolas Brown got the Mocs on the board with his 6-3 decision over Ryan Sughrue at 197 pounds. At heavyweight, Tom Minwell pulled Chattanooga within 9-6 with his 4-0 win against Peter Sturgeon.
Demetrius Johnson gave the home side a 10-9 lead with his 11-3 major decision over Eric Chandler. At 133 pounds, Josh Statum scored a 6-3 decision against Casey Boyle.
At 141 pounds, Ivan Lopouchanski pulled the Spartans within 13-12 with his 5-4 win over Bennett Johnson. That was as close as UNCG would get the rest of the day as Dean Pavlou scored a technical fall over Alejandro Soto-Perez to push the Mocs lead back up to 18-12.
Chattanooga would finish the match off with back-to-back major decisions by Josh Condone and Brandon Wright to win the match, 26-12.
The Spartans return to the mat on Wednesday as they host Davidson at 7 p.m. in Fleming Gymnasium.
AGATE
Chattanooga 26, UNC Greensboro 12
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall No. 20 Jake Young (UTC), 4:41
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Jason McCroskey (UTC), 4-3
197: Nikolas Brown (UTC) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 6-3
285: Tom Minwell (UTC) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 4-0
125: Demetrius Johnson (UTC) maj. dec. Eric Chandler (UNCG), 11-3
133: Josh Statum (UTC) dec. Casey Boyle (UNCG), 6-3
141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Bennett Johnson (UTC), 5-4
149: Dean Pavlou (UTC) tech. fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 21-5 at 5:54
157: Josh Condone (UTC) maj. dec. Travis Sheehy (UNCG), 14-4
165: Brandon Wright (UTC) maj. dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 14-5
UNC Greensboro Spartans Stay Unbeaten in SoCon, Defeat Appalachian State, 28-13
BOONE, N.C. - UNC Greensboro won seven of the 10 bouts to lead from wire to wire and stay unbeaten in the Southern Conference as they defeated Appalachian State, 28-13, on Thursday evening in Varsity Gym.
The Spartans improved to 2-4 overall this season in dual matches and 2-0 in the SoCon. The Mountaineers fell to 2-7 on the year and 0-1 in the league.
The match began at 133 pounds where Casey Boyle scored a 5-3 decision over Jacob Earp. Freshman Ivan Lopouchanski followed with his 25th win of the year as he pinned Chris Collura at the 2:53 mark of the first period.
Appalachian State's Savva Kostis cut into the Spartan lead with a second period pin of Matt Barbo at 149 pounds. Travis Sheehy built UNCG's lead to 12-6 with his 11-4 decision over Chip Powell.
Kyle Blevins pulled the Mountaineers within 12-10 after his major decision victory over Victor Hojilla at 165 pounds. That was as close as the home team would get the rest of the evening as Byron Sigmon answered with a major decision of his own at 174 pounds to put UNCG ahead, 16-10.
Appalachian's Austin Trotman scored a 15-8 win over Andrew Saunders at 184 pounds, but the Spartans would go on to win the final three matches of the night. Ryan Sughrue started it off with a 5-1 decision against Dylan Temple at 197 pounds.
Peter Sturgeon followed at heavyweight by defeating Ken Altarac, 3-1, to clinch the victory for UNCG. True freshman Eric Chandler capped off the evening for the Spartans with a pin over Brett Boston just 31 seconds into the second period at 125 pounds.
The Spartans return to action on Sunday as they travel to Blacksburg, Va. for a pair of dual matches. UNCG will take on Gardner-Webb at 2 p.m. before facing No. 15 Virginia Tech at 6 p.m.
UNC Greensboro 28, Appalachian State 13
133: Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Jacob Earp (ASU) 5-3 UNCG 3-0
141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Chris Collura (ASU) 2:53 UNCG 9-0
149: Savva Kostis (ASU) fall Matt Barbo (UNCG) 4:11 UNCG 9-6
157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Chip Powell (ASU) 11-4 UNCG 12-6
165: Kyle Blevins (ASU) major dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG) 10-1 UNCG 12-10
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) major dec. Carter Downs (ASU) 9-1 UNCG 16-10
184: Austin Trotman (ASU) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG) 15-8 UNCG 16-13
197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) dec. Dylan Temple (ASU) 5-1 UNCG 19-13
285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Ken Altarac (ASU) 3-1 UNCG 22 13
125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Brett Boston (ASU) 3:31 UNCG 28-13
UNC Greensboro Cruise Past The Citadel, 32-9
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro won eight of the 10 matches, including the final five, to record a 32-9 victory against The Citadel in Southern Conference Wrestling action on Saturday afternoon.
The Spartans are now 1-4 on the year and 1-0 in the league, while the Bulldogs dropped to 1-4 this season and 0-2 in the SoCon.
The match began at 285 pounds where The Citadel's Ivan Muller pulled out a dramatic victory against Peter Sturgeon. After the two wrestlers were tied at one at the end of regulation, they went to sudden victory where neither opponent was able to score. Muller scored an escape point in the first tiebreaker and was able to ride Sturgeon out in the second tiebreaker to claim the victory. Eric Chandler was able to knot the team score at three at 125 pounds by using four takedowns and a reversal on his way to defeating Richard Alarcon, 11-6.
Casey Boyle gave the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the afternoon as scored three takedowns en route to defeating Jordan Dix, 7-4, to give UNCG a 6-3 team lead. At 141 pounds, Ivan Lopouchanski had a pair of takedowns and near-falls to secure a 10-0 major decision over David Ivashchenko to put the Spartans ahead, 10-3.
At 149 pounds, The Citadel's Derek Royster won by disqualification at the 6:58 mark against Alejandro Soto-Perez after Soto-Perez had five stalling calls awarded against him. Travis Sheehy responded for the Spartans by recording a narrow 4-1 decision against Turtogtokh Luvsandorj at 157 pounds. The two wrestlers were tied at one midway through the third period when Sheehy scored a takedown and earned a point for riding time to secure the victory.
At 165 pounds, Victor Hojilla took The Citadel's Cameron Childs down and put him to his back to record the pin with just six seconds remaining in the first period to give UNCG a 19-9 advantage in the team score. Byron Sigmon used a second period reversal to defeat J.C. Oddo, 2-1, at 174 pounds.
At 184 pounds, Andrew Saunders made quick work of Kelby Smith as he took Smith down and immediately put him to his back to record the pin just 51 seconds into the match. Ryan Sughrue capped off the match at 197 pounds with a 14-5 major decision over Odie Delaney to make the final team score, 32-9.
The Spartans return to action on Thursday as they make the trip up the mountain to face Appalachian State at 6 p.m.
AGATE
UNC Greensboro 32, The Citadel 9
285: Ivan Muller (The Citadel) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 2-1 TB2 (3-0 CIT)
125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) dec. Richard Alarcon Jr. (The Citadel), 11-6 (3-3)
133: Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Jordan Dix (The Citadel), 7-4 (6-3 UNCG)
141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. David Ivashchenko (The Citadel), 10-0 (10-3 UNCG)
149: Derek Royster (The Citadel) DQ Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 6:58 (10-9 UNCG)
157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Turtogtokh Luvsandorj (The Citadel), 4-1 (13-9 UNCG)
165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Cameron Childs (The Citadel), 2:54 (19-9 UNCG)
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.C. Oddo (The Citadel), 2-1 (22-9)
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Kelby Smith (The Citadel), 0:51 (28-9)
197: Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) maj. dec. Odie Delaney (The Citadel), 14-5 (32-9)
UNC Greensboro Spartans Wrap Up Old Dominion Quad
NORFOLK, Va. - Junior Andrew Saunders collected a trio of victories on the afternoon, but the UNC
The Spartans fell to No. 24 Old Dominion, 36-7; Rider, 38-9; and Purdue, 30-9.
Saunders, wrestling at 184 pounds, won all three of his matches, including a major decision to begin his day. In his first match, he defeated Joe Budi from Old Dominion, 11-2, before scoring a 6-3 decision against Rider's Joe Ferber and a 4-3 decision against Purdue's Nick Corpe.
Heavyweight Peter Sturgeon also had a nice day as he won two of his three bouts. He won a 4-2 decision against Grant Chapman from Old Dominion before losing his only match of the day to No. 17 Ed Bordas from Rider. He capped off his afternoon with a 9-2 decision against Purdue's Adam Walls.
The Spartans return home on Saturday as they open Southern Conference action against The Citadel at 11 a.m. in Fleming Gymnasium.
AGATE
No. 24 Old Dominion 36, UNC Greensboro 7
125: No. 4 James Nicholson (ODU) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:53
133: Justin LaValle (ODU) technical fall Manuel Ramirez (UNCG), 15-0
141: Brennan Brumley (ODU) fall Casey Boyle (UNCG), 2:51
149: Cam Watkins (ODU) win by major decision Matt Barbo (UNCG), 10-2 (2:53 RT)
157: Dan Rivera (ODU) win by major decision Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 10-2 (4:28 RT)
165: No. 10 Chris Brown (ODU) technical fall Edwin Hojilla (UNCG), 20-4 (4:09 RT)
174: Eric Decker (ODU) win by decision Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 6-2 (3:22 RT)
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) win by major decision Joe Budi (ODU), 11-2 (2:52 RT)
197: No. 13 Jesse Strawn (ODU) win by decision Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 4-0 (3:33 RT)
HWT: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) win by decision Grant Chapman (ODU), 4-2
Rider 38, UNC Greensboro 9
125: Eric Chandler (UNCG) win by decision Ilyass Elmsaouri (Rider), 7-2
133: Jimmy Kirchner (Rider) fall Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 1:32
141: Aaron Nestor (Rider) fall Casey Boyle (UNCG), 3:55
149: No. 20 Michael Kessler (Rider) win by major decision Matt Barbo (UNCG), 13-2
157: Zac Cibula (Rider) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 4:04
165: Rob Morrison (Rider) fall Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 2:51
174: Byron Sigmon (UNCG) win by decision Jim Resnick (Rider), 8-6
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) win by decision Joe Ferber (Rider), 6-3
197: No. 19 Tyler Smith (Rider) fall Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 1:51
HWT: No. 17 Ed Bordas (Rider) win by major decision Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 8-0
Purdue 30, UNC Greensboro 9
125: Matt Fields (Purdue) falls Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:43
133: Cashe Quiroga (Purdue) wins by major decision Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 16-6
141: Juan Archuleta (Purdue) wins by major decision Casey Boyle (UNCG), 13-5
149: Nick Bertucci (Purdue) wins by major decision Matt Barbo (UNCG), 13-0
157: Sam Patacsil (Purdue) wins by technical fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 19-4
165: Jason Martin (Purdue) wins by decision Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 7-3
174: Matt Manuel (Purdue) wins by major decision Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 15-4
184: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) wins by decision Nick Corpe (Purdue), 4-3
197: Ryan Sughroe (UNCG) wins by decision Logan Brown (Purdue), 7-1
HWT: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) wins by decision Adam Walls (Purdue), 9-2
Cornell Claims 2009 Southern Scuffle Title, UNC Greensboro Places Three
GREENSBORO, NC – After two days of wrestling and 828 matches, the team from Cornell walked away with the 2009 UNCG Southern Scuffle championship and claimed their second consecutive team title at the event. The Big Red also won three individual titles, as Kyle Dake, Mack Lewness and Cam Simaz came away with titles. UNCG had three wrestlers place as sophomore Peter Sturgeon won his first two matches of the second day before finishing in eighth place. True freshmen Eric Chandler and Caylor Williams also came in eighth place for the Spartans.
Chandler, wrestling at 125 pounds, recorded a pair of pins over Navy’s Allen Stein and Michigan’s Sean Boyle on his way to finishing in eighth. At 197 pounds, Williams pinned William Widener from George Mason in just over a minute and then scored a 6-2 decision over Zach Bennett from North Carolina. Sturgeon had a pair of wins as a heavyweight, including a 5-4 decision over NC State’s Eloheim Palma.
In the championship finals, Angel Escobedo, ranked second nationally from Indiana, won by injury default at 125 pounds over No. 1 Troy Nickerson after Nickerson injured his shoulder in the first period. At 133 pounds, No. 2 Jayson Ness from Minnesota used a pair of takedowns to score a 7-3 decision over No. 11 Dan Mitcheff from Kent State.
In a tight match at 141 pounds, No. 5 Kyle Dake from Cornell defeated No. 6 Mike Thorn from Minnesota. Dake recorded a third period takedown to tie the match at four and rode Dake out the rest of the period to receive a point for riding time and win, 5-4. At 149 pounds, No. 10 Matt Kyler was leading 3-0 at the beginning of the third period when Penn’s Cesar Grajales was forced to injury default.
In the closest bout of the evening, No. 7 Thomas Scotton from North Carolina scored a 2-1 decision at 157 pounds in the fourth tiebreaker over No. 11 Kurt Kinser from Indiana. No. 4 Dustin Schlatter from Minnesota scored a pair of takedowns to record a 5-1 decision over No. 18 Rick Schmelyun at 165 pounds.
At 174 pounds, No. 1 Mack Lewness scored a takedown in the second and third period as he went on to defeat No. 4 Chris Henrich from Virginia, 6-1. Chris Honeycutt, wrestling unattached from Edinboro, defeated No. 3 Dustin Kilgore, 7-5. Honeycutt trailed 5-3 late in the third period, but scored a takedown and two near-fall points to win the match.
No. 6 Cam Simaz from Cornell scored four takedowns and received a point for riding time as he scored a major decision at 197 pounds over Ohio’s Erik Schuth. In the final match of the evening, No. 6 Nathan Everhart from Indiana had a second period takedown as he defeated Navy’s Scott Steele, 3-2
2009 Southern Scuffle Champions
Team
Cornell Big Red
Individual
125: No. 2 Angel Escobedo (Indiana)
133: No. 2 Jayson Ness (Minnesota)
141: No. 5 Kyle Dake (Cornell)
149: No. 10 Matt Kyler (Army)
157: No. 7 Thomas Scotton (North Carolina)
165: No. 4 Dustin Schlatter (Minnesota)
174: No. 1 Mack Lewness (Cornell)
184: Chris Honeycutt (Edinboro-unattached)
197: No. 6 Cam Simaz (Cornell)
285: No. 6 Nathan Everhart (Indiana)
Most Outstanding Wrestler
Mack Lewness (Cornell)
Gregorian Award (Most pins in least amount of time)
Jesse Strawn (Old Dominion) – Five falls in 18:36
Final Team Standings
1 164 Cornell
2 151.5 Minnesota
3 131.5 Indiana
4 97.5 Edinboro
5 96.5 Virginia
6 85.5 Ohio
7 75.5 Kent State
8 74 Bloomsburg
9 68.5 North Carolina
10 65.5 Navy
11 62.5 Penn
12 60 Army
13 55.5 Cal State Bakersfield
14 54 Michigan
15 53 Old Dominion
16 39 Liberty
17 32 Air Force
18 31.5 George Mason
19 30 NC State
20 29.5 Gardner-Webb
21 27 Lock Haven
22 26.5 UNCG
23 24.5 Hofstra
24 20.5 Appalachian State
25 18.5 Duke
26 16.5 Virginia Tech
27 12.5 The Citadel
28 10 Boston
29 9.5 Princeton
30 7 Sacred Heart
31 4.5 Campbell
T32 0 Columbia
T32 0 Ohio State
UNCG Southern Scuffle Day 2 results:
125 Pounds:
Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Allen Stein (Navy), 0:51
Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Sean Boyle (Michigan), 4:59
Frank Lomas (Cal State Bakersfield) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:12
Matthew Snyder (Virginia) maj. dec. Eric Chandler (UNCG), 16-9
*Eric Chandler finishes in eighth place
141 Pounds:
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Nicholas Bundy (Army), 7-4
Nick Nelson (Virginia) dec. Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG), 6-0
*Ivan Lopouchanski eliminated from tournament
184 Pounds:
Derek Coffey (Bloomsburg) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 3-0
*Ryan Sughrue eliminated from tournament
197 Pounds:
Caylor Williams (UNCG) fall William Widener (George Mason), 1:06
Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Zachary Bennett (North Carolina), 6-2
Sonny Yohn (Minnesota) dec. Caylor Williams (UNCG), 7-2
Matt Powless (Indiana) dec. Caylor Williams (UNCG), 4-1
*Caylor Williams finishes in eighth place
285 Pounds:
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. John Danikowicz (Virginia), 5-4
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Eloheim Palma (NC State), 3-2
Joshua Arnone (Cornell) dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 3-1
Brendan Barlow (Kent State) maj. dec. Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 16-6
*Peter Sturgeon finishes in eighth place
UNC Greensboro Spartan All Access to Provide Exclusive Coverage of 2009 Southern Scuffle
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Collegiate wrestling's finest competitors will be on display when the 2009 UNCG Southern Scuffle takes place on December 29 and 30 from the Greensboro Coliseum's Special Events Center and fans can catch all of the action on their computers with Spartan All Access.
More than 400 wrestlers are slated to compete in 10 weight classes, with 53 of them currently ranked in the top 20 in their respective weight classes according to InterMat. Four wrestlers currently ranked No. 1 in the nation in their weight classes, including defending NCAA champions Troy Nickerson of Cornell (125 lbs.) and Jarrod King from Edinboro (165 lbs.) are slated to compete.
This is the seventh year of the UNCG Southern Scuffle and the sixth time it has been held at the Special Events Center. Each year, several future national champions have been on display, sometimes squaring off against competitors they meet down the road at the NCAA Championship in March. This year, King's 165 lbs. weight class and the 285 lb. class with top-ranked Konrad Dudziak of Duke features the most ranked wrestlers with seven. Nickerson's 125 lbs. class features six of the top seven ranked competitors, nearly ensuring some sneak previews of the NCAA Championship in that bracket. There are seven teams ranked in the top 20 in this year's UNCG Southern Scuffle field.
Fans can catch all the action by purchasing one of four packages for the Spartan All Access coverage of the Southern Scuffle. Fans can purchase a complete tournament package for $19.95, which will include all three sessions. Session 1, featuring all of Friday's action, and Session 2, which features Saturday's action up to the championship round, can be purchased for $9.95 each. Session 3, featuring only the championship matches on Saturday evening, will be available for $7.95.
Martin Fleming and Joey Burridge will call the action from this year's tournament, with two "feature" mats being shown. Matches of significance are typically funneled by tournament officials to these feature mats as often as possible without affecting the integrity of the tournament bracket. Coverage includes teams from all over the country and is not just focused on UNCG wrestlers. However, because care is given to not disrupting the flow of the tournament, decisions are made as the day goes on for which matches will be shown as a part of Spartan All Access.
Packages may be purchased by clicking on the gold Spartan All Access login box in the top right side of any page at www.UNCGSpartans.com and www.southernscuffle.com.
The tournament teams that will be compete and list of ranked wrestlers slated to participate is listed below.
Teams in the 2009 UNCG Southern Scuffle
Air Force
Appalachian State
Army
Bloomsburg
Boston University
Cal State Bakersfield
Campbell
The Citadel
#8 Cornell
Duke
#20 Edinboro
Gardner-Webb
George Mason
Hofstra
#13 Indiana
#19 Kent State
Liberty
Lock Haven
Michigan
#5 Minnesota
Navy
North Carolina
North Carolina State
Ohio
#23 Old Dominion
Penn
Princeton
Sacred Heart
UNC Greensboro
#18 Virginia
Individuals ranked in the latest InterMat rankings:
125 Pounds:
1. Troy Nickerson - Cornell
2. Angel Escobedo - Indiana
4. Zach Sanders - Minnesota
5. James Nicholson - Old Dominion
6. Jarrod Garnett - Virginia Tech
7. Eric Morrill - Edinboro
133 Pounds:
2. Jayson Ness - Minnesota
10. Mike Grey - Cornell
11. Danny Mitcheff - Kent State
15. Kyle Hutter - Old Dominion
141 Pounds:
5. Kyle Drake - Cornell
6. Mike Thorn - Minnesota
149 Pounds:
9. Mario Mason - Minnesota
10. Matt Kyler - Army
11. Matt Cathell - Kent State
20. Nick Stabile - North Carolina
157 Pounds:
4. Matt Moley - Bloomsburg
9. Kurt Kinser - Indiana
12. Jake Deitchler - Minnesota
14. Bryce Saddoris - Navy
16. Danny Gonsor - Virginia
19. Jonny Bonilla-Bowman - Hofstra
165 Pounds:
1. Jarrod King - Edinboro
4. Dustin Schlatter - Minnesota
10. Justin Kerber - Cornell
11. Chris Brown - Old Dominion
14. Paul Young - Indiana
17. P.J. Gillespie - Hofstra
19. Rick Schmelyun - Bloomsburg
174 Pounds:
1. Mack Lewness - Edinboro
4. Chris Henrich - Virginia
10. Ryan Patrovich - Hofstra
13. Luke Rebertus - Navy
18. Scott Griffin - Pennsylvania
19. Justin Zeerip - Michigan
184 Pounds:
3. Dustin Kilgore - Kent State
16. Steve Bosak - Cornell
17. John Barone - Duke
18. Sonny Yohn - Minnesota
20. Ben Clymer - Hofstra
197 Pounds:
5. Anthony Biondo - Michigan
6. Cam Simaz - Cornell
11. Brent Jones - Virginia
14. Jesse Strawn - Old Dominion
15. Dennis Drury - North Carolina
16. Richard Starks - Army
285 Pounds:
1. Konrad Dudziak - Duke
6. Nathan Everhart - Indiana
10. Mitch Monteiro - Cal State Bakersfield
11. Ben Berhow - Minnesota
14. Chris Birchler - Edinboro
16. Josh Arnone - Cornell
19. Brendan Barlow - Kent State
UNC Greensboro Wraps up Competition at Las Vegas Invitational
PRIMM, NEV. - With just one wrestler still alive on day two, UNC Greensboro wrapped up competition at the 28th Annual Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational at the Star of the Desert Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Andrew Saunders began his day by dropping a match to No. 20 Steve Bosak in the consolation bracket. He rebounded to defeat Andrew Buck from Navy, 7-0, to finish in seventh place at the prestigious tournament.
The Spartans return to competition on Dec. 19 as they host Virginia in Fleming Gymnasium at 11 a.m.
184 Pounds:
No. 20 Steve Bosak (Cornell) tech. fall Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 16-0
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Andrew Buck (Navy), 7-0
UNC Greensboro Wrestling Inks Four to National Letters of Intent
GREENSBORO, N.C. - The UNC Greensboro wrestling team has signed Derek Golner, Donald McNeil, Daniel Ownbey and Cody Rodebaugh to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period, coach Jason Loukides announced on Tuesday.
"I am excited about the attitudes that these guys are bringing to the program," said Loukides. "They are quality student-athletes that are going to make a big impact in the UNCG wrestling program. I am very happy we were able to sign them early."
Golner, a native of Tyngsboro, Mass., will look to fill in at 157 or 165 pounds at UNCG after wrestling at 160 pounds last season at Tyngsboro High School. This season, he is looking to become just the eighth wrestler from Massachusetts to win his fourth state title. Last year he claimed his third state championship before finishing in second at the All States Championships. He went on to finish third at the New England High School Championships to wrap up his year. He won his state championship as a sophomore at 140 pounds and his first championship at 130 pounds.
"Derek will punish opponents with his skill in the top position and compete at 157/165 for the Spartans," said Loukides.
A Kingston, Penn. native, McNeil is coming off a year that saw him win the Pennsylvania Prep State Championship at 189 pounds for Wyoming Seminary and he also finished fourth at the National Prep School Championships. He also finished seventh at the 2008 Asics Ironman and was ranked No. 11 in the nation at 215 pounds by Wrestling USA Magazine. As a freshman and sophomore, McNeil won state championships in Massachusetts at King Philip Regional High School.
"Donald is a dangerous wrestler who will challenge right away for the starting spot at 197/285," said Loukides. "He has the ability to pin anyone he wrestles."
Ownbey, from Candler, N.C., went a perfect 56-0 to win the 125 pound 3A State Championship at Enka High School. Last year, he earned NHSCA All-American honors after coming in third at the NHSCA National Open. He won the National Open the year before and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler. As a sophomore, Ownbey advanced all the final to the finals of the state championship before narrowly falling, 5-4, to earn runner-up honors.
"Daniel's style of wrestling and his mentality will make him a great college wrestler," said Loukides. "Attracting the No. 1 ranked senior in North Carolina is a huge plus for our program."
Rodebaugh, perhaps the gem of the class, is ranked No. 74 in the nation as a senior according to Intermat. Last season wrestling for San Lorenzo Valley High School, he ended an impressive 51-2 junior campaign by recording four pins on his way to winning the California State Championship at 140 pounds. He capped off the tournament by pinning his final three opponents. This past year, he earned All-America honors by finishing in fourth place at the 2009 NHSCA Junior Nationals. He has previously earned Cadet All-America honors in Greco-Roman wrestling as well.
"Cody is the 74th best wrestler in the country," Loukides said. "He will fit perfectly in our lineup at 149/157 and his drive and will to succeed will push him to new heights as a Spartan grappler."
The Spartans will return to the mat next weekend as they compete in the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 5-6.
Lopouchanski, Sturgeon lead UNC Greensboro at NC State Open
GREENSBORO, N.C. - Ivan Lopouchanski and Peter Sturgeon won their respective weight classes as UNC Greensboro wrapped up competition at the NC State Open on Saturday afternoon.
Lopouchanski began his afternoon with a first period pin over Virginia Tech's Cameron Hurd before scoring a 7-4 decision against David Ivashchenko from The Citadel, 7-4. He then defeated Joe Kemmerer from Liberty, 4-3, to advance to the finals where he beat Hofstra's Tyler Banks, 5-2.
Sturgeon also began his day with a pin as he beat Gardner-Webb's Zach Burke in 4:59. He scored a 7-4 to move into the semifinals where he beat Paul Snyder from Hofstra, 7-4. In the finals, he beat Dustin Porter from Gardner-Webb in the second overtime, 6-4.
Andrew Saunders also finished in second place, while Byron Sigmon came in fourth place on the day.
The Spartans will return to competition on Dec. 4 as they travel to Primm, Nev. for the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.
133 pounds:
Jeremy Sandoval (Chattanooga) fall Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 1:02
Jamel Johnson (UNCG) fall Logan Biddy, 1:16
Josh Statum (Chattanooga) fall Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 6:10
141 pounds:
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Cameron Hurd (Virginia Tech), 1:24
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. David Ivashchenko (The Citadel), 7-4
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Joe Kemmerer (Liberty), 4-3
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Tyler Banks (Hofstra), 5-2
*Ivan Lopouchanski finishes in first place
Mike Crowley (UNCG) dec. Cole Louks (Virginia Tech), 5-2
Reiny Parrado (NC State) dec. Mike Crowley (UNCG), 9-7
Nicholas LaFevre (The Citadel) dec. Mike Crowley (UNCG), 2-0
Joe Kemmerer (Liberty) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 3-0
Nicholas LaFevre (The Citadel) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 6-3
149 pounds:
Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) fall Max Morrill (The Citadel), 2:49
AJ Guardado (Duke) maj. dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 8-0
Brett Farina (NC State) dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 6-4
Dean Pavlou (Chattanooga) maj. dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 10-2
Daniel Helena (North Carolina) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 12-9
165 pounds:
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Thomas Ferguson (UNC), 7-5
PJ Gillespie (Hofstra) dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 4-2
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) forfeit Brett Miller (UNCG)
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Derek Sickel (The Citadel), 6:24
Josh Condon (Chattanooga) maj. dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 18-10
Brett Miller (UNCG) dec. David Sweeney (Gardner-Webb), 10-6
Joe Bayer (Liberty) maj. dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 14-5
Brett Miller (UNCG) fall Andrew King (Limestone), 2:35
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) forfeit Brett Miller (UNCG)
174 pounds:
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.C. Oddo (The Citadel), 7-3
Brad Darrington (Utah Valley) dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 3-2
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Josh Tuck (Newberry), 4:42
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Bret Klopp (Duke), 9-7
J.C. Oddo (The Citadel) maj. dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 10-1
*Byron Sigmon finishes in fourth place
Marc Bryan (UNCG) maj. dec. Vincent Salyer (Gardner-Webb), 11-2
Bret Klopp (Duke) fall Marc Bryan (UNCG), 2:07
Quentin Godley (NC State) maj. dec. Marc Bryan (UNCG), 9-1
184 pounds:
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Tyrell Walker (North Carolina), 1:36
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Casen Eldredge (Utah Valley), 3-2
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Bryant Blanton (Newberry), 7-2
Ben Clymer (Hofstra) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 2-1
Andrew Saunders finishes in second place
Ben Clymer (Hofstra) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 4-0
Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) maj. dec. Brian Hurley (The Citadel), 14-0
Tyler Roberson (Chattanooga) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 6-5
197 pounds:
Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Austin Haigler (NC State), 6-0
Andrew Delaney (The Citadel) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 1:56
Caylor Williams (UNCG) fall Victor Njomo (Old Dominion), 5:31
Caylor Williams (UNCG) maj. dec. Andrew Tumlin (NC State), 12-3
Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Travis Porter (Gardner-Webb), 6-4
*Caylor Williams finishes in third place
285 pounds:
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) fall Zach Burke (Gardner-Webb), 4:59
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Steven Butler (Newberry), 7-4
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Paul Snyder (Hofstra), 5-3
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Dustin Porter (Gardner-Webb), 6-4 2OT
*Peter Sturgeon finishes in first place
Dustin Porter (Gardner-Webb) fall Michael Gregory (UNCG), 5:43
Andrew Fulk (Duke) dec. Michael Gregory (UNCG), 6-4
UNC Greensboro Drops Opening Dual to Utah Valley, 21-17
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro and Utah Valley each won five bouts, but the Wolverines' pair of pins was the difference as they went on to defeat the Spartans, 21-17, on Thursday evening in Fleming Gymnasium.
The Spartans are now 0-1 this season, while the Wolverines moved to 1-0 on the year.
The two teams started at 149 pounds where Justin Morrill gave Utah Valley an early advantage. Morrill scored a reversal to start the second period before pinning Alejandro Soto-Perez at the 4:35 mark to give the Wolverines a 6-0 lead. Travis Sheehy helped the Spartans cut into that lead as he used a pair of near-falls to score a 10-5 decision over Richard Winger.
At 165 pounds, Victor Hojilla tied the team score at six with a decision victory. Hojilla had a takedown in the first and second period before scoring an insurance reversal in the third period to win, 6-2. Brad Darrington took the lead back for Utah Valley as he defeated Byron Sigmon, 5-2, with riding time to take a 9-6 team lead.
Casen Eldredge padded the Utah Valley lead as he scored a second period escape and earned a point for riding time to score a 2-0 win over Andrew Saunders. Jeremy Cannon brought the Spartans back within three team points with his win at 197 pounds. Cannon scored a late takedown in the first period and another in the third to defeat Josh Wood, 4-2.
Peter Sturgeon gave the Spartans a 13-12 team lead after he scored a major decision at 285 pounds. Sturgeon scored six takedowns in the match and scored a riding time point to win, 13-5, over Dylan Stadel. The Spartan lead didn't last long as No. 11 Ben Kjar scored a first period pin over Eric Chandler retake the lead for Utah Valley, 18-13.
Jeff Newby sealed the victory for Utah Valley with his win at 133 pounds. Newby scored a takedown with one minute remaining in the match and held on for a 5-4 win over Angle Garcia to give the Wolverines a 21-13 advantage. In the final match of the evening, Ivan Lopouchanski recorded four takedowns and a reversal as he went on to an 11-2 major decision victory against Marty Carlson to make the final team score, 21-17.
The Spartans return to action on Saturday as they travel down I-40 to compete in the NC State Open.
Utah Valley 21, UNC Greensboro 17
149: Justin Morill (UVU) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 4:35; 6-0 UVU
157: Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Richard Winger (UVU), 10-5; 6-3 UVU
165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Monte Shmaulhaus (UVU), 6-2; 6-6
174: Brad Darrington (UVU) dec. Byron Sigmon (UNCG), 5-2; 9-6 UVU
184: Casen Eldredge (UVU) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 2-0; 12-6 UVU
197: Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) dec. Josh Wood (UVU), 4-2; 12-9 UVU
285: Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) maj. dec. Dylan Stadel (UVU), 13-5; 13-12 UNCG
125: No. 11 Ben Kjar (UVU) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 2:15; 18-13 UVU
133: Jeff Newby (UVU) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 5-4; 21-13 UVU
141: Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. Marty Carlson (UVU), 11-2; 21-17 UVU
Sheehy, Sigmon Claim Titles to Lead UNC Greensboro at Pembroke Classic
PEMBROKE, N.C. - Travis Sheehy won the 157 pound title and Byron Sigmon won the championship at 174 pounds, while nine other Spartans placed in the top-six to lead UNC Greensboro at the 29th Annual Pembroke Classic on Saturday in the English E. Jones Center.
Sheehy had a second period pin in the first round and then received a forfeit to advance into the semifinals. In the semifinals, he took down Latra Collick from Newberry, 7-3. He scored an impressive 17-10 decision in the finals against Limestone's Mike Bush to win the championship.
Sigmon began his day with back-to-back pins before scoring a 9-4 decision over Belmont Abbey's Jake Varilek. He then defeated UNCP's J.J. Davis, 4-1, to advance to the finals where he scored a 4-2 decision over Curtis Chenoweth from Newberry to win the 174 pounds title.
Andrew Saunders also had a nice day for UNCG as he recorded back-to-back major decisions to start his day. He then defeated Landon Hall, 2-1, to advance to the finals where he was narrowly edged, 6-4, by Newberry's Bryant Blanton.
Angel Garcia, Victor Hojilla, Ivan Lopouchanski and Peter Sturgeon all battled back in the consolation bracket to finish in third place. Eric Chandler, Jeremy Cannon, Ryan Sughrue and Jamel Johnson also finished in the top-six for UNCG.
The Spartans return to action on Thursday night as they host Utah Valley at 7 p.m. in Fleming Gymnasium for the first home dual of the season.
125 Pounds:
C.J. Gittens (Campbell) dec. Eric Chandler (UNCG), 4-2
Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 2:24
Eric Chandler (UNCG) maj. dec. Jonathan Cronin (Newberry), 15-5
Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Shane Summerlin (Belmont), 3:24
Eric Chandler (UNCG) dec. Matthew Hall (Limestone), 11-5
Eric Chandler (UNCG) maj. dec. Wes Heavener (Campbell), 14-2
Ben Altman (Davidson) fall Eric Chandler (UNCG), 1:26
*Eric Chandler finishes in fourth place
Manny Ramirez (UNCG) maj. dec. Josh Tegard (St. Andrews), 13-4
Wes Heavener (Campbell) maj. dec. Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 14-5
Eric Chandler (UNCG) fall Manny Ramirez (UNCG), 2:24
Josh Craig (UNCG) dec. Steven McLeod (Newberry), 4-3
Shane Summerlin (Belmont) fall Josh Craig (UNCG), 1:40
Josh Craig (UNCG) dec. John Hellinger (The Citadel), 6-5
Ryan Devita (Belmont) dec. Josh Craig (UNCG), 9-3
133 Pounds:
Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Chris Woltz (UNC), 10-1
Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Dustin Crowley (Belmont), 12-2
Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Grayson Mills (NC State), 8-0
Angel Garcia (UNCG) dec. T.D. Thurston (UNCP), 12-5
Sheridan Moran (Newberry) dec. Angel Garcia (UNCG), 6-4
Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 11-3
Angel Garcia (UNCG) dec. Richie Apolinar (Campbell), 6-4
*Angel Garcia finishes in third place
Jamel Johnson (UNCG) dec. John Jackson (Limestone), 10-4
Jamel Johnson (UNCG) fall Casey Gashaw (St. Andrews), 3:31
Kyle Hutter (Old Dominion) fall Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 1:05
Jamel Johnson (UNCG) dec. Scott Ray (Davidson), 6-4
Jamel Johnson (UNCG) forfeit Mike Magaha (Limestone)
Angel Garcia (UNCG) maj. dec. Jamel Johnson (UNCG), 11-3
Mike Moreno (NC State) forfeit Jamel Johnson (UNCG)
*Jamel Johnson finishes in sixth place
Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) fall Brad McKee (St. Andrews), 1:40
Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) dec. Steve DeAugustino (UCF), 7-6
Sheridan Moran (Newberry) dec. Mitchell Johnson (UNCG), 4-3
Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) dec. Trevor Bailey (Darton), 10-7
Richie Apolinar (Campbell) dec. Mitchell Johnson (UNCG), 10-5
Casey Boyle (UNCG) dec. Ernie Young (Newberry), 3-2
Mike Magaha (Limestone) dec. Casey Boyle (UNCG), 8-6
Richie Apolinar (Campbell) fall Casey Boyle (UNCG), 0:41
141 Pounds:
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) maj. dec. Shane Lee (The Citadel), 12-3
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Mike Bell (Duke), 4-2
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) fall Ethan Carmody (Campbell), 2:14
Brennan Brumley (Old Dominion) dec. Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG), 9-7 SV1
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Dale DeBacco (Newberry), 6-2
Ivan Lopouchanski (UNCG) dec. Deral Brown (Newberry), 6-4
*Ivan Lopouchanski finishes in third place
Mike Crowley (UNCG) fall Kyle Benson (Appalachian State), 3:52
Mike Crowley (UNCG) dec. Eric Luke (unattached), 7-5 SV1
Mike Crowley (UNCG) dec. Dale DeBacco (Newberry), 7-5
Brennan Brumley (Old Dominion) tech. fall Mike Crowley (UNCG), 16-1 (4:15)
Deral Brown (Newberry) dec. Mike Crowley (UNCG), 6-2
Matt Barbo (UNCG) dec. Dennis Clark (unattached), 6-1
Riley Adamson (Duke) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 9-6
Matt Barbo (UNCG) dec. Shane Lee (The Citadel), 3-2
Deral Brown (Newberry) dec. Matt Barbo (UNCG), 9-3
149 Pounds:
Sam MacGregor (Virginia) dec. Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 13-11 SV1
Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) fall D.J. Frazier (UCF), 2:29
Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 6-4 SV1
Nathan Carmack (Limestone) fall Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG), 2:05
Dave DeCamp (Davidson) fall Aaron Smith (UNCG), 1:02
Alejandro Soto-Perez (UNCG) dec. Aaron Smith (UNCG), 6-4 SV1
157 Pounds:
Travis Sheehy (UNCG) fall Bill Glace (Newberry), 4:00
Travis Sheehy (UNCG) forfeit Davis DiLillo (UNC)
Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Latra Collick (Newberry), 7-3
Travis Sheehy (UNCG) dec. Mike Bush (Limestone), 17-10
*Travis Sheehy finishes in first place
165 Pounds:
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Clint Bodo (Limestone), 8-2
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Ben Williams (UNCP), 1:17
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) fall Josh Whitelock (Newberry), 4:10
David Henry (Duke) dec. Victor Hojilla (UNCG), 10-8 SV1
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) forfeit Ray Ward (NC State)
Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Josh Whitelock (Newberry), 7-6
*Victor Hojilla finishes in third place
Brett Miller (UNCG) tech. fall John Clemmer (UNCP) 16-1 (7:00)
Brett Miller (UNCG) fall Aaron Gunning (unattached), 4:57
Peter Comis (Campbell) dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 11-8
Kafuba Donzon (Darton) dec. Brett Miller (UNCG), 10-8
174 Pounds:
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Tyrell Walker (UNCP), 4:55
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) fall Dallas Winters (Campbell), 2:03
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Jake Varilek (Belmont), 9-4
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. J.J. Davis (UNCP), 4-1
Byron Sigmon (UNCG) dec. Curtis Chenoweth (Newberry), 4-2
*Byron Sigmon finishes in first place
Marc Bryan (UNCG) dec. John Blakely (Appalachian State), 4-3
Ben Wales (Duke) fall Marc Bryan (UNCG), 2:30
Marc Bryan (UNCG) tech. fall Bryan Glace (Anderson), 17-2 (6:30)
Marc Bryan (UNCG) dec. Nick Shappee (Limestone), 5-3
Jake Varilek (Belmont) fall Marc Bryan (UNCG), 4:04
184 Pounds:
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) maj. dec. Mike Lauray (Darton), 11-3
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) maj. dec. Joe Eassa (UMBC), 9-0
Andrew Saunders (UNCG) dec. Landon Hall (Limestone), 2-1
Bryant Blanton (Newberry) dec. Andrew Saunders (UNCG), 6-4
*Andrew Saunders finishes in second place
Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Ike Crews (Davidson), 1:30
Landon Hall (Limestone) dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 5-3
Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall C.J. Hauser (UCF), 4:13
Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Greg Polhemus (St. Andrews), 0:51
Diego Bencomo (Duke) maj. dec. Ryan Sughrue (UNCG), 13-4
Ryan Sughrue (UNCG) fall Karl Reed (Newberry), 2:52
*Ryan Sughrue finishes in fifth place
197 Pounds:
Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) forfeit Austin Haigler (NC State)
Kenneth Lindsey (UNCP) dec. Jeremy Cannon (UNCG), 14-10
Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) dec. Richard Rippy (UCF), 3-2
Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 5:06
Shane Nolan (UNCP) dec. Jeremy Cannon (UNCG), 9-4
Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) fall Josh Sprewell (Limestone), 4:07
*Jeremy Cannon finishes in fifth place
Zak Bennett (UNC) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 3:30
Caylor Williams (UNCG) maj. dec. Mark Jeevaratnam (Davidson), 20-7
Caylor Williams (UNCG) fall Josh Mummert (Limestone), 2:45
Caylor Williams (UNCG) dec. Andrew Ewers (Darton), 6-3
Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) fall Caylor Williams (UNCG), 5:06
285 Pounds:
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Charlie Wolff (Davidson), 8-3
Marquintez Ferguson (Newberry) fall Peter Sturgeon (UNCG), 4:15
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) tech. fall Daniel Rowe (UCF), 19-4 (7:00)
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) fall Thomas Schaefer (UCF), 0:35
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) fall Tarek Alaruri (Limestone), 2:59
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Jake Elkins (Newberry), 12-5
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) forfeit Erik Stancil (UNCP)
Peter Sturgeon (UNCG) dec. Steven Butler (Newberry), 10-7
*Peter Sturgeon finishes in third place
Michael Gregory (UNCG) fall Daniel Rowe (UCF), 2:15
Steven Butler (Newberry) fall Michael Gregory (UNCG), 1:40
Michael Gregory (UNCG) dec. Charlie Wolff (Davidson), 5-1
Andrew Fulk (Duke) dec. Michael Gregory (UNCG), 5-3
UNC Greensboro Spartans Tabbed Third in SoCon Preseason Poll
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - UNC Greensboro was picked to finish third this season in the 2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by the league office on Wednesday. The poll and the 10-member preseason All-Southern Conference wrestling team was chosen by the league's head coaches.
Returning SoCon Champion Chattanooga was picked to finish first in the league once again this season. The Mocs, who carry a 25-match unbeaten streak in league dual matches into the season, have won the past five SoCon regular season and tournament championships.
The Spartans received 16 points in the poll to fall in third place behind Chattanooga and Appalachian State.
A two-time Outstanding Wrestler at the SoCon Tournament, Chattanooga's Cody Cleveland was honored as the top wrestler at 141 pounds, and he was joined by teammates Demetrius Johnson (125), Joey Knox (157) and Jason McCroskey (184).
Following Chattanooga in the preseason poll was Appalachian State with 22 points and the remaining two first-place votes. The Mountaineers, led by first-year head coach in JohnMark Bentley, are represented on the all-conference squad by Frank Celorrio (133), Kyle Blevins (165) and Austin Trotman (174).
Following UNC Greensboro's 16 points is The Citadel (13), VMI (9) and Davidson (6) in the fourth through sixth spots, respectively.
Davidson's Daniel DeCamp (149), The Citadel's Odie Delaney (197) and VMI's Josh Wine (Heavyweight) each earned preseason all-conference distinction.
Johnson, Celorrio, Cleveland, Knox, McCroskey, Delaney and Wine were all winners at the 2009 SoCon Championships.
The Spartans will kick off their season this weekend as they compete at the Virginia Tech Open on Sunday in Blacksburg, Va.
2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll
School (First-place votes) Points
1. Chattanooga (4) 24
2. Appalachian State (2) 22
3. UNC Greensboro 16
4. The Citadel 13
5. VMI 9
6. Davidson 6
2009-10 SoCon Wrestling Preseason All-Conference Team
125 Demetrius Johnson, Chattanooga
133 Frank Celorrio, Appalachian State
141 Cody Cleveland, Chattanooga
149 David DeCamp, Davidson
157 Joey Knox, Chattanooga
165 Kyle Blevins, Appalachian State
174 Austin Trotman, Appalachian State
184 Jason McCroskey, Chattanooga
197 Odie Delaney, The Citadel
HWT Josh Wine, VMI
UNC Greensboro Wrap up Blue vs. Gold Wrestle Offs
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro unveiled its 2009-10 wrestling team on Wednesday night in Fleming Gymnasium as the Spartans competed against each other at the Blue vs. Gold wrestle offs in order to decide who the starters would be for the upcoming season.
The evening began at 125 pounds where Manny Ramirez defeated Josh Craig by major decision, 12-3. Eric Chandler followed with a pin against Robert Gribschaw at the 4:43 mark to earn the right to face Ramirez for the starting spot later in the event.
Casey Boyle was the next winner for the Spartans as he used two cradles to score near-fall points en route to beating Alec Fraser, 14-5. Angel Garcia used a takedown with under a minute left in the match to defeat Jamel Johnson, 3-2, and earn a spot in the 133 pound final against Boyle.
Next at 141 pounds, freshman Mike Crowley had a takedown and three near-fall points in the first period as he defeated Matt Barbo, 7-1, to earn a berth in the 141 pound final against Ivan Lopouchanski.
At 149 pounds, a pair of freshman battled it out to have the right to face Alejandro Soto-Perez later in the night. Aaron Smith had a takedown and scored two near-fall points at the end of the first period as he beat Justin Rice, 5-2.
The first starter of the evening was crowned at 165 pounds in perhaps the most exciting match of the night. Brett Miller and Marc Bryan found themselves tied at three at the end of regulation before Miller scored a takedown with under one second left in overtime to score the 5-3 decision over Bryan.
In another tight match, Byron Sigmon edged Victor Hojilla, 5-3, to win the starting spot at 174 pounds. The first true freshman to earn a starting nod for the year was Caylor Williams. He defeated Jeremy Cannon by major decision, 10-2, to earn the start at 197 pounds.
Peter Sturgeon, who bumped up from 197 pounds last season to heavyweight this year, score a 10-3 decision against freshman Mike Gregory to secure the spot at 285 pounds.
The evening ended with the finals of the four lower weights fighting it out for the starting positions. Chandler became the second true freshman to earn a starting spot as he narrowly defeated Ramirez, 3-2, at 125 pounds.
Garcia followed with a 3-2 decision himself as he defeated Boyle to win the job at 133 pounds. Lopouchanski and Crowley followed in a high scoring affair that saw Lopouchanski score a 17-9 major decision to win at 141 pounds.
The final match of the evening was at 149 pounds between Soto-Perez and Smith. The two wrestlers kept it close for most of the match before Soto-Perez used a late takedown and three near-fall points to win, 10-2.
The Spartans will kick off their 2009-10 campaign on Nov. 8 as they compete in Blacksburg, Va. at the Virginia Tech Open.
AGATE
125 pounds:
Manny Ramirez maj. dec. Josh Craig, 12-3 4-0 Blue
Eric Chandler fall Robert Gribschaw, 4:43 10-0
133 pounds:
Casey Boyle maj. dec. Alec Fraser, 14-5 14-0
Angel Garcia dec. Jamel Johnson, 3-2 14-3
141 pounds:
Mike Crowley dec. Matt Barbo, 7-1 14-6
149 pounds:
Aaron Smith dec. Justin Rice, 5-2 14-9
157 pounds
No match (Travis Sheehy will be the starter)
165 pounds
Brett Miller dec. Marc Bryan, 5-3 OT 14-12
174 pounds
Byron Sigmon dec. Victor Hojilla, 5-3 15-14 Gold
184 pounds
No Match (Ryan Sughrue will be the starter)
197 pounds
Caylor Williams maj. dec. Jeremy Cannon, 10-2 19-14
285 pounds
Peter Sturgeon dec. Michael Gregory, 10-3 19-17
125 pounds:
Eric Chandler dec. Manny Ramirez, 3-2 22-17
133 pounds:
Angel Garcia dec. Casey Boyle, 3-2 22-20
141 pounds:
Ivan Lopouchanski maj. dec. Mike Crowley, 17-9 24-22 Blue
149 pounds:
Alejandro Soto-Perez maj. dec. Aaron Smith, 10-2 28-22
UNC Greensboro Wrestling Downs NC State, 30-7
GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro won eight of 10 matches against a depleted NC State on Wednesday and walked away with a 30-7 victory in a dual match at Fleming Gymnasium.
The loss dropped the Wolfpack to 4-12-1 on the season. UNCG extended its winning streak to three matches and improved to 5-10.
NC State actually held a 4-3 lead after the first two matches, thanks to Jake Burge's 14-4 major decision over Brett Miller. Burge took Miller down early in the first period and rode Miller out the remainder of the period to accumulate more than two minutes of advantage time. He used an escape and two takedowns to extend his lead to 7-1 after two periods and scored three more takedowns in the third period. The Wolfpack's impressive freshman 174-pounder won for the eighth consecutive time and has won 11 of his last 13 matches.
UNCG won the next four matches to take an 18-4 lead, although Mike Moreno almost won for the Pack at 125 before falling to Mitchell Johnson, 6-5. Moreno led 2-1 after the first period and was tied at 2-2 with more than a minute of riding time to his credit heading into the final two minutes of action. Mitchell won the match with a takedown in the final 15 seconds of the match.
Darrius Little finally stopped the UNCG streak with an 11-8 decision over Casey Boyle at 133. Little used a reversal and a takedown in the second period to take a 9-6 lead and held on thanks to a takedown in the third.
UNC Greensboro 30, NC State 7
165: Victor Hojilla (UNCG) dec. Quinton Godley, 13-10 (3-0)
174: Jake Burge (NCS) maj. dec. Brett Miller, 14-4 (3-4)
184: Mikal McKee (UNCG) dec. Mark Jahad, 3-2 (6-4)
197: Jeremy Cannon (UNCG) tech. fall Joe Trotto, 21-4 (11-4)
285: Joe Sheffield (UNCG) maj. dec. Austin Haigler, 11-0 (15-4)
125: Mitchell Johnson (UNCG) dec. Mike Moreno, 6-5 (18-4)
133: Darrius Little (NCS) dec. Casey Boyle, 11-8 (18-7)
141: Chris Bencivenga (UNCG) dec. #18 Joe Caramanica, 13-10 (21-7)
149: Ben Wilmore (UNCG) dec. Sean Smith, 14-7 (24-7)
157: Andrew Saunders (UNCG) fall Wesley Little, 1:34 (30-7)