Nov. 14, 2008
NORFOLK, Va. -- The #19 ODU wrestling Monarchs hit the road in tournament action for the second straight weekend to start the 2008-09 season, as they travel to Salem, Virginia for the First Annual Hokie Open. ODU placed five grapplers at the MSU Open a week ago and will look to replicate that success this weekend at the Virginia Tech hosted event. All-American sophomore James Nicholson, ranked fifth in the country, will wrestle at 125 lbs in his first action of the season.
Nicholson finished eighth at last years NCAA Tournament in his first year and will begin his quest for the podium at the Hokie Open. He has 35 career wins heading into his second season. This weekend will be the first appearance for 12th ranked Kyle Hutter (133) as well. Hutter qualified for the NCAA Tournament a year ago and has piled 60 career wins in two seasons for ODU.
Jesse Strawn, ranked 18th by Wrestling USA, will also see his first action of the season at his new weight class, 197 lbs.
Last weekend, senior Ryan Williams went 5-0 for the weight class win at the Michigan State Open and eclipsed the 100-win plateau. The performance vaulted him to 15th in the nation at 141-lbs, moving up three slots in the InterMat rankings. Ninth ranked Chris Brown (165) also had a good tournament, finishing second with a close loss to 14th ranked Rex Kendle (Michigan State).
The Monarchs take the mat in their final tune-up before heading to #8 Oklahoma State and #18 Oklahoma next weekend.