March 22, 2008
Complete Results By Weight Class
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- James Nicholson, ODU's newest All-American, wrestled in the 7th place matchup against Brandon Precin (Northwestern) on Saturday morning, falling to the Wildcat grappler 5-2. Nicholson comes home with the 8th place finish in the 125-lb weight class at the 2008 NCAA Tournament while the Monarhcs posted 10 total team points good for a tie at 35th place.
Nicholson and Precin matched up earlier in the season with Precin taking the win 4-2. After winning three bouts in his first NCAA Tournament appearance, Nicholson matched up with the Northwestern wrestler again, and the result was nearly the same. Still, Nicholson's 3-3 tournament was the best ever under head coach Steve Martin and ODU's best since 1995.
The last All-American for the Monarchs was Nick Hall at heavyweight 13 years ago. Nicholson became the 22nd All-American in program history as he helped tally 10 team points to finish in a tie for 35th place ahead of perennial powers Oklahoma and UT Chattanooga.
Iowa clinched its 21st national title as they piled together over 100 points at the tournament.